When it comes to feeding horses, many owners and managers strive to construct the most efficient and healthiest feeding program for their four-legged dependents. As researchers continue to study and understand equine nutrition, there have to be dozens of options for owners to choose from when selecting scientifically advanced feed and supplements for horses, right? Wrong. According to David van Doorn, PhD, of Cavalor Equine Nutrition Research, a lack of scientific research in equine nutrition makes it difficult to base a feeding program solely on scientific advances. He presented on the topic at the 2011 Alltech International Animal Health and Nutrition Industry Symposium, held May 22-25 in Lexington, Ky.,

The Issues

"The discussion ‘how to apply scientific principles in equine nutrition’ is probably blurred by different perspectives and interpretations towards the meaning of the word ‘science,’ " van Doorn said. "Developing science-based feeding concepts for horses should involve nutritional concepts that are based on the nutrient requirements of horses; nutrient value of feed, roughage, and raw material; scientific research; or literature review on the efficacy of nutritional concepts."

Carrying that ideal out is easier said than done, he noted, as he explained the challenges that revolve around integrating scientific advances into a "practical" feeding program