The purpose of this B. Sc. Thesis was to review the literature and describe nutritive and feeding value of grains in horse nutrition. Cereal grains are the most suitable type of concentrated and energy-rich feeds in horse nutrition. It is extremely important to feed them on the basis of actual weight, not on the basis of volume. The content of protein, fat, fiber, starch and energy varies considerably between different types of cereals. The most starch-rich grain is corn, which also contains the most energy. Starch is the best source of energy, but it can quickly lead to disease such as colic and laminitis. Wheat contains the most protein, but barley and oats contain higher quality proteins than wheat and corn. Oats contain the most fat, which is also reflected in the content of individual essential fatty acids, especially linoleic and α-linolenic acids, which are essential. Oats also contain the most fiber, so we can say that it is the safest cereal for feeding horses, especially for less experienced horse owners. Research has also shown that horses prefer oats the most. As with any feed, cereals can also get infected with mycotoxins, moulds and pests. To avoid this, we must pay enough attention to the proper storage of feed and it is important that we feed only quality feeds. We must also be careful to feed individual categories of horses according to their needs, otherwise disease may occur.
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