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In this study, researchers conducted a series of experiments in which the resting maintenance energy requirements of equids varying greatly in body size were measured.
Four mature animals of 125 kg, 206 kg, 500 kg, and 856 kg were fed three different levels of intake and the net amount of energy retained at each level was determined. The individual's resting maintenance requirement was then determined by regression analysis of energy intake against energy balance. The level of energy intake that would result in zero energy balance was considered to be the animal's maintenance energy requirement.
The results of this study suggest that maintenance energy requirements of equids vary linearly with body weight.
This report of research conducted in 1985 by Joe D. Pagan and coworkers was published in Proceedings of the 9th Equine Nutrition and Physiology Society Symposium.
Read the entire research paper, titled The Relationship Between Body Weight and Energy Requirements in Horses.
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