How much do you know about equine nutrition? If you’d like to learn more, Cornell Univeresity is offering an online opportunity to improve your familiarity with forage, which could pay off in a bonus of a healthier, happier horse.
Nathalie Trottier, professor of animal science at the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, will explain the role of dietary forage on horses’ gastrointestinal functions and nutritional needs Nov. 15 from 6-7 p.m. Eastern Time.
Equids have uniquely and successfully evolved with dentition and hindgut fermentation that have allowed them to use a diet higher in fiber and lower in protein compared with other grazing herbivores.
In the lecture, emphasis will be placed on explaining the classification of carbohydrates across common feed ingredients given to horses and the horse’s evolutionary feeding strategy in relation to its physiology. Roles of the oral cavity, the stomach and the large intestine in favoring forage over grain utilization will be described.
The event is free and open to the public via Zoom, but registration is required. Click on this link.