Nutrition for Performance Horses

By Eleanor Blazer

LESSON 2

NUTRIENTS REQUIRED BY THE HORSE

Horses do not have a requirement for grain or forage. They do have requirements for the nutrients and energy provided in grains and forage. Horses also need the long-stem fiber forage provides.

As the equine digestive system breaks down food (grains and forage), the nutrients are used to build, maintain, repair, and provide energy to the equine body.

There are six categories of nutrients: water, protein, carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and vitamins. These are divided into two groups: macronutrients and micronutrients.

Water, protein, carbohydrates, and fat are macronutrients. A substantial amount of these are required every day.

Minerals and vitamins are micronutrients. The daily amounts needed are smaller.

There are also two types of nutrients: essential and non-essential nutrients.

Essential nutrients must be provided by an outside source such as feed or supplements.

Non-essential nutrients are manufactured by the body’s organs.

Anyone interested in the art and science of feeding horses must know how these six categories of nutrients affect the horses ability to live, perform, and reproduce.

WATER

Water is a macronutrient and the most important. A horse can live several weeks without food, but can die in five to six days without water.

Every organ in the body needs water. The digestive system requires it to dissolve nutrients and help move feed through the intestinal tract. It is needed to carry waste products out of the body. Water aids metabolism and regulates body temperature. It helps send electrical messages between cells so muscles will move, eyes will see, ears will hear and the brain will function. Water is needed to lubricate the joints and maintain healthy skin.

The quantity of water needed by the horse can vary. Temperature, humidity, type of forage, age, over-all health, and activity level play a big part in water requirements.

A healthy horse at rest, in a cool environmental temperature, low humidity, eating lush green grass, and not producing milk may only have a requirement of one-half gallon (1.9 liters) per one hundred pounds (45 kilograms) of body weight per day. This means a horse weighing 1,000 pounds (453 kilograms) may only need 5 gallons (19 liters) of water in a 24-hour period.

The performance horse or lactating broodmare may have a requirement of more than one and a half gallons (5.7 liters) per hundred pounds (45 kilograms) of body weight per day. These horses need to replace the fluids being lost through exertion and milk production.

Due to the wide range of water requirements and the importance of water to the digestive system, fresh clean water must be freely accessible. Even a horse that has been working and is very hot should have access to water in a managed form. Allowing a hot horse to have several swallows every five minutes while cooling out is recommended.

Water consumption directly affects feed intake. If a horse is deficient in water he will decrease the amount of feed he eats.

Water is needed for digestion. Lack of water is one of the main causes of impaction colic. The feed in the digestive tract becomes dry and will not move through properly, resulting in a blockage and colic.

The quality of water is very important. If the horse has access to water, but he will not drink it or it is contaminated, then severe health problems can occur.

Water sources come in many forms. Public water supplies, wells, ponds, streams, and run-off are examples.

Water from a public supplier is probably the safest as the system will have filtration, purification, and testing procedures are regulated and continuing. As long as there is not a breech in the line and the delivery system within the barn is clean, the water should be safe for consumption.

Water from a well should be tested. The health department or local agricultural extension agency can test water for bacteria, minerals, and pH levels. These tests should be conducted annually.

Ponds, streams, and water from run-off should not be used as the sole source of drinking water. Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, bacteria, and other forms of contaminants can be present. The water supply can dry up or become stagnant. Blue-green algae growth in a pond can cause a type of poisoning which may result in the death of the horse.

Blue-green algae

Horse sharing standing water with other species may be at risk for illness. For example leptospira, an organism that can cause infection in humans and horses may be present. The bacterium is shed in the urine of infected animals (primarily cattle and deer). Horses are exposed to it when they drink contaminated water. Symptoms of leptospira are abortion, urinary disease, and liver failure, kidney infections and equine recurrent uveitis (moon blindness).

Without fresh clean readily accessible water the horse will not properly utilize the rest of the nutrients needed in his diet and the chance of illness is increased.

