Energy Value Horse
Definition
The energy value indicates the energy a horse can derive from a product.
Energy Value of horse feed
Digestibility as a Basis
The energy value of horse feed is calculated based on the digestibility of the organic matter in the product. However, different countries use various parameters to express this energy value.
Gross Energy (GE)
Gross energy represents the total amount of energy contained in the feed.
Digestible Energy (DE)
Not all feed is fully digested by the horse. Energy lost in the feces is subtracted from GE, leaving digestible energy (DE).
Metabolisable Energy (ME)
Besides fecal losses, energy is also lost through urine. When both fecal and urinary losses are subtracted, we get metabolisable energy (ME).
Net Energy (NE)
During digestion and fermentation, heat is produced, which is another form of energy loss. After subtracting fecal, urinary, and heat losses, the remaining value is net energy (NE).
Feed evaluation systems
The table below shows examples of feed evaluation systems and energy values used in Europe.
| Country | Energy system | Energy value |
| Netherlands | NE | EWpa |
| Belgium | NE | EWpa |
| England | DE | MJ |
| Germany | ME | MJ |
| France | NE | EWpa or UFC |
| Denmark | DE | MJ |
| Sweden | ME | MJ |
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