When tailoring a diet to suit a performance horse, there are a few aspects to keep in mind. The first is to ensure that they’re getting a sufficient amount of protein to support muscle growth and repair. As well as this, energy requirements must be met to support stamina and body condition. You’ll also need to make sure you are providing a balanced diet to supply essential vitamins and minerals, such as vitamins A, D, and E. It is important to fuel your horse with a suitable diet that provides everything they need to thrive during training and performance.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at how alfalfa can help with fuelling performance and recovery in equine athletes.
Source of Protein
For performance horses, protein is an essential part of the diet. Alfalfa is renowned for its high-quality protein content, which can support muscle development and recovery. Chopped alfalfa chaff typically contains around 12-14% protein, in contrast to straw-based chops, which typically have around 3-5% protein. The protein profile found in alfalfa provides a rich amino acid composition that makes it an ideal choice for supporting the demanding needs of equine athletes.
Energy Density
Alfalfa is more energy-dense than other types of chopped fibres. It’s high in structural carbohydrates (fibre) which offer a sustained release of energy. Not only does this support performance but also reduces the risk of spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels that are more likely to occur when using concentrated feeds with a high starch and sugar content. An energy-dense diet is essential for performance horses for stamina and endurance and for maintaining weight and condition.
Essential Nutrients
Vitamins and minerals are an important part of your horse’s diet, and they’re essential for equine athletes for a number of reasons. Alfalfa provides a rich source of vitamins A and E, which are crucial for the immune system, muscle function and bone strength of performance horses to ensure they remain in optimal condition. Alfalfa provides good levels of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium, which help to support bone density and muscle function. However, alfalfa alone will not supply a fully balanced diet, and correct levels of a suitable balancer or vitamin and mineral supplement should also be provided.
Improved Digestibility
Alfalfa is a highly digestible fibre, which is beneficial for maintaining a healthy digestive system and supporting nutrient absorption. The high levels of protein and calcium can also help to buffer acid in the stomach, which can be beneficial in reducing the risk of gastric ulcers. A healthy and well-functioning digestive system allows for the efficient utilisation of nutrients to support the performance of horses up to the highest levels.
Muscle repair and maintenance
Equine athletes need to recover fully from intense training and competition; alfalfa can help with this process. The protein content aids muscle repair and supports the maintenance of condition during a strenuous training and performance schedule.