PROTEIN

Protein is a macronutrient. It is needed for the development and repair of muscle, healthy skin, hair, hooves, milk production, reproduction, and maintaining healthy red blood cells and bones. Protein also aids in the regulation of the body’s internal organs.

The horse cannot utilize protein from feed until it is broken down into amino acids. Amino acids are like the links in a chain. These links can be in different locations, which result in 22 different amino acids.

1. Alanine

2. Arginine - Essential

3. Asparagine

4. Aspartic acid

5. Cysteine

6. Cystine

7. Glutamine

8. Glutamic acid

9. Glycine

10. Histidine - Essential

11. Hydroxyproline

12. Isoleucine - Essential

13. Leucine - Essential

14. Lysine - Essential

15. Methionine - Essential

16. Phenylalanine - Essential

17. Proline

18. Serine

19. Threonine - Essential

20. Tryptophan - Essential

21. Tyrosine

22. Valine - Essential

Ten must be provided to the horse through diet, these are: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. They are called essential amino acids (they must be provided by through diet).

The remaining 12 amino acids are non-essential – the horse can produce or synthesize them internally.

There has been little research to determine the amount of each essential amino acid required by the horse. There have been studies done on lysine.

Lysine is the first limiting amino acid, meaning that if lysine is not available in sufficient quantities the horse will have trouble utilizing the other amino acids present in the diet. Usually if the lysine requirement is being met the other amino acids will be present in sufficient quantities.

Many feed and supplement tags will show lysine levels.

Trying to increase energy or increase weight by increasing protein can be a costly mistake. The products that provide good quality protein are the most expensive in the ration. In addition to the cost, overfeeding protein to young growing horses can cause developmental bone and joint problems. Yes, they need a higher level of protein than adult horses, but feeding an excessive amount is detrimental. The quality of protein is more critical to the young growing animal.

Adult horses that have compromised adrenal systems, and that are receiving too much protein can develop kidney and liver failure. The excess protein is broken down, some is stored in the body and some is turned into nitrogen. The nitrogen is then changed into urea and ammonia and expelled in the urine. Urine from horses receiving too much protein will have a strong ammonia smell. These horses will also drink more water and urinate more. This can put strain on the kidneys and liver. Horses with a compromised renal system may develop problems. Horses standing in poorly ventilated stalls can also have respiratory problems due to inhaling the strong ammonia fumes.

Healthy adult horses should be able to expel the excess protein in the urine without any trouble.

Some simple math can give you an estimate on the amount of protein your horse is receiving each day. Research has determined a level of 8% protein is needed each day for an adult horse at maintenance level. Let’s say you are feeding 20 pounds (9 kilograms) of hay that tests 7% protein and 8 pounds (3.6 kilograms) of grain at 12% protein per day. Multiply the 20 pounds (9 kg) of hay by the 7% protein, which equals 140 units (63 units metric). Now, multiply the 8 pounds (3.6 kg) of grain times the 12% protein, this equals 96 units (43 units metric). Add the 140 (63) and the 96 (43): 236 units (106 metric units). Divide 236 (106) by 28 (12.6) (the pounds of hay added to the pounds of grain), this equals 8.4% protein. We can be pretty sure we are meeting his protein requirements – if the protein source in the grain is of good quality and the hay is very digestible.

Owners and others responsible for the feeding of horses tend to focus on the protein level of the feed. They must remember there are 5 other nutrients just as important to the health of the horse.

CARBOHYDRATES

There are two types of carbohydrates: simple and complex. They are all macronutrients and made up of sugar. Plants use a process called photosynthesis to manufacture the sugar. Because horses are herbivores (they eat plants) carbohydrates are the main source of energy to the horse.

The number of sugar molecules and how they are linked determines the carbohydrate type.

Simple carbohydrates have one molecule of sugar. Fructose and glucose are simple carbohydrates (monosaccharides).

