In addition to the regular grains (oats, barley, corn, bran) and fiber (hay, alfalfa) fed to horses, the intake of vitamins and minerals is extremely important. These tiny constituents are responsible for performance, growth, the immune system, and reproduction.
Minerals
We distinguish macro- and microelements. Macroelements such as e.g. calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, etc., are responsible for the structure of the skeletal system, muscle function, the functioning of the nervous system and the gwoth of the hoof and coat.
Microelements, such as e.g. zinc, selenium, iodine, manganese, etc., play a significant role in most biochemical processes in the body, and they also function as antioxidants, take part in nutrient metabolism, tissue building, and oxygen transport.
Amino acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins that contribute to the functioning of the immune system in horses. They enter the bloodstream and are involved in the building up of various proteins in the body (such as collagen) and also provide energy when they are further broken down and metabolised. Horses are able to synthesize some amino acids, so they are not necessary to supplement in the feed, they are called non-essential amino acids. Amino acids that cannot be produced in their body (or are not provided in sufficient quantities) are called essential amino acids. There are 10 amino acids that are essential for horses: arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. Among the amino acids, methionine contains sulfur, which plays an important role in the formation and strengthening of the hoof structure, the formation of the outer covering and the strengthening of tendons and ligaments.
Vitamins
We distinguish water and fat soluble vitamins, depending on how the body stores them. Vitamins A, D and E are soluble in fat. They are important for the eye and are primary antioxidants in protecting body tissues and muscle function. Water-soluble vitamins, better known as B vitamins, include, for example, niacin and biotin. These vitamins are involved in almost all chemical reactions within the body and are therefore essential for metabolism, growth and energy production. Biotin, also known as vitamin B-7 or vitamin H, helps to improve the quality of the hoof and coat, facilitates hair change, and is essential for numerous biochemical processes. In general, feed grains also have a biotin content, but they are in an organically form, which is less suitable for absorption, so supplementation becomes necessary.