SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Manage equine ration formulation and feeding 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
335774  Manage equine ration formulation and feeding 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Equine Management and Equestrian Instruction 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 02 - Culture and Arts Sport 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Learners credited with this Unit Standard will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the features and functions of each part of the digestive tract; formulate a balanced ration for individual horse requirements; feed the horse as an individual and identify feeding problems including the use of additives and supplements.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:
  • Demonstrating knowledge of the digestive system of and equine.
  • Demonstrating knowledge of basic equine ration formulation.
  • Managing the formulation of a balanced ration for individual horse requirements.
  • Managing the feeding of horses on an individual basis.
  • Managing nutritional disorders.
  • Managing the use of feed additives and supplements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.
  • Equine nutrition at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the features and functions of the components of a horse's digestive tract. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The components of the digestive tract are described in relation to their location and function. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include, but are not limited to:
  • Mouth, pharynx, oesophagus, stomach, small Intestine and large intestine.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Digestion in ruminants and monogastrics are described in relation to their similarities and differences. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Digestion aspects include, but is not limited to:
  • Stomach capacity, rate of passage of food, site of digestion of roughage.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Description of the features of the digestive tract are described in relation to the practical feeding of a horse. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Range of features include, but are not limited to:
  • Gut bacteria specific to individual feed, gut bacteria change gradually, small stomach, rapid digestion, hind gut digestion, production of saliva, offset jaw, continuous feeding pattern.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Description identifies the importance of preventative health for horses and is described in relation to advantages and disadvantages. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Preventative health aspects include, but are not limited to:
  • Parasite control and teeth.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of basic equine ration formulation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Basic nutrient and energy values for equine foodstuffs are interpreted according to the relevant authority. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Chemical composition of available foodstuff is assessed and interpreted according to individual ingredients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Proximate analysis results are interpreted according to standard industry practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Equine body condition scoring system is explained and assessed according to standard industry practice. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The concept of limiting nutrients and the role it plays is explained in relation to ration formulation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Comparison of present intake and nutrient composition is made against the standard and present roughage intake and the ideal ratio. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The estimated contribution of the roughage is subtracted from the total estimated requirement. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    A ration which meets the outstanding requirements (energy, protein, calcium and phosphorous only), bearing the principle of the most limiting nutrient first in mind is formulated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manage the formulation of a balanced ration for individual horse requirements. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Individual horse requirements includes, but is not limited to:
  • Broodmare, lactating mare, weanling, yearling, mature horse on maintenance, mature horse in light work, mature horse in medium work and mature horse in heavy work. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Requirements for the horse are determined in terms of protein, energy, roughage, calcium, and phosphorous. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Grain feeds are selected according to individual horse requirements and the major contributing constituent of the feed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Forms of roughage are assessed and selected in accordance with the needs of the horse and local availability. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Roughage includes, but is not limited to:
  • Teff, eragrostis, lucerne, oat hay, wheat hay.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Quantity of feed required is calculated according to the requirements of the horse. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Aspects to consider in calculating quantity of feed includes, but is not limited to:
  • Body weight, body condition, age, work requirements and temperament.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) ratios are balanced with additives to within acceptable limits for the category of horse. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ratios include, but is not limited to:
  • Mature horses ideally 1.3 Ca/1.0 P (range 2.0 Ca/1.0 P to 1.0 Ca/1.0 P), young horse's maximum 3.0 Ca/1.0 P.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Signs of deficiency of essential nutrients are determined and additives provided or feeds adjusted. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Essential nutrients include, but is not limited to:
  • Selenium, water, salt, energy, protein, calcium, phosphorous; vitamins B1, B12, D, E, K.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Manage the feeding of horses on an individual basis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The daily feed is introduced in a manner which ensures maximum utilization by the horse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Reasons why grain is reduced on rest days are identified in terms of the nutritional needs of the horse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Reasons why feeding should approximate natural feeding patterns of horses are explained in terms of the health of the horse. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Individual variations are managed in relation to supplementary feeding. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Individual variations include, but is not limited to:
  • Horse's individual likes and dislikes, feeding habits, temperament, environment, response to feeds, change in behaviour, fully stabled, access to sunlight, health aspects.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Variations due to intake of pasture are taken into account and the ration adjusted to meet horse's requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Manage nutritional disorders. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Nutritional disorders associated with feeding are identified and managed according to organizational procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Disorders include, but are not limited to:
  • Fever rings, lack of hoof integrity, Choke, Colic, COPD, Crib biting, Cushings Disease, Hypokalemic Diaphragmatic Shudder, Laminitis, Metabolic Bone Disease (DOD, OJD, OCD, Wobbler), Behaviour problems, overweight horses, pigment loss, mycotoxins, fescue toxicity, Azoturia, ulcers and underweight horses.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A feeding plan is designed in order to address nutritional disorders in terms of a given case study. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The implementation of the feeding plan is managed and monitored in terms achievement of the desired goal. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Manage the use of feed additives and supplements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Differences between feed additives and supplements are explained in terms of their nutritional value. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Feed additives are named and explained in terms of their role in equine nutrition. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Additives include, but are not limited to:
  • Digestion enhancers, probiotics, electrolytes, yeast cultures, minerals, mould inhibiters and antioxidants.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Electrolyte composition is listed and its use is explained in terms of a given case study. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Commercial supplements are assessed and used according to their application. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard must be accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • External Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA at its discretion.
  • The accredited Training Provider will oversee internal moderation of assessment.
  • Internal and external moderation should encompass achievement of competence described in the specific outcomes of the Unit Standard as well as the integrated competence described in the purpose of the Unit Standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The qualifying learner will be able to understand and explain the following:
  • Equine digestion and nutritional requirements.
  • Balanced ration formulation.
  • Equine feeding programmes.
  • Equine nutritional disorders.
  • Equine nutritional additives and supplements. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the formulation of a balanced ration for individual horses in which responses display that critical thinking is used for responsible decision making. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community in determining the feeding plan for horses with specific nutritional needs. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively in managing the implementation of a feeding plan for horses with specific nutritional needs. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information about a horse's health and purpose in order to devise a feeding plan for horses with a nutritional disorder. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using appropriate modes of oral and/or written persuasion in dealing with all internal and external role-players to overcome nutritional disorders by implementing a specific feeding plan. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  71469   Further Education and Training Certificate: Equine Practices  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.