Complex carbohydrates have two or more sugar molecules linked together. Starch and fiber are complex carbohydrates (disaccharides and polysaccharides).

Fiber has three or more molecules of sugar, but the bonds that link them together are difficult to digest. The bacteria in the horse’s cecum can break down some of the bonds. The horse’s unique digestive system can utilize some of the nutrients in the fiber. The horse’s digestive system is designed to utilize forage – not grain. Cellulose and lignin are examples of fiber.

There are also two carbohydrate categories: non-structural (soluble) and structural (insoluble) carbohydrates.

(The definition of soluble: that which can be easily dissolved.)

In certain situations forage may have high concentrations of non-structural carbohydrates. The time of year and the time of day may affect the NSC level. In the spring, when the grass is young and succulent, the sugar content can be high. Also, in the fall, especially after a drought and then rain, the NSC level may be high. In the afternoon, on a sunny day, after the sun has pulled the sugar from the roots, the NSC level will be at its highest. For more information visit: http://www.safergrass.org/.

Fiber is insoluble. Insoluble or structural carbohydrates are made up of the tough “skeleton” of the plant. Grass hay is an example of forage that contains insoluble carbohydrates. Insoluble carbohydrates are important to the digestive health of the large intestine.

The various types of carbohydrates are digested by the horse using different methods.

Enzymes in the small intestine break down non-structural (soluble) carbohydrates. It is very important these types of carbohydrates are utilized in the small intestine. If they pass through into the large intestine (the cecum) colic or laminitis can be the result.

(Laminitis is the condition that occurs when the connective tissue between the hoof wall and coffin bone becomes inflamed and begins to die. This occurs when an excessive amount of NSC in the cecum creates an imbalance in beneficial bacteria. At the same time, lactic acid is produced during the fermentation of the starch. This causes an acidic environment and death to large numbers of bacteria. The poisonous endotoxins are released into the bloodstream which restricts the flow of blood to the hoof; resulting in the death and inflammation of the laminae.)

The way to assure non-structural carbohydrates are utilized in the small intestine is to feed small, but frequent meals. The soluble carbohydrates must be given time to be digested in the small intestine and not forced into the large intestine. The primary source of non-structural carbohydrates is grain and commercial feed mixes.

Insoluble carbohydrates (fiber) are digested in the cecum. They are fermented by bacteria present. Volatile fatty acids (VFA) are produced, absorbed into the bloodstream, and used as energy. Because forage makes up the greatest portion of the equine diet VFA’s are the main source of energy for the horse.

FAT

Fats are high-energy nutrients and are macronutrients. Fat is 2.25 times more energy dense than protein or carbohydrates.

Fat is digested in the small intestine. Bile breaks down the fat; it is absorbed through the intestinal wall, and travels through the bloodstream to the liver. It then passes through the liver and goes to where it is needed. If it is needed for energy it is directed to the muscles. Fat that is not needed for energy is stored in the body as body fat.

If excess fat passes through into the large intestine there does not seem to be any long-term detrimental conditions. Excess fat or introducing a large amount of fat to a horse not used to it can upset the bacterial balance in the cecum. This can cause diarrhea and loose stools. Too much fat can interfere with the absorption of some nutrients. Feeding large amounts of fat does not seem to cause long-term problems similar to those caused by overfeeding carbohydrates.

Some fat is available naturally in cereal grain. The crude fat in oats is about 5%; corn is around 4% and barley about 2%. Research has proven horses can tolerate up to 20% fat in their diet, but this high amount is not economically feasible when a lower amount can yield the same benefits. It has been established that a level of 6 to 10% fat in a normal horse’s diet will give beneficial results.

Supplemental fat sources are vegetable and animal fats. The horse’s digestive system can utilize all of them fairly efficiently. Vegetable oil, such as corn or soy oils, is up to 95% digestible. Animal fat is about 75% digestible.

Palatability of added fat is a concern. Corn oil seems to have the most preferred taste, with soy oil as the next choice. Animal fat is the least palatable.

