In review of the article it notes that mature working horses require only
about 10% crude protein in their TOTAL DIET. It also makes note that "The
overfeeding of protein to performance horses is commonly practiced due to the
myth that protein, fed above requirements, will provide some additional
benefits. That's not true. In fact, protein fed at high levels can
negatively impact performance horses. Protein fed over requirements can't be
stored, it must be degraded and voided from the body in ammonia." It goes on
to say that "German researchers have reported that extra high levels of
ammonia in the digestive tract, blood, and eventually muscles can cause
increased sweating, dehydration, fatigue and an increased frequency of muscle
spasms and tying-up."
It continues in specific about ENDURANCE horses "High protein diets are
particularly detrimental for endurance horses that are sweating profusely and
urinating less to conserve water. Here, blood ammonia levels can get
dangerously high."
FOOD FOR THOUGHT!
ABC
Kendra