Introduction:
A friend asked me to compare Kentucky Performance’s Equi-Jewel and Purina Evolution
Elite. In her situation, she’d use the better product as a mild fat supplement.
Let’s dissect the two products and see which one stands out on top.
Purina Evolution Elite
$20 for a 20kg [44lbs] bag
13.5% Protein
8% Fat
15% Fiber
.55% Sodium
.60% Calcium
.40% Phosphorus
7,600IU/ kg Vitamin A
1300 IU/kg Vitamin D3
220 IU/kg Vitamin E
.4mg/ kg Selenium
$20 for a 20kg [44lbs] bag
13.5% Protein
8% Fat
15% Fiber
.55% Sodium
.60% Calcium
.40% Phosphorus
7,600IU/ kg Vitamin A
1300 IU/kg Vitamin D3
220 IU/kg Vitamin E
.4mg/ kg Selenium
Ingredients & Their Functions:
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal1 || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%]2, higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids.3 Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%.4 Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”3
Soybean Hulls1 || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content.6 Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.
Beet Pulp1 || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.
DL-Methionine1 || An amino acid [building block of protein]. “Chemically, there is no difference between the D and L forms, but enzymes are sensitive to the alternate three-dimensional configurations. Only Lamino acids are incorporated into naturally occurring proteins. Feed grade amino acids produced by bacterial fermentation (e.g. lysine, threonine, tryptophan) are all in the L form. Methionine, however, is produced in a chemical process, which favors neither the D form nor the L form. Consequently, DL-methionine is a 50:50 mixture of D-methionine and L-methionine (a racemic mixture). When feed supplemented with DL-methionine is fed, the tissues of the animal are presented with both L-methionine and D-methionine. Both enantiomers are rapidly transported across the intestinal wall by a sodium dependent transporter. Both forms cross the intestinal barrier at the same rate, and neither is lost in the transport process. Once the D-methionine reaches the liver or kidney, it is converted by a two-step enzymatic process (oxidative deamination followed by transamination) into the L form, which is used by the tissues to synthesize proteins.”8
Soya Bean Meal 1 || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.9
Extruded Corn1 || “Processing of grain such as popping and extruding causes an even greater glycemic response. Glycemic response is a measure of the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal containing starch Higher peak concentrations of glucose indicate that processing such as extruding and popping improves small intestinal starch digestion, which is good in that it helps to avoid starch fermentation in the hindgut, but can be detrimental to horses that have sensitivity to changes in blood glucose such as insulin resistant horses, those with Cushing’s disease or EPSM.”10 [author’s note: very little information could be found specifically on extruded corn.]
Ground Corn1 || Approximately 8% protein, 4% fat, 3% fiber, and 72% starch. “Most of the starch (72%) from whole or cracked corn is not digested in the foregut and proceeds to the hindgut where it is rapidly fermented. That process results in the production of lactic acid, which lowers the hindgut pH and kills many beneficial fiber-digesting bacteria. Dying bacteria release toxins, and the result can be a horse with colic and/or laminitis resulting in founder. For these reasons, corn should be processed for all horses.”11 Corn and sugar both have has a glycemic index of 100. This is the reason behind ‘hot’ or hyper horses that are fed corn.12
Flaxseed1 || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.13
Soya Oil1 || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Purina is known for mixing soybean oil with molasses to bind the pellets together.
Molasses1 || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. 15
Other Ingredients || Yeast, Wheat Shorts, Choline Chloride, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Salt (Sodium Chloride), Magnesium Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Mono Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Iodate, Copper Sulphate, Ferrous Sulphate, Manganese Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Defluorinated Phosphate, Organic Copper, Organic Manganese, Organic Zinc, Organic Selenium, Ferric Oxide1
Based on an average 1,000lbs horse in moderate work, Purina recommends feeding 8.15lbs [3.7kg] a day. This grain is not meant to be used as a fat supplement, it is meant to nutritionally support a mature working horse. If you were to only feed 1 cup [.25 lbs; .11kg] a meal, you’d be giving the horse very little nutrients indeed. Hardly anything to justify feeding it. I’d have to make an educated guess that 1 cup would only be about 300 calories, which is nearly equivalent to 1 ounce of oil. In my opinion, Purina Evolution Elite is a decent feed but a horrific supplement; it just wasn’t designed to be one.
