What is the primary component of a horse's diet when maintained at 'C' level?

The primary component of a horse's diet at the 'C' level is roughage, which mainly consists of forage such as hay and pasture. Horses are natural grazers and have evolved to thrive on a high-fiber diet. Roughage plays a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, as it aids in proper gut function and helps prevent issues like colic and digestive upset.

Roughage provides essential nutrients and also encourages the horse to chew, which produces saliva that assists in digestion. Additionally, a diet rich in roughage keeps the horse satisfied and is essential for its overall well-being. It is important for horse owners to ensure that their animals have access to good quality hay or pasture as the foundation of their diet.

While grains and supplemental feeds can be included in a horse's diet, especially for those requiring additional energy for performance or other specific needs, roughage remains the cornerstone of a balanced diet for horses at this level. Processed foods may also be available but do not replace the necessity of roughage.