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Because of the differences in density, grains (in fact all feeds) should always be fed by weight not by volume. For example, a volume of corn can contain twice as much digestible energy as an equal volume of oats because the corn weighs more and has a higher digestible energy per kilogram. The density of oats can also vary considerably. A horse receiving five (5) 'dippers' of oats weighing O.8kg/2 litre dipper will be receiving much less weight of oats (4kg) and more less energy than a horse being fed five (5) 'dippers' of oats weighing 1.2kg/2 litre dipper (6kg). A discrepancy such as this could mean the difference between a horse maintaining weight and working well and one losing weight.

The accompanying table shows the digestible energy content of a number of common feedstuffs (the energy requirement of the showjumper is approximately 103MJ/day (Event Horse 137MJ/day), the approximate weight of each in a 2 litre container and the digestible energy contained therein. The table also contains weights of barley, corn and oil with equivalent energy levels to 1 kg of oats.

Digestible energy, weight per 2 litres and weight of feed equivalent to 1 kg of oats of some common feedstuffs. 

 Note: These figures are approximate and are only intended as a guide.

• Check Pollard's energy levels - especially if you are worried about feeding Oats.

Roughage in a horse diet 

Roughage (hay, chaff or pasture) is required in the diet of all horses. A horse in light work derives a high percentage of its energy requirements from roughage sources. As the nutritional demands of work are increased, the roughage is decreased or kept at a minimum level and the grain portion increased. The absolute minimum amount of roughage that a horse requires is O.5-0.75kg per 100kg bodyweight, i.e. 2.5-3.75kg for a 500kg horse. It would be more beneficial to the horse, however, to feed a minimum of 1kg per 100kg of bodyweight or 5kg for a 500kg horse, only reducing the roughage to the absolute minimum if the appetite of the horse dictates a reduction.

Fibre (roughage) acts as an important reservoir of water within the large bowel which can help to guard against dehydration.

Good quality chaffs and hays (especially lucerne and clover) can also be quite good sources of some electrolytes, especially potassium. Good quality hays should have a high proportion of leaf, low proportion of stems and be free of dust and mould.

Traditionally, in Australia, there has been much white chaff (oaten or wheaten) used. Unfortunately the making of good quality cereal chaffs is a dying art and many of these currently available are little better than straw.

Filling a horse up with low quality chaffs or hays decreases the energy density and digestibility of the whole ration; increases gut fill such that the horse will not eat as much and increases the weight of the digestive tract ("hay belly") so that the horse is carrying greater weight when it works. 

Lucerne hay has often been discriminated against because of claims that it causes Kidney problems, excessive urination, sweating and soft (fat and physically weak) condition. Lucerne hay or chaff in fact is a very good roughage source for the horse in work as it contains higher levels of digestible energy, protein, calcium and vitamins than the cereal hays.

Grass hays and grass/legume hays are also very good roughage sources for the horse in work.