Evaluation should include examining the label to determine the following:
- Brand or product name
- Commercial feed class
- Textured concentrates (e.g., sweet feed)
- Processed concentrates (e.g., pelleted, extruded)
- Complete feeds (i.e., designed to feed as the sole ration and high in fiber)
- Supplements (e.g., minerals and/or vitamins, fat, protein)
- Guaranteed analysis on the feed label (amount of specific nutrients in the feed)
- Crude protein (CP)
- Crude fiber and fat
- Maximum and minimum percentages of calcium (Ca)
- Minimum percent of phosphorous (P)
- Additional minerals (e.g., copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], and selenium [Se] reported in parts per million [ppm])
- Vitamin A (international units per pound [IU/lb])
- Essential amino acids (e.g., lysine, methionine, and threonine)
- List of ingredients
- Grain
- Grain byproducts
- Fiber sources
- Vitamins and minerals
- Additives
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Quantity statement
- Feeding directions for the class and age of the horse.
Teacher Resource:
Process/Skill Questions:
- Why is the purpose statement on a feed tag important when evaluating a commercial feed?
- What are the differences between grain, pelleted, and extruded feeds?
- What information is required in the guaranteed analysis, and how is this information helpful when evaluating a commercial feed?
- What ingredient features would you look for on a label to meet the needs of varying life stages?