What is Micronised Linseed?
Micronised linseed for horses is an excellent food for adding bloom. It is low in starch and sugar, high in protein and its gel-forming fibre can help smooth the passage of food through the digestive system.
It is the high, health-giving natural source of omega 3 content of linseed which makes it vital to add to the diets of all horses at a low level in winter or to those horses which are on either a reduced grass diet or no grass at all. Omega 3 essential fats are essential in the diet meaning that the horse must get them from the food it eats.
The grass is a rich source but these fragile compounds are destroyed during the hay process and are not present in winter grass. A diet low in omega 3 fatty acids is pro-inflammatory. Hay and haylage are low in omega 3 fatty acids but high in omega 6 so supplementing to maintaining the correct ratio between omega 3 and omega 6 is important.
Why should I feed Micronised Linseed?
Micronised full-fat linseed can also be used at increased levels to add protein and useful calories to horses diets, particularly those in hard work or need for weight gain or to maintain body weight.
Linseed, in its raw state, contains the enzyme Linase, which, in moist conditions, can trigger the release of hydrogen cyanide. This micronised product however not only enhances feed value and palatability but also destroys Linase, so that the resulting product can be fed directly and safely to horses.
The Benefits of Micronised Linseed for Horses
Below are some of the health benefits of feeding micronised linseed:
- Micronised to maintain Omega-3
- Improves coat condition & skin condition
- Supports healthy skin
- Supports immune function
- Supports healthy weight gain
- Protein 23%, oil 35%.
Which type of Linseed is best?
Linseed oil, linseed meal or linseed? We always recommend feeding the whole linseed, as opposed to linseed meal or linseed oil. Linseed oil does not contain the important fibre and unless it has been cold-pressed, is often extracted using chemical solvents. Similarly, linseed expeller (linseed meal) is the by-product of the extraction process, where the meal is left over after the linseed oil has been extracted. The best option, for optimum health benefits, is always to feed linseed in its whole natural form.
Free from any prohibited substances as defined under Jockey Club and FEI rules.
Find out why omega 3 is so important for your horse’s health here.
Explore our range of winter balancers by clicking the following link, or take a look at our winter feeding tips and advice.
For more interesting articles, check out our latest articles over at Forageplus Talk.
