Vitamins & Minerals
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Natural versus SyntheticFeeds containing natural, balanced compounds do not unbalance the body while those containing synthetic compounds do. This is true even if the synthetic compound has the same chemical formula. This is a compelling reason to provide horses with natural feeds and supplements. There is no scientific explanation for the difference. Possibly the answer is that it is impossible to improve on Mother Nature when it comes to feeding. Natural MineralsCalcium - The Bone MineralGreen feeds, Seaweed, Soybean Meal. The highest source of Calcium found with its metabolic partner Phosphorous is Chamomile. The cheapest way of supplementing Calcium is with high grade Dolomite which contains the right ratio Calcium - Magnesium, another of its metabolic partners. Excess Calcium depletes Magnesium and vice versa. Some of the natural sources are:
Phosphorus - Balances CalciumPhosphorus is essential for a healthy nervous system, processing of fats and carbohydrates, stimulation of enzyme action and healthy integumentary system (skin, hair and hooves). Some of the natural sources are:
SodiumSodium und Potassium work together. The ratio is essential for body-fluid balance, kidney health, ph balance and prevention of arthritis. The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes from the body via fluids so if there isn't enough sodium dehydration will result and if there is too much there will be fluid retention. Sodium in its natural form alkalises and is not retained in body fluids while common salt (sodium chloride) produces and acid state with excess being retained in fluids. Chlorine combines with Sodium to act as a body and blood cleanser. Some of the natural sources are:
Potassium - The Muscle MineralWorking together with Sodium, see above. Potassium is responsible to eliminate waste through the kidney and also is regulating muscle function and tone. As the heart is a major muscle, this mineral is another important one for the equine athlete! Some of the natural sources are:
Iron - The Fuel MineralResponsible for transporting oxygen to the blood. This action must be triggered by a trace of Copper, without copper it remains useless. Calcium ensures adequate absorption. Excess Iron combined with insufficient Copper promotes arthritic development. Some of the natural sources are:
Magnesium - The Nerve MineralMagnesium needs Phosphorous in order to react efficiently. It regulates the nerve fibers that control the central nervous system and helps to regulate glandular function. Muscle spasm or cramps (like tying up) Magnesium is called for. The tissue salt MagPhos will help the body to assimilate magnesium. Some of the natural sources are:
Silica - The Tough MineralWithout Silica, Calcium cannot go about its work of strengthening bones, hooves and conditioning hair and skin. It also prevents Calcium deposits around joints and breaks up uric acid crystals around affected joints (important to prevent arthritis). Some of the natural sources are:
Sulphur - The Cleansing MineralThe major blood cleanser and antiseptic with beneficial effects on digestion and skin, also protection from external parasites. It contains amino acids, needed for protein metabolism. Some of the natural sources are:
Zinc - The Fertility MineralNeeded for a healthy reproductive system in both sexes. Useful in healing skin problems. Also contain Vitamin E, important for fertility. Excess Zinc depresses Copper availability. Some of the natural sources are:
Copper - The Magic MineralSuper phosphate completely inhibits Copper. It ensures a healthy immune system, protection against internal parasites and resistance to disease, especially fungal disease such as seedy toe, mud fever and ringworm. Iron cannot be assimilated without Copper. Anemia is often the result of copper deficiency, rather than iron deficiency. Darker coloured horses chestnuts and especially liver chestnuts need more copper than lighter coloured horses (carrying the black gene). Some of the natural sources are:
SeleniumExtremely important for healthy muscles and fertility, especially of the stallion. The metabolic partner of Selenium is Sulphur, another victim of artificial fertilizer. Without Sulphur Selenium cannot be assimilated in the body. As Selenium is a trace element it is equally dangerous in excess or deficiency. Natural sources of selenium are:
BoronBoron is needed for Calcium and Magnesium to be metabolized. If a horse does not receive Boron, arthritic condition will inevitably occur, creaking joints may be a symptom. Natural sources are:
CobaltCobalt deficiency is rare. Symptoms include subnormal temperature, lack of appetite, susceptibility to cold and unwillingness to move. Like Copper, Cobalt is needed for the health of red blood cells and if both are missing anemia will be more serious. It triggers the synthesis of Vitamin B12 which is impaired when the body is under stress. Natural sources are:
MolybdenumOnly a trace of this mineral is needed for high fertility. Excess will inhibit metabolism of copper and cobalt which will lead to anemia. Natural source is:
ManganeseImportant for healthy functioning of bone especially cartilage, nervous system, metabolism, nervous system and pH balance. Natural sources are:
Iodine - The Endocrine MineralThis mineral is deficient in Australian soils. It is essential for the healthy functioning of the thyroid gland which is the conductor of all the other glands which make up the endocrine system. A deficiency can therefore be a basic cause of almost any problem. Obvious symptoms of deficiency include an enlarged goiter, scurf and / or grease. Natural source is:
Other sources are:
Please note: Excess feeding of goitragenic feeds such as soybeans, lupins, clover and Lucerne is the main cause of iodine deficiency.