In addition to providing energy, fat also has several other benefits.

Fat can improve body condition and hair coat. Increasing the fat in a horse’s diet adds calories, which will cause weight gain. Fat also increases the amount of oil in the skin. This leads to a shiny sleek healthy looking coat.

Using fat to improve performance is much safer than increasing carbohydrates. Lower levels of glycogen (sugar) are a benefit of using fat as an energy source for performance horses. Tying-up, (Monday Morning Disease) or exertional rhabdomyolysis may occur when there is an imbalance of sugar storage in the muscle; this leads to muscle cramping. Up to 20% of the diet can be fat for performance horses that are prone to tying-up. Some carbohydrates need to be present in the body for fat to be utilized.

Fat uses aerobic metabolism to produce energy. This means it needs oxygen and the energy is released slowly. Horses that are used for endurance events will draw on this energy reserve. The system of a horse used in sprints or short bursts of activity can learn how to use the stored fat as an energy source anaerobically if given time to adapt to the diet. Sufficient carbohydrates still must be present for the storage of glycogen in the muscle. The glycogen-sparing effect will allow performance horses to perform longer before fatigue sets in.

MINERALS

Minerals are inorganic; they only contain one kind of atom. They are micronutrients, but still very important to the health of the horse.

The presence of minerals in the horse’s diet is affected by the composition of the soil. Plants take up the available minerals and the horse eats the plants. Location plays a big part in the availability of minerals. Different species of plants have different mineral requirements, so the mineral content will vary between plant varieties.

Chelated minerals are considered by many to be more available to the horse. The mineral had been bonded to an amino acid (protein). This is believed to improve the absorption of the mineral. The feed tag or ingredient list on the product will note if it contains chelated minerals.

Minerals interact with other minerals. One mineral may interfere with the absorption of other minerals and vitamins. Extreme caution must be observed when supplementing with minerals. Imbalances and toxic levels are very possible. If the horse is fed enough good quality forage, a balanced commercial feed, and has access to free choice salt; it is not usually necessary to supplement the diet. If it is determined the horse has deficiencies, it is recommended to follow the advice of a veterinarian or qualified nutritionist.

There have been 109 minerals discovered, but only 16 are considered essential to the horse’s diet. These 16 are divided into two categories: major minerals (macrominerals) and trace minerals (microminerals). Major minerals are needed by the body in larger amounts than trace minerals. Trace minerals are still very important to the health of the horse, but are needed in smaller amounts.

Major Minerals

(7)

____________

Calcium (Ca)

Phosphorus (P)

Potassium (K)

Sodium (Na)

Chloride (Cl)

Magnesium (Mg)

Sulfur (S)

Trace Minerals

(9)

_________

Copper (Cu)

Zinc (Zn)

Manganese (Mn)

Iron (Fe)

Iodine (I)

Selenium (Se)

Cobalt (Co)

Fluorine (F)

Molybdenum (Mo)

MAJOR MINERALS

Calcium is essential for bone growth and maintenance. It is also needed for blood coagulation, muscle and heart function, milk production, and activation of enzymes and hormones. Cereal grains are low in calcium. Green leafy forage, such as alfalfa, is a good source of calcium.

Vitamin D needs to be present for calcium to be absorbed. If phosphorus levels are not adequate, absorption of calcium can be decreased. The quality and quantity of protein can also affect the absorption of calcium. Excessive amounts of calcium can interfere with the absorption of iron.

Phosphorus is important to bone structure and energy metabolism. It also neutralizes acid in the body. Cereal grains are good sources of phosphorus.

Calcium and phosphorus must be in the proper ratio; 1.5 – 2 parts calcium to 1 part phosphorus. A proper ratio is very critical to growing foals. Deficiency or imbalance can lead to bone growth abnormalities such as Developmental Orthopedic Disease (DOD). Overfeeding phosphorus can cause the body to lose calcium.

