Clean, non-contaminated air is essential for profitable livestock production. Poor quality air reduces animal performance.

Air quality is reduced by:

1. Poor Ventilation

2. High Humidity

3. Filth (Poor Sanitation)

4. Overcrowding

5. Air Pollution

There are two kinds of energy; anaerobic and aerobic. Anaerobic energy (quick bursts of speed) comes from sugars and carbohydrates. Carbohydrates (starch and fiber) turn to simple sugars in the body. Aerobic energy is everything else (activities done for a longer period of time). Aerobic energy comes from lipids (fats). Fats are concentrated sources of energy that are readily available and utilized by the horse. Body lipids are mobilized for utilization during exercise. Free fatty acids are oxidized readily, especially during aerobic exercise.

Potable water is needed to solubilize dietary nutrients and carry them via the bloodstream to all body tissues. All animal products (meat, milk, etc.) contain over 50% water. Reduced water consumption will lower feed intake and rapidly decrease animal performance.

Protein (amino acids) is the second most important dietary nutrient and should follow energy consideration when balancing a ration. Protein accounts for about 22% of the fat free composition of the mature horse and is 80% on the animal structure free of fat and moisture. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Amino acids are also the major components of muscle, enzymes and many hormones.

The balance of macro minerals comes after protein balancing when figuring a ration. Macro minerals are those that are required in relatively large amounts. Macro minerals often constitute a large portion of certain body tissues and fluids.

Macro minerals include: calcium, phosphorous, sodium chloride, potassium, magnesium and sulfur.
Example: 

98% of the calcium, 85% of the phosphorous and 70% of the magnesium in the body is utilized for skeletal system.

Micro minerals are those dietary minerals that are needed in much smaller amounts. They are associated with enzymes. Enzymes are required for proper body metabolism. Many enzymes require one or more micro minerals to function properly.

Micro minerals include: iodine, cobalt, copper, molybdenum, iron, manganese, zinc and selenium.
Example: 

An enzyme contained in red blood cells called carbonic anhydrase plays an essential role in the elimination of carbon dioxide from the bloodstream via the lungs. Zinc is an essential part of carbonic anhydrase.

Fat-soluble vitamins are soluble in fats and oils but not soluble in water.

Fat-soluble vitamins are A, D, E and K. These vitamins are usually associated with the health and function of major body tissues.
Examples: 

Vitamin A is required by epithelial tissues (tissues that line the throat, lungs, gut and reproductive organs).

Vitamin D is essential for absorption of calcium from the gut to the bloodstream. The blood supplies calcium for bone development and milk secretion.

These vitamins are soluble in water and include the B-vitamins.

Water soluble vitamins: thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, Vitamin B12, choline, pyridoxine, biotin, and folacin.

Water-soluble vitamins function as co-enzymes in many enzyme systems.
Examples: 

Riboflavin is part of the enzyme system that metabolizes amino acids.

Niacin functions in the enzymes system that metabolizes carbohydrates.

A balanced diet provides a specific animal or group of animals with the proper amounts and proportions of biologically available nutrients to perform a specific function effectively and efficiently.

Nutritional imbalances can be as harmful as nutrient deficiencies.
Example: 

Excessive calcium can "tie up" zinc, thereby creating a zinc deficiency. Proper levels of Vitamin D are required for bone formation. Excessive Vitamin D will greatly reduce bone development by destroying bone-forming cells

The following charts provide basic information about macro minerals, micro minerals, fat-soluble vitamins and water-soluble vitamins.

This information can be used as a guide to general nutrient function. The charts do not provide sufficient information for diagnosis of nutrient deficiencies, toxicities or imbalances.