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When looking at the protein content of a feed, you must consider each part of the complete diet.
CoolStance copra meal is one part of the total diet. CoolStance is is a high energy feed containing 20% crude protein. CoolStance copra has a superior amino acid profile to grains. CoolStance is fed in conjunction with hay/pasture or both plus balanced trace minerals and vitamins (Vitastance) to make a balanced diet for most horses.
Protein content of Coolstance cannot be considered alone, as a horse does not eat 100% Coolstance
Example
A horse is fed 7.5 kg of grassy hay per day, plus 1 kg Coolstance copra meal, plus Vitastance to provide a balanced diet
After adjusting for the water content, as only the dry matter provides the nutrients, the protein content in the total diet is 9.6%.
If CoolStance is fed as recommended, your horses protein requirement will be met. However, if Cool Stance is fed in conjunction with large quantities of lucerne hay or other high protein feedstuffs, your horses protein requirement will be exceeded. If protein is fed in excess of your horses requirements, it will simply be metabolised and used by the horse as a source of energy. Converting protein to energy produces waste nitrogen that must be excreted in the urine. This is a natural process and will not harm a healthy horse in any way. Likewise, excess protein is not capable of causing founder or negatively affecting your horse's behaviour.
Table: The recommended intake of Cool Stance for a 500 kg horse undertaking various activities and the amount of protein required and received by a 500 kg horse being fed Cool Stance and 9% crude protein (CP) grass hay.
| Cool Fuel (kg/day) | Grass Hay9% CP (kg/day) | CP Requirement (g/day) | CP Supplied (g/day) | Upper Limit#(g/day) |
Spelling | 0.5 | 8.25 | 656 | 847 | N/A* |
Light Work | 1 | 9.00 | 820 | 1020 | 1600 |
Moderate Work | 2 | 9.25 | 984 | 1252 | 1800 |
Heavy Work | 3 | 9.50 | 1312 | 1485 | 2000 |
Pregnant Mare (Late) | 1 | 7.75 | 866 | 907 | N/A* |
Lactating Mare (Early) | 4 | 8.50 | 1427 | 1605 | N/A* |
*If the horse is not stabled excess protein in the diet will not be an issue for healthy horses.
# Problems associated with excess dietary protein may be experienced at intakes above this level.
