Protein Deficiency
The most obvious manifestations of a protein deficiency are reduced growth in young animals, and weight loss and reduced performance ability, endurance, and production (such as reduced milk production during lactation) in mature horses. Hair growth and shedding are slowed resulting in a rough, coarse, unkempt appearance. Hoof growth is slowed, which may result in increased hoof splitting and cracking. A protein deficiency in the horse may also cause appetite depravity and eating feces, which are alleviated within 5 to 7 days after correcting the deficiency. A protein deficiency may decrease food intake, which not only worsens the protein deficiency but causes an energy deficiency. An energy deficiency contributes to the clinical signs and further worsens the protein deficiency, because most of the protein that is consumed will then be used to assist in meeting energy, not protein, needs. The results of either a protein or energy deficiency are those described previously in the article on Energy Deficiency.
Protein deficiencies are caused by the following factors:
- Inadequate protein in the diet, such as may happen with any horse eating certain mature grass forages, many of which contain 10 to 40% less protein than needed for maintenance.
- Poorly digestible dietary protein, such as heat-damaged protein.
- Inadequate feed intake, in which case the major effect is due to an energy deficiency.
If there is inadequate intake of the other two sources of energy—carbohydrates and fats—protein is used for energy and not for the animal’s protein needs, thus resulting in a protein deficiency. It is futile to provide protein for the animal’s protein needs if energy needs are not being met. Always ensure adequate energy intake before trying to meet protein needs.
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