Dehydrated Alfalfa Meal1 || Approximately 19% protein and 28% fiber, with low sugar [4.5%], starch [3.3%]2, higher amounts of minerals [mainly calcium, but also magnesium, potassium, sulfur, iron, cobalt, manganese, and zinc], and proper amino acids.3 Though like all legume, protein content varies on the variables of harvest; can vary from 17% to 25%.4 Alfalfa has a low carbohydrate content though “The energy content of alfalfa…” “…should not be underestimated (Bruce et al., 2008).”3
Soybean Hulls1 || Approximately 13% protein and 38% fiber, with low sugar [1.6%] and starch [5.5%]5 with an amino acid profile. A premium grain will always choose soybean products over cottonseed products, which has considerably less amino acids [building blocks of protein] and a toxin gossypol. Higher in digestible energy compared to other hull products, is similar to alfalfa in energy content.6 Is also on equal grounds with beet pulp; considered a ‘super fiber’.
Beet Pulp1 || Beet pulp is a ‘super fiber’ and has nearly as much digestible energy and calories as oats, with considerably lower NSC [Non-Structural Carbohydrates; sugar + starch content] at 12% [versus oats 54%]. Due to lack of lignin in the fiber, it is very easy for the horse to digest. 7 Contains approximately 900 to 1,200 calories per pound.
DL-Methionine1 || An amino acid [building block of protein]. “Chemically, there is no difference between the D and L forms, but enzymes are sensitive to the alternate three-dimensional configurations. Only Lamino acids are incorporated into naturally occurring proteins. Feed grade amino acids produced by bacterial fermentation (e.g. lysine, threonine, tryptophan) are all in the L form. Methionine, however, is produced in a chemical process, which favors neither the D form nor the L form. Consequently, DL-methionine is a 50:50 mixture of D-methionine and L-methionine (a racemic mixture). When feed supplemented with DL-methionine is fed, the tissues of the animal are presented with both L-methionine and D-methionine. Both enantiomers are rapidly transported across the intestinal wall by a sodium dependent transporter. Both forms cross the intestinal barrier at the same rate, and neither is lost in the transport process. Once the D-methionine reaches the liver or kidney, it is converted by a two-step enzymatic process (oxidative deamination followed by transamination) into the L form, which is used by the tissues to synthesize proteins.”8
Soya Bean Meal 1 || Soybean meal is the most important protein source available for use in farm animal feed. “Representing two-thirds of the total world output of protein feedstuffs.” Protein content ranging from 43% to 53%, contains high amounts of lysine, tryptophane, threonine and isoleucine.9
Extruded Corn1 || “Processing of grain such as popping and extruding causes an even greater glycemic response. Glycemic response is a measure of the rise in blood glucose levels following a meal containing starch Higher peak concentrations of glucose indicate that processing such as extruding and popping improves small intestinal starch digestion, which is good in that it helps to avoid starch fermentation in the hindgut, but can be detrimental to horses that have sensitivity to changes in blood glucose such as insulin resistant horses, those with Cushing’s disease or EPSM.”10 [author’s note: very little information could be found specifically on extruded corn.]