Potassium is the main mineral found inside cells. It is also an electrolyte. Electrolytes, sometimes called ions, are necessary for cellular metabolism and carry an electrical charge. Potassium is important to muscle contraction and nerve function. The metabolism of carbohydrates depends on the presence of potassium. Most feeds contain adequate supplies of potassium. Supplementation may be necessary for horses that sweat heavily, are on Lasix, or are recovering from tying-up.

Sodium and chloride are important to regulating body fluids. They bathe the tissues and maintain normal hydration. Sodium helps generate nerve impulses and assists with the contraction of muscles. They are both electrolytes. Supplementation with salt (NaCl) is advised, as most feeds are low in sodium and chloride.

The best source is loose plain white salt. The taste of the trace minerals in a trace mineral salt product can deter a horse from consuming enough salt. Loose salt is preferred over a block. Blocks were designed for the rough tongues of cattle. But, if only blocks can be offered, don’t neglect keeping one available at all times.

Salt is the only mineral for which horses have an appetite. If they have access to salt they will usually consume enough to meet their requirements. Research has shown a horse, at rest, should receive a minimum of 2 ounces of salt per day. Horses that are exercised and sweat may need as much as 5 ounces per day. Always be sure the horse has plenty of fresh water available.

Horses that are salt deprived may over-consume when suddenly offered salt. These horses must be monitored and offered small amounts (up to 3 ounces per day) over a period of several weeks until their body reserves have been restored.

Magnesium is needed for the normal cell metabolism, nerve and muscle function, and is important to enzymes that break down protein, carbohydrates, and fat. Most hay and grain contain sufficient amounts of magnesium. Excessive amounts of calcium in the diet can cause magnesium not to be absorbed.

Sulfur is important to the bonds that reinforce strands of collagen. Collagen is the base of the connective tissue between joint cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and hooves. Sulfur also plays a part in utilizing energy from carbohydrates. Horses get sulfur from the sulfur containing amino acids methionine, cystine, cysteine, and the B vitamin biotin. The amino acids are found in good quality protein sources. Many joint supplements contain sulfur-based ingredients.

TRACE MINERALS

Copper is needed for the development, repair, and maintenance of tendons, ligaments, joints, and other connective tissues. It is also important to brain function, the manufacturing of red blood cells, reproduction, pigmentation of the hair coat, and supporting antioxidant activity. Sufficient copper levels are required for broodmares and performance horses. Recent research has proven copper is very important to bone development in young growing horses.

Copper is an antioxidant.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals before they can damage the horse’s body tissues. Free radicals are molecules that have been damaged by chemicals, drugs, or other impurities. These damaged molecules attack the healthy body tissues, which can cause infection and inflammation.

High levels of copper may interfere with zinc absorption. A ratio of 3 parts zinc to 1 part copper is recommended. High levels of iron and molybdenum can also interfere with the absorption of copper.

Zinc is an antioxidant. It is also important to carbohydrate metabolism and thyroid function. Healthy skin, hooves, bones, and joints depend on the presence of zinc. It is important the ratio of zinc to copper is 3:1. High doses of iron can also affect the absorption of zinc.

Manganese is needed for carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Cells need manganese so their DNA can divide and reproduce. It is also needed to maintain and repair joint cartilage; it aids in the production of chondroitin sulfate. Chondroitin sulfate is a component of joint cartilage and is believed to protect the joint from damage. Absorption of manganese can be affected by high doses of iron.

Iron is needed for red and white blood cell production. Healthy red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and white blood cells fight infection.

Iron is extremely toxic. Supplementation is not advised unless under the supervision of a veterinarian. Most hay and grain provides an ample amount of iron needed by the horse. High iron levels interfere with the absorption of copper, zinc, and manganese.

Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland for hormone production. The thyroid regulates growth, energy metabolism, and the ability of the muscles to contract.

One of the signs of either toxic levels of iodine or a deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is located in the throatlatch area. Blood tests can determine the cause of the enlarged thyroid.

