Protein
Proteins are the basic building blocks of all tissues in the body, for example the muscles, the internal organs and the blood. Feed also contains proteins, also known as crude protein or protein. Foods particularly rich in protein include young grass, soya flakes*, soy extraction meal*, brewer’s yeast, oats etc.
Proteins are chains of individual amino acids. Amino acids linked together to form proteins are usually present in a coiled molecular structure. In this form, they are taken in by the horse with its feed and broken down again into individual amino acids by protein-splitting enzymes (proteases). These amino acids are absorbed in the small intestine.
Some of these amino acids are used to build the body’s own protein according to the blueprint of the genetic material. A protein-rich diet is particularly important for pregnant or lactating brood mares, stud stallions and growing foals. However, the targeted feeding of essential amino acids (in pure form or in the form of high-quality protein feeds) is also important for senior horses, horses losing weight (including during a deliberate reduction diet), sport horses, and horses with a poor coat, brittle hooves, etc.
See also: pcv crude protein, Amino acids
* Both German manufacturing plants of marstall are members of the Verband Lebensmittel ohne Gentechnik e.V. (VLOG), produce according to its standards, and their production facilities are VLOG-certified.
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