There are several nutrients that are required in the horses diet to grow strong and healthy hair and hooves and, importantly, they need to be supplied in the correct ratios and often in partnership with other nutrients.
Just as genetically some humans have weak brittle hair and nails, some horses genetically have thin, straggly manes and tails and weak, brittle hooves.
Making sure our horse is nutritionally supported will go a long way in helping them grow the best hooves possible for their genetic makeup.
There are several nutrients that are required in the horses diet to grow strong and healthy hair and hooves and, importantly, they need to be supplied in the correct ratios and often in partnership with other nutrients. If these are deficient or not in the correct ratios and combination the hooves and hair may be weak, brittle and poor quality.
Zinc and Copper must be supplied in the correct ratio to each other and to iron. The National Resource Council's Nutrient Requirements of Horses (2007) recommends that Zinc and Copper be fed in a 4:1 ratio (4 parts Zinc to 1 part Copper) for mature horses to ensure proper absorption of both minerals.
Zinc is essential for the immune system as well as bone, cartilage and hoof formation and the integrity of skin. Zinc is a component of enzymes necessary for the synthesis of keratins that contributes to hoof strength and function.
Copper influences the strength and rigidity of the outer hoof wall and is an important component of antioxidant enzymes that protect cell membranes.
Zinc and copper are involved in many processes and if either, or both, of these trace minerals are deficient then slow hoof growth or thin walls will eventuate.
Be wary of supplementing Iron to your horse as Australian soil is normally high in iron. An excess of iron can prevent the absorption of copper and zinc and is difficult for horses to excrete
The Aussie Farrier Hoof Growth supplement contains Bioplex® organic zinc and copper to provide mineral nutrition in a form as close to nature as possible for the best absorption.
Methionine is the most important of sulphur based amino acids and is absolutely essential to give strength to hoof horn, hair, skin, tendons and ligaments.
Methionine needs to be fed (the horse cannot produce it) and as plant material is declining as a source of this amino acid, a deficiency of Methionine is often pinpointed as the cause for crumbly, cracking and poor growing hoof walls.
If your horse has outward signs consistent with a deficiency it is recommended to supplement with 2500 to 6000mg of methionine per day.
The Aussie Farrier Hoof Growth formula has 6200mg of methionine per 50gm scoop.
Biotin is a B vitamin and although the biotin requirement for normal horses is 1-2 mg per day, studies have shown that supplementing the horse with 15- 25 mg of biotin per day significantly improves the hoof wall tissue.
Biotin plays an important role in cell to cell adhesion, therefore strengthening the hoof wall when supplied in adequate quantities.
However, as biotin needs several other nutrients to carry out its role, specifically zinc and methionine, supplementation needs to be balanced and in conjunction with these other nutrients.
The Aussie Farrier Hoof Growth formula has 20mg Biotin per 50 gm scoop which is balanced with copper, zinc and methionine.
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