Ground Corn1 || Approximately 8% protein, 4% fat, 3% fiber, and 72% starch. “Most of the starch (72%) from whole or cracked corn is not digested in the foregut and proceeds to the hindgut where it is rapidly fermented. That process results in the production of lactic acid, which lowers the hindgut pH and kills many beneficial fiber-digesting bacteria. Dying bacteria release toxins, and the result can be a horse with colic and/or laminitis resulting in founder. For these reasons, corn should be processed for all horses.”11 Corn and sugar both have has a glycemic index of 100. This is the reason behind ‘hot’ or hyper horses that are fed corn.12
Flaxseed1 || High in Omega-3 [anti-inflammatory that increases skin and coat condition] and low in Omega-6 [essential in the diet; in large quantities causes inflammation]. Contains vitamins [Vitamin K, Folate, Choline] and minerals [Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Selenium], but no starch or sugar.13
Soya Oil1 || Contains 248 calories and 28g of fat per ounce with 51.5mcg of Vitamin K and 2.3mg of Vitamin E. Has about a 1:7 Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio14; additional effects for skin and coat in addition to blood pressure regulation. The 2nd best oil, beat only by Flaxseed Oil. Purina is known for mixing soybean oil with molasses to bind the pellets together.
Molasses1 || Molasses is a type of sugar that is used as a binding ingredient and to increase the feed’s palatability. Most pelleted feeds do not contain enough molasses to make a significant difference in the NSC. Molasses actually contains calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium. 15
Other Ingredients || Yeast, Wheat Shorts, Choline Chloride, Vitamin A, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Niacin, Thiamine, Vitamin B12, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Ascorbic Acid, Salt (Sodium Chloride), Magnesium Oxide, Calcium Carbonate, Mono Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Iodate, Copper Sulphate, Ferrous Sulphate, Manganese Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Selenium, Defluorinated Phosphate, Organic Copper, Organic Manganese, Organic Zinc, Organic Selenium, Ferric Oxide1
Based on an average 1,000lbs horse in moderate work, Purina recommends feeding 8.15lbs [3.7kg] a day. This grain is not meant to be used as a fat supplement, it is meant to nutritionally support a mature working horse. If you were to only feed 1 cup [.25 lbs; .11kg] a meal, you’d be giving the horse very little nutrients indeed. Hardly anything to justify feeding it. I’d have to make an educated guess that 1 cup would only be about 300 calories, which is nearly equivalent to 1 ounce of oil. In my opinion, Purina Evolution Elite is a decent feed but a horrific supplement; it just wasn’t designed to be one.
1 http://equipurina.ca/eq/en/horse-feeds/feed-lines/3534-evolution-elite/index.html
2 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/11744
3 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/275
4 http://www.desialis.com/fr/r-d-qualite/processus-de-fabrication/luzerne-deshydratee
5 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/12623
6 http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2079/F-3923web.pdf
7 http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/beetpulphorsefeed-what-beet-pulp-horse-feed/
8 http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wattagnet.net%2Fgetmedia.aspx%3Ffilename%3D%2FuploadedFiles%2FWattAgNet%2FSponsored_Links%2FPoultry%2FEvonic%2520Aug%25202012%2520Whitepaper.pdf&ei=ZRxfU4aUFdDyyAHXv4HQAw&usg=AFQjCNF9izFR1d_vAG4J4tes0cBBN1SsEQ&sig2=wnwLRFMrMNFzCupgzfLXlQ
9 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/674
10 http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/horse-grain-processing-horsegrain/
11 http://www.admani.com/horse/Equine%20Library/Horse%20Equine%20Nutrition%20in%20the%2021st%20Century%202.htm
12 http://equinenutritionnerd.com/2014/03/14/corn-in-the-equine-diet/
13 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3163/2
14 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/507/2
15 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/sweets/5573/2
2 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/11744
3 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/275
4 http://www.desialis.com/fr/r-d-qualite/processus-de-fabrication/luzerne-deshydratee
5 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/12623
6 http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/Document-2079/F-3923web.pdf
