By: Dr Rosie Alcorn BVSc PG Cert VPS Cert AVP MRCVS
At Keyflow, we are often asked about the inclusion of EQ Complete proteins in our feeds. In this article we will explore what EQ complete proteins are and their importance in equine nutrition.
An EQ complete protein refers to a protein source that provides all of the essential amino acids a horse needs for optimal health and performance. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and there are 10 essential amino acids that horses cannot make on their own, so they need to get them from their diet.
When a protein is labeled as "complete," it means it contains all these necessary amino acids in the right amounts. This is important because if a horse is missing even one essential amino acid, their body can't function as effectively, and it could lead to health problems, poor growth, or decreased performance.
Protein is an important element in all mammals' diets, as it provides the building blocks for muscles, tissues, and organs. It also plays a crucial role in the formation and support of hormones, the immune system, and the many enzymes needed for our horses to live and function.
Although protein in a cornerstone component of our horses' nutrition, it is not actually a good source of energy. This is contrary to traditional beliefs that a high-protein feed was a high-energy feed. This misinformation arose because the protein levels of a feed must be declared on the back of a bag, whereas starch and sugar do not have to be. Traditionally, feeds with high protein levels were also grain-rich and therefore high in starch. As a result, owners used protein levels as a guide to how “energy-rich” a feed was. Nowadays, most reputable feed companies provide both protein and energy levels, allowing us to choose feeds with good protein content without an excessive energy supply.
Protein is made up of smaller molecules called amino acids. Some of these can be synthesised by the horse from its diet (non-essential), while others must be provided through the horse’s diet (essential). Horses require 21 amino acids, 10 of which are essential:
Lysine
Threonine
Methionine
Tryptophan
Leucine
Isoleucine
Valine
Histidine
Phenylalanine
Arginine
Essential amino acids must be supplied by the diet. A horse may receive an adequate amount of total protein, but if a specific essential amino acid is lacking, the horse will still be protein deficient, as it will not be able to form the necessary protein chains.
Let’s use an analogy:
Imagine you buy a bridle from eBay. The bridle represents a protein, and the various pieces that make it up represent amino acids. When your bridle arrives, it is missing a cheekpiece, meaning you cannot use it. The cheekpiece represents an essential amino acid. You then visit the tack shop to buy a replacement cheekpiece, and now your bridle is complete and ready to use. This is similar to feeding essential amino acids to ensure your horse has the complete proteins it needs.
Complete Feeds
Balancers
The Keyflow Range
International Stockists
United States
Ireland
