Description

Zinc for horses

A highly absorbable source of zinc for horses providing 15% elemental zinc without additives or fillers. An important trace mineral for a whole host of body functions in the horses body, horse zinc is usually shown as being low in forage analysis and is blocked by high levels of other competing minerals such as iron and manganese.  Supplementation at high levels is often needed as deficiency is common. Zinc for horses is one of the most important minerals for horse health.

Copper and zinc are two of the most common trace mineral deficiencies around the world and the symptoms are often similar. In addition to the levels of these two minerals often being too low in the horses diet, factors such as high iron intake and high sulfate in water or forage makes the situation even worse by interfering with absorption.

Zinc deficiency

While other deficiencies may not be easily visible, zinc deficiency problems often present in ways that are readily seen. zinc deficiency is bleaching of the coat and red ends on black manes and tails. This is typically blamed on sun exposure, which is true, but horses with adequate levels of melanin will not experience these changes. Melanin is the pigment that gives skin and hair its color. Melanin also protects against UV radiation and chemical damage. Copper (all colors) and zinc in combination with copper (darker colors) are essential for the production of generous amounts of melanin.

Hoof quality also suffers with copper and zinc deficiency. Deficiencies of either copper or zinc have been linked to:

• Soft feet
• Cracks
• Sole hemorrhages
• Abscesses
• Thrush
• Laminitis

Benefits of zinc for horses

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• Allows protein to bind to DNA
• Influences the folding and structure of proteins
• Essential for pigment formation and antioxidant SOD function
• Supports bone building and remodeling
• Supports insulin production and release
• Supports healthy skin function
• Important support for a healthy immune system
• Important for the strength of hooves and white line
• Beneficial for connective tissue

Also check out our bioplex copper (proteinate) for horses

Forageplus does not advise the feeding of separate minerals unless levels have been checked through carrying out a forage analysis.  The ratios of minerals are important and feeding one mineral without supplementing correct levels of another can be detrimental to horse health.  If you are uncertain of mineral levels then feeding either a Forageplus Equine Balancer or carrying out analysis of forage is wise.

Find out about why ratios of minerals fed are so important at Forageplus Talk.

Contact us if you have questions you want answered we are always pleased to help.