Re: RC: Lewis on VFAs

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 12/16/99 8:10:43 PM Pacific Standard Time, Tivers@aol.com 
writes:

<< In other words, if you feed almost nothing but forage, VFAs can provide as 
 much as 70% of the basal energy needs of the horse. Lewis is not talking 
 about high-performance needs here. 
 
 If, on the other hand, you feed a high grain diet, then the contribution of 
 VFAs to the energy pool drops to as low as 30%. That's because available 
 carbohydrates are the body's preferred energy source.
 
 During competition, when energy demands are high, it becomes obvious that 
 carbohydrate supplementation will further elbow out other energy sources, 
 including VFAs. It's the preferred fuel.  >>

Interesting jump in logic there.  You FEED more carbs, and the body uses more 
carbs.  Is it because they are preferred?  Or because there are more of them 
there?  Interesting that on a high carb diet the horse STILL gets 30% from 
that "barely digestible" forage, isn't it?

<<Lewis also states, "In all species, as the fiber content of the diet 
increases, the digestibility of diet organic matter generally decreases, but 
the reduction in digestibility is greater for horses than for cattle."

So, if you want to go all-fiber for feeding for an endurance race, better be 
riding a cow.>>

No one suggested all-fiber.  We merely pointed out that the fiber was an 
important part and that your suggestion of an all-carb diet was not really 
very practical.  Sounds like Lewis backs this up, from your quote.

Heidi


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