203 Historical Perspectives on the Equine NRC

• Published in: Journal of animal science Vol. 99; no. Supplement_3; p. 108
• Main Author: Lawrence, Laurie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: US Oxford University Press 01.11.2021
• Subjects: Animal nutrition; Documents; Funds; Horses; NGOs; Nongovernmental organizations; Nutrient requirements; Nutrition; Revisions; nutrient requirements; horses
• ISSN: 0021-8812; 1525-3163
• DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab235.196

Abstract The “Nutrient Requirements of Horses” is a publication of the National Research Council (NRC) of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS). The U.S. Congress established NAS in 1863 as a non-profit, non-governmental organization that could examine and report on scientific subjects. The NRC was established in 1916 as the working arm of NAS. About 15 years later the Committee on Animal Nutrition was created in order to oversee publications in the “Nutrient Requirement Series.” The “Recommended Nutrient Allowances for Horses” was released in 1949. The publication was updated and renamed “The Nutrient Requirements of Horses” in 1961 and since then there have been revisions in 1966, 1973, 1978, 1989 and 2007. Each revision was produced by a volunteer committee which was appointed by the Committee on Animal Nutrition until it was disbanded. Over time, both the size of the subcommittee on equine nutrition and the length of the document increased. Funds to support the travel of committee members to working meetings as well as support NRC project staff have been obtained from a variety of sources over the course of the publication. A large portion of the funds for the 2007 edition was from industry sources. Since 1973, the intervals between editions of the publication have been quite long, even though interest in equine nutrition and feeding among industry participants seems to be high. Fortunately, other excellent reference sources on equine nutrition are available. The need for a new revision of the Nutrient Requirements of Horses, as well as the feasibility of funding to support a revision will be explored.