Modern Equine Nutrition: Forage-Centred Feeding, Gut Microbiome and Nutritional Strategies for Health, Performance and Welfare: Review Article

Author

Dr. Rajwardhan Chandrakant Nimbalkar, Dr. Yogeshwar Rajendra Nimbalkar, Dr. Vaibhav Pandurang Kharade

Abstract

 Equine nutrition must accommodate the digestive physiology of horses, which are hindgut-fermenting herbivores adapted to consume fibrous forage over many hours. Forage quality, feeding pattern, exercise, age, body condition, reproductive state and health all affect nutrient requirements and practical ration design. Concentrate-rich diets or abrupt dietary changes may disrupt normal digestive function, while inadequate forage access can compromise feeding behaviour and welfare. This review examines forage assessment and conservation, energy and protein supply, mineral balance, hindgut microbiome relationships, functional supplements and nutrition management across maintenance, growth, reproduction and performance. Evidence on yeast products and other supplements is promising in selected settings, but responses are variable and should not displace the fundamentals of forage quality, clean water, gradual transitions and appropriate body condition. Recent quantitative work has also highlighted that forage intake and digestibility depend on feed composition and horse characteristics, reinforcing the need for accurate ration assessment. The review considers practical implications for Indian equids, including working horses, ponies, donkeys and mules, where feed availability, workload and veterinary access may differ from sport-horse systems. Future research should link diet and microbiome measurements to clinical outcomes, improve locally relevant forage databases and assess the cost-effectiveness of feeding interventions. An individualized, evidence-based forage-centred approach remains the most reliable foundation for equine health, performance and welfare.

Keywords

Equine nutrition; forage; hindgut fermentation; gut microbiome; feeding behaviour; performance; welfare; India

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