Trace ElementsThe role played by these minerals found in minute amounts is the body is not yet fully understood. Interestingly most of these are found in the glandular system. They include silver, aluminum, arsenic, tin, nickel and mercury. Colloidal silver was a useful and popular antibiotic in the 1930's and is currently undergoing a revival of interest and usage. When feeding bran, it is advisable to feed rice bran (no pollard) - alternatively wheat bran. It is questionable that it is a laxative. VitaminsFat Soluble VitaminsVitamin Ais stored in the liver and fat tissue for use when needed. Found in green feeds, well cured hays, cod liver oil, carrots, dandelion, fenugreek, comfrey, dandelion, seaweed, carrots, nettle, parsley, fenugreek, rosehips, couch grass and pumpkin. Important for healthy vision, respiration, nervous system and reproduction Vitamin Dthe sunshine vitamin is produced by the skin on exposure to sunlight and is also found in green feeds and sun cured hays. Essential for Calcium and Phosphorous utilization in bone formation. If fed in excess as in the overuse of mineral / vitamin supplemts it can cause calcium to be deposited in soft tissues such as heart, lungs and kidneys. Natural source is cod liver oil, seaweed, dandelion and fenugreek. Vitamin Eimportant for cell division, in the prevention of muscle problems and prevents other vitamins from oxidization. Good sources are well cured hays, oats, wheat germ, black sunflower seeds, seaweed, fennugreek and parsley. Vitamin Kis necessary for normal blood clotting and is produced in more than adequate amounts in the horse's digestive tract. Also found in green feeds, bran, wheat germ and cod liver oil, rosehips.
Water Soluble VitaminsThe Vitamin B GroupSome of the natural sources are: Garlic, Oats, Fenugreek, Dandelion, Seaweed, Couch Grass and Rosehips.
B1 (Thiamine) - is deficient where there is an upset in the lower bowel and the vitamin forming bacteria are disturbed, caused by illness, poor absorption or nutritional problems. Important for the health of the nervous and digestive systems. Natural sources are brewer's yeast, black sunflower seeds, wheat germ, rosehips and rice bran. B2 (Riboflavin) - is important in disease resistance when the body is under stress and for the health of eyes, lips and mouth. Natural sources are green feeds, brewer's yeast, rosehips and wheat germ. B5 (Pyridoxine) - is important in disease resistance, as it is needed by the body along with vitamin C to manufacture its own cortisone. High natural sources are well grown green feeds, wheat germ and brewer's yeast. B6 (Pyridoxine) - is important in resistance to infection and is of great value to the nervous system, appetite, digestion, red blood cells, blood vessels and liver. Good sources are green feeds, corn, brewer's yeast, wheat germ and soybean. B12 (Cyanocobalamin) - is synthesized in the gut provided sufficient cobalt is present. Sickness, stress and use of antibiotics affect this synthesis and supplementation is very useful at these times. Lethargy and anemia are two signs of Vitamin 12 deficiency. Natural sources are comfrey, red clover, echinacea, brewer's yeast and seaweed.
Biotinis necessary for hoof and hair growth. A natural source is seaweed. Inositola relatively new discovery thought to be useful in the elasticity of arteries and in the regulation of fat metabolism. Natural source is the same as many other B group vitamins - brewer's yeast and wheat germ. Folic Acidsometimes called Vitamin M - essential for conception. Good sources are green feeds, highest plant source is raspberry leaves. Cholineimportant for liver function. Highest plant source is dandelion. Also found in brewer's yeast. Vitamin Cneeded in time of stress. It is manufactured by the horse but supplementation at times of mental and physical stress such as poisoning, vaccination, surgery and illness has proven benefits as demand then exceeds supply. Administration of drugs also interferes with the metabolism of Vitamin C and extra supplementation is also called for. Vitamin C carries oxygen around the body in association with iron, binds cells together properly, and assists in repair and renewal of cells (with Vitamin B12) and keeps blood vessels strong. The best plant sources of Vitamin C are Rosehips (Rosa Canina) followed by parsley, dandelion, nettle, seaweed, fenugreek, garlic, meadowsweet, fresh greens and dock.
Sourced from 'The Practical Horse Herbal' by Victoria Ferguson and 'A Modern Horse Herbal' by Hilary Page Self.
Please note: When feeding herbs to different horses you might not get the same respond you get from one horse to the other. Depending what particular ailment / cause and symptoms a horse is dealing with will have to be considered. This is information is not to be substituted with veterinarian attendance or herbal counsultation, it is purely for your information. |