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.
Feed rate calculator
How much linseed does my horse need?
Enter your horse’s bodyweight to see a daily amount in grams and scoops, and how long a bag will last.
Not sure? A weight tape gives a good estimate.
Feeding more for condition? Linseed is 35% oil, so it can be fed above the omega-3 rate to help a horse gain or hold weight. Increase it gradually over a few days, and don’t go above 1 g per kg of bodyweight a day: the high fat content can suppress appetite.
The omega-3 rate is about 42 g per 220 kg of bodyweight a day, in line with the ECIR Group’s guidance of 1.5 oz of ground flax per 500 lb. Scoop weights are approximate: a 75 ml scoop holds about 42 g and a 50 ml scoop about 27 g. Feed rates are a guide; ask our nutritionists if you are unsure.
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.
Forageplus Quality Standard
Every Batch Tested Before Release
We go beyond manufacturing accreditation by independently assessing every batch before sale for purity, safety and consistency. Our quality assurance programme includes contaminant screening, batch traceability and rigorous quality control.
Microbial Testing
Batch Traceability
NOPS-Accredited Manufacture
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.
Micronised linseed: quick answers
How much micronised linseed should I feed my horse?
For omega-3, feed about 42 g per 220 kg of bodyweight a day, which is roughly 95 g for a 500 kg horse. This is in line with the ECIR Group’s guidance of 1.5 oz of ground flax per 500 lb. A 75 ml scoop holds about 42 g. Use the calculator above for your horse’s weight.
Can I feed more linseed to help my horse gain condition?
Yes. Linseed is 35% oil and 23% protein, so it can be fed above the omega-3 rate to help a horse gain or hold weight. Increase it gradually over a few days, and don’t go above 1 g per kg of bodyweight a day (500 g for a 500 kg horse), as the high fat content can suppress appetite.
Why add linseed to a hay-based diet?
Fresh grass is a rich source of omega-3, but these fragile fats are destroyed when grass is made into hay or haylage, and winter grass contains little. Hay and haylage are also higher in omega-6, so adding linseed helps restore the balance between omega-3 and omega-6.
Do I need to soak or cook micronised linseed?
No. Raw linseed contains an enzyme, linase, which in moist conditions can release hydrogen cyanide. Micronising destroys linase, so our linseed can be fed straight from the bag.
Is whole linseed better than linseed oil or linseed meal?
We recommend whole linseed. Linseed oil lacks the fibre and, unless cold-pressed, is often extracted using chemical solvents. Linseed meal (expeller) is the by-product left once the oil has been extracted.
Is micronised linseed suitable for laminitis-prone horses?
Linseed is naturally low in sugar and starch, and ground flax is part of the diet the ECIR Group recommends for insulin-resistant horses. Feed it at the omega-3 rate unless your horse also needs extra condition.
How long does a 3 kg bag last?
About 31 days for a 500 kg horse fed at the omega-3 rate. At higher rates for condition it will last less time; the calculator shows how long for your horse.