The most common method of insuring adequate amounts of iodine in the horse’s diet is to provide an iodized salt.

Selenium is an antioxidant. It requires vitamin E in order to be effective in supporting the immune system and protecting the muscles. Broodmares require adequate amounts of selenium or the foal will be born with weak muscles (white muscle disease). Selenium and vitamin E are also used in treating and preventing exertional rhabdomyolysis (tying-up).

Many areas of the country are deficient in selenium, especially east of the Mississippi. Feed manufacturers in these areas add selenium to their products. If the feeds are offered at the feeding rates recommended by the manufacturer the selenium levels required should be met.

Selenium is toxic if fed in large doses and can cause separation of the hoof wall from the coronet band, blindness, colic, pain, and digestive upsets. Selenium supplementation should be only done under the guidance of a veterinarian or nutritionist. Blood tests can determine if supplementation is necessary.

Cobalt is needed for the production of vitamin B12 in the intestinal tract. Supplementation is not required as sufficient amounts are available to the horse from forage and grain.

Fluorine is needed to make teeth and bones hard. Sufficient amounts are provided in the diet.

Molybdenum is part of several enzymes that metabolize protein. It has not been determined what level the horse requires. Deficiencies have not been documented. Excessive levels can interfere with the absorption of copper.

VITAMINS

Vitamins are organic. They are in all living things – plants and animals. The bacterium in the large intestine manufactures some vitamins and others must be provided by the diet.

Vitamins are needed for building body tissue and extracting energy from proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. They help prevent diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies. Vitamins also play an important part in the healing process.

There are at least13 specific vitamins needed by the horse to insure his nutritional well being. These are needed in very small amounts – as little as several micrograms in some cases. The vitamins needed are: A, D, E, K, C, and the family of eight B vitamins

Vitamins are classified in two groups: “fat soluble” or “water soluble”.

Vitamins A, D, E, and K are fat-soluble. They dissolve in fat and any excess will be stored in the body fat and liver.

Vitamin C and the family of B vitamins are water-soluble. They dissolve in water and any excess is excreted in the urine. Water-soluble vitamins are not stored for future use.

FAT SOLUBLE VITAMINS

(Vitamins A, D, E and K)

Vitamin A (retinol) is an antioxidant and is important to the body’s mucus membranes (the lining of the digestive tract, reproductive and respiratory systems). It is also needed for the production of sperm and eggs. Vitamin A is very crucial to eye health. It is also important to healthy skin, coat, and skeletal growth. Fresh pasture and high quality alfalfa are good sources of vitamin A.

Toxicity is a possibility when feeding many supplements that may contain high levels of vitamin A. The best method of supplementation is natural – one pound of carrots per day will provide the horse with 30,000 IU (international units) of vitamin A. The carotene in carrots, pasture, or alfalfa has been found not to be toxic to the horse.

Vitamin D (calciferol) is important to the absorption and movement of calcium and phosphorus in the body. One hour in the sun provides enough vitamin D to the horse. Horses kept indoors and foals not exposed to sunlight can become deficient.

It is possible to create vitamin D toxicity. Over supplementation can lead to calcium being pulled out of the bones and kidney damage.

Vitamin E (tocopherol) is an antioxidant. It is also important to the health of red blood cells and the vascular system. It is present in all grains and forage. Length of storage can decrease the availability of vitamin E in processed grain and hay.

An excess of vitamin E has not been shown to cause toxic problems. It is possible an excess amount of vitamin E can interfere with the absorption of other fat-soluble vitamins, because it is stored in the liver. Feeding extra fat increases the need for vitamin E.

Vitamin E is linked to selenium, zinc, and iron. Correct levels of these minerals must be present for vitamin E to be utilized.

Vitamin K is important to the clotting of blood. Enough vitamin K precursors are available to the horse through his diet, so deficiencies are rare. Precursors are substances that are chemically converted into another active substance, which the body can use.