7 http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/beetpulphorsefeed-what-beet-pulp-horse-feed/
8 http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=5&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CFQQFjAE&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wattagnet.net%2Fgetmedia.aspx%3Ffilename%3D%2FuploadedFiles%2FWattAgNet%2FSponsored_Links%2FPoultry%2FEvonic%2520Aug%25202012%2520Whitepaper.pdf&ei=ZRxfU4aUFdDyyAHXv4HQAw&usg=AFQjCNF9izFR1d_vAG4J4tes0cBBN1SsEQ&sig2=wnwLRFMrMNFzCupgzfLXlQ
9 http://www.feedipedia.org/node/674
10 http://www.triplecrownfeed.com/articles/horse-grain-processing-horsegrain/
11 http://www.admani.com/horse/Equine%20Library/Horse%20Equine%20Nutrition%20in%20the%2021st%20Century%202.htm
12 http://equinenutritionnerd.com/2014/03/14/corn-in-the-equine-diet/
13 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/nut-and-seed-products/3163/2
14 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/fats-and-oils/507/2
15 http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/sweets/5573/2
Kentucky Performance Equi-Jewel
$32 for a 40lbs [18kg] bag
Ingredients & Their Functions:
$32 for a 40lbs [18kg] bag
Ingredients & Their Functions:
Heat-Stabilized Rice Bran17 || 20% Fat & 1,200 calories per pound [.45kg]; “Raw rice bran has a very short shelf life due to its high fat content and a potent lipase enzyme, which immediately begins to break down the fat once the bran is separated from the rice kernel. To prevent rice bran from becoming rancid, it must undergo a stabilization process. Stabilization subjects the rice bran to heat and pressure which inactivate the lipase enzyme without destroying the nutritional value of the rice bran.”16 “In addition, fat in rice bran contains gamma oryzanol which has been suggested to have muscle building properties in horses.”16 “A potential problem with many rice brans is that they contain more phosphorus than calcium. This may create an imbalance in rations that use grass hay as their primary forage source.”16 Rice bran is not fortified with vitamins and minerals, therefore should not be used to replace grain. Only to add additional fat and calories to a preexisting diet.
Calcium carbonate17 || A form of calcium that is easily
digested by equines, to even out the phosphorus calcium ratio.
Equi-Jewel is a premium rice bran that hits all of the nutritional markers. Not only is it stabilized, but also fortified. 1 cup of Equi-Jewel would only have 300 calories.
Equi-Jewel is a premium rice bran that hits all of the nutritional markers. Not only is it stabilized, but also fortified. 1 cup of Equi-Jewel would only have 300 calories.
Assuming there are 3 cups to 1lbs; one 40lbs bag would have 120 cups in it.
$32 a forty pound bag ¸ 120 cups in a forty pound bag = $0.26 a cup
$0.26 = 300 calories
This is relatively cheap, and you get the advantage of gamma oryzanol for lean muscle development.
$0.26 = 300 calories
This is relatively cheap, and you get the advantage of gamma oryzanol for lean muscle development.
Conclusion: Elite is a maintenance grain with some fabulous ingredients, and a
handful of less than ideal ingredients. All of the vitamins and minerals are
included in the feed, and is cheap at $20 a 20kg [44lbs] bag. Downside is that
you would need to feed about 8lbs [3.6kg] a day to achieve these desired
vitamin and mineral levels.
Equi-Jewel is fortified and stabilized rice bran, the best kind. A little pricey at $32 a 40lbs [18kg] a bag, but you won’t find a better rice bran deal on the market. An alternative would be Flaxseed oil [248 cal/oz, $20 for 128oz, lots of good Omega-3s], though Equi-Jewel is obviously the better fat supplement in this comparison. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed yourself and possibly learned something. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
16 http://www.ker.com/library/equinews/v2n1/v2n115.pdf
17 http://kppusa.com/all-products/equi-jewel/ingredients/#begin_content
Equi-Jewel is fortified and stabilized rice bran, the best kind. A little pricey at $32 a 40lbs [18kg] a bag, but you won’t find a better rice bran deal on the market. An alternative would be Flaxseed oil [248 cal/oz, $20 for 128oz, lots of good Omega-3s], though Equi-Jewel is obviously the better fat supplement in this comparison. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoyed yourself and possibly learned something. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.
16 http://www.ker.com/library/equinews/v2n1/v2n115.pdf
17 http://kppusa.com/all-products/equi-jewel/ingredients/#begin_content
