Abstract
Nutrients such as nitrogen (N), which go unused during the digestive process, are then excreted into the environment via urine, gas, or fecal matter. Excess N released in this manner may contribute to a reduction of the quality of air and groundwater sources. Many states have introduced or developed legislation mandating nutrient management plans on livestock operations to reduce environmental N losses. Strategies for reducing the environmental impacts of N on equine operations are twofold, including a reduction in N inputs and better management of N outputs. The practice of precision feeding, or feeding to accurately meet, but not exceed the nutrients requirements of an animal is a plausible method for reducing N inputs. This approach is not widely implemented, as feeding protein in excess of requirements is a common practice in the equine industry. Also, precision feeding is predicated on a body of data containing the nutrient availability and digestibility in different feed sources; data which are not fully elucidated in the horse. Management of N outputs on equine operations is largely based on data extrapolated from other livestock operations as well as a few preliminary efforts on horse farms. The potential impact of equine operations on N losses is explored in this review, shedding light on areas where further research and management strategies are needed.
Original language | English (US) |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 98-106 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Equine Veterinary Science |
Volume | 45 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 1 2016 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This project was supported in part by the US Department of Agriculture , Multi-State project NE-1041 and renewal NE-1441 , Environmental Impacts of Equine Operations [73] . The authors thank Rozanne McGrath for editorial assistance.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2015
Keywords
- Digestibility
- Environment
- Horse
- Lysine
- Nitrogen
- Protein