WATER SOLUBLE VITAMINS

(Vitamin C and the Family of B Vitamins)

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is an antioxidant. It is very important to the body in its fight against infections of the respiratory tract. Vitamin C is needed for collagen formation, which is important to skin and connective tissues (ligaments, tendons, and joint capsules). It is also needed to help transport iron in the body.

Healthy horses can synthesize their own vitamin C, in addition to it being available in green leafy forage. There is some concern about senior horses having sufficient amounts of vitamin C, so some feed manufacturers are adding it to their senior diet formulas. Racehorses that have lung-bleeding problems may benefit from extra amounts of vitamin C in the diet. There are no known toxicity problems regarding excessive amounts of vitamin C in the diet, other than digestive up-sets.

Vitamin C interacts with antioxidants vitamin A and E after they have neutralized a free radical. It also works with copper, manganese, and zinc in maintaining connective tissue and blood vessel health.

The family of B vitamins can be manufactured by microorganisms in the large intestine. Most of them are found in high quality grain and forages, with the exception of vitamin B12. Supplementation of B vitamins is not usually necessary, but if it is needed a vitamin B complex should be used as they work together. Horses on an antibiotic program may need to be supplemented as the antibiotics can interfere with the production of B vitamins in the hindgut. Toxicity problems are rare, as the kidneys will flush the excess out of the system.

Vitamin B1 (thiamine) is important to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is needed by nerves for the transmission of impulses. Some horses experience a calming effect when supplemented with high doses of Vitamin B1. Vitamin B1 needs magnesium to be utilized by the body.

Vitamin B2 (riboflavin/actoflavin) is important to horses that need energy aerobically (with oxygen). It helps extract the energy needed from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

Vitamin B2 interacts with the other B vitamins, the amino acid tryptophan, and vitamin K. Horses that are heavily stressed or do high aerobic exercise may need to be supplemented.

Vitamin B3 (niacin) is needed for the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. It is also important for a healthy skin.

Vitamin B4 (choline) is required for the transportation and metabolism of fats.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) is important to the metabolism of fats and glucose. It aids the production of steroid hormones and is needed by the nerves for the transmission of nerve impulses.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) aids the muscles in using energy from stored carbohydrates (glycogen). It also is important to the metabolism of protein and the production of neutrotransmitters within the brain. Vitamin B6 is needed for the conversion of trytophan to niacin.

Vitamin B7 or H (biotin) contains sulfur. Sulfur (trace mineral) is important to the collagen, which makes up hooves, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. Biotin is also needed for growth, glucose metabolism, absorption of niacin (B3) and other B vitamins. Grain, bran, and yeast are good sources of biotin. Hay does not contain an adequate amount.

Horses with thin shelly feet may benefit from added biotin in their diet…. if the problem is caused by a biotin deficiency. Environment, genetics, and an imbalance of other nutrients can also cause hoof problems.

Vitamins B8, 9, 10, and 11 (folic acids) are required to be present with B12 to aid in the production of red blood cells. They are also important for protein metabolism and cell reproduction. Fresh grass contains more folic acid than hay or grain.

Studies have shown folic acid levels drop in horses that are experiencing high levels of exercise. Supplementation may also be needed for horses, which do not have access to fresh grass. Toxicity is not a problem as the kidneys flush out excess levels of B vitamins.

Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is important to the dividing of cells, formation of red blood cells, and production of the covering around nerves. It is not available in forage and grain; the microorganisms in the hindgut manufacture what the horse requires. Adequate levels of cobalt and folic acid is needed for the absorption of B12.

Assignment:

Send report to elblazer@horsecoursesonline.com

1. Describe, in detail, how the horses under your care or at a local stable have access to water. How is the amount consumed monitored?

2. Why is feed urea (not fertilizer urea) recommended not to be fed to horses? You will need to do some research. Please tell me where you found the information – web site link or the name of the publication.

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