2024-04-28T07:51:04+02:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/

2024-04-21T00:00:00+02:00 2024-04-21T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/spring-fever EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ Tips for a successful grazing season for your horse Dear horse lovers, Spring has finally arrived and with it, the long-awaited start of the grazing season for many horses. The coat change is over, winter flab has been slowly lost and now it's time for horses and their owners to take the first and most beautiful step on the way to summer: the pasture! We've compiled a few tips on what to keep in mind when grazing. It's tempting to simply open the gates, take off the halter and let your horse enjoy unbridled freedom in the pasture for the next few months. But, wait: you're taking a huge risk if your horse is abruptly turned out to pasture from being kept in a stable without any preparation. Even horses who have a lot of exercise in an open stable need to be gradually acclimatised to the change to sand or other bare ground. A slow start The transition from winter feeding to pasture grazing should be made slowly and carefully to avoid digestive problems such as colic. Start with short grazing periods and gradually increase them to allow your horse to get used to fresh grass. Quality of the pasture grass Make sure that the pasture grass is of good quality. Avoid pastures with poisonous plants and do not let the grass be grazed too short to protect the sward and maintain the feed quality. Controlled grazing Controlled grazing can help prevent a horse from eating too much and minimise the risk of colic or laminitis. Use a fence or paddock to control the grazing time. Supplementary feed Supplementary feeding may be necessary depending on the quality of the pasture grass and the individual needs of the horse. Consider whether you want to add mineral feed or add special nutritional supplements to ensure a balanced nutrient intake. Parallel feeding of roughage in the pasture has also proven to be useful, as this can alleviate the transition, especially in the beginning. Charcoal feed can be helpful during grazing as it supports natural detoxification, binds potential toxins in fresh grass, balances the horse's gastrointestinal tract, binds excess acids and gases and promotes digestion. Furthermore, charcoal feed can also counteract diarrhoea caused by pasture grass. Consulting a professional feed consultant is highly recommended as nutrient deficiencies can quickly develop in the pasture despite an abundance of greenery! Anna, a member of the team at CharLine, has 15 years of experience as a feed consultant - please feel free to contact her with any questions you have about the right feed for your horse. Pay close attention to special needs Sensitive horses or horses with a history of illness should have a significantly longer transition period - this is vitally important! The digestive system cannot process a sudden excess of carbohydrates and fructans, which are specifically present in young pasture grass, and can result in the release of toxins in the body. This can lead to consequences such as hoof dermatitis and laminitis. Parasite control The start of the grazing season also brings with it a heightened risk of parasite infestations. Ensure regular worming and consult your vet for a suitable worming schedule. It is advisable to take tick prevention measures such as regularly checking the horse for ticks and using a tick repellent if necessary. Summary Grazing time is a wonderful opportunity for horses to enjoy natural exercise and feed on fresh grass. With the right preparation and care you can ensure that your horse stays healthy and happy through the grazing season. We hope these tips will help you to optimise the grazing season for your horse. If you have any questions or would like personalised advice, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Have a great grazing season! Anna and the team at CharLine Charcoal Feed

2024-04-11T00:00:00+02:00 2024-04-11T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/feeding-foals-and-broodmares EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ Springtime is foaling time! Most foals are born around April and you can look forward to seeing the little bundles of energy dashing around meadows in summer. But to keep foals and broodmares fit and vital, they need a little extra support. Various vitamins and trace elements play an important role in a broodmare's diet even before conception. Vitamin E has a positive effect on fertility, while beta-carotene and zinc influence estrus (heat). In case of cycle disorders, special hormone supplements or monk's pepper can provide useful support. During the first phase of pregnancy, close attention should be paid to high-quality hay and a good mineral feed product for breeding. Your mare's nutritional requirements will change starting from the 8th month of pregnancy. The foal grows faster which increases the energy and protein requirements of the pregnant mare. A good breeding feed with good quality protein, essential amino acids and a balanced nutrient profile is suitable for meeting these increased requirements. Minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, as well as trace elements such as zinc, selenium and copper are important for the proper development of bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. However, be careful not to overfeed your horse with nutrients as this can have a detrimental impact on development. In the last phase of pregnancy, it is advisable to divide the feed into several portions, as the mare can no longer absorb as many nutrients per meal. Magnesium, selenium and vitamin E are particularly important at this time. And then it's time... The first few hours after birth are particularly crucial for a foal's development. Its body does not have any immunity yet and will develop during the first few weeks of life. It is therefore important that the foal consumes colostrum immediately after birth. It contains antibodies that are vital for the foal's immune system. If the mare is unable to suckle the foal, substitute products can be offered. If this is the case, we strongly urge you to consult a vet. After birthing her foal, your mare should be supplied with sufficient energy, protein, minerals and vitamins to support milk production. This also ensures optimal nutrition for the foal. After a short period, the foal will try to imitate its mother while eating and you can allow it to gradually get used to solid feed. However, it is important to adjust the rations precisely to the foal's stage of development, as overfeeding could result in growth that is too rapid. From the 3rd month onwards, breast milk alone is no longer sufficient to cover a foal's nutritional needs. From this point onwards, we recommend feeding your foal with high-quality foal feed.

2024-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 2024-03-01T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/grain-free-feed EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ The Benefits of Grain-Free Horse Feed Dear horse lovers, The tendency to opt for grain-free horse feed is increasing in popularity as many horse owners decide to eliminate grain from their horses' diets for a variety of reasons. Grain-free feeding has several benefits that can improve a horse's health and well-being. A key issue is avoiding excess starch which can happen with grain-rich feed. This is of special importance because not all horses can process starch well which can lead to digestive problems, insulin resistance and even laminitis. Another crucial factor is weight management. Many horses have difficulty maintaining a healthy weight, especially if they are prone to obesity or metabolic problems. A grain-free diet allows better weight management which in turn promotes overall health. Furthermore, a grain-free diet stabilises blood sugar levels and minimises fluctuations. This is particularly important for horses with metabolic problems and reduces the risk of subsequent complications. However, it is important to emphasise that the decision to go for grain-free feed should be carefully considered. Every horse is unique and the optimal nutrition depends on various factors. Before making the switch, it is advisable to consult with a feed specialist to ensure that the specific needs of each horse are taken into account. I'd like to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new product by KÖNIGSHOFER: "Grain-Free Königswiese" 15 kg. This is a grain-free feed made with the choicest ingredients. It is ideal as manger feed for horse breeds who tend to eat very quickly and horses with low energy requirements. Thanks to the highly digestible crude fibre and the low content of sugar and starch, it is also ideal for overweight horses, horses with sensitive stomachs and horses with metabolic disorders. Furthermore, Grain-Free Königswiese contains linseed, brewer's yeast and valuable oils which ensure healthy digestion and a shiny coat. It is fully vitaminised and mineralised and provides everything a horse needs. This grain-free feed represents an approach that focuses on the natural needs of horses. Sincerely, Anna Maria Rumer Specialist Consultant for Horses KÖNIGSHOFER Feed

2023-04-17T00:00:00+02:00 2023-04-17T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/electrolytes-as-simple-as-they-are-complex EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ Feeding electrolytes correctly is a science in itself, as they should be available to the horse exactly when it needs them. The supply of electrolytes is a major issue for both competition and leisure riders (especially in the summer). The vital electrolytes are inorganic minerals that the body cannot produce itself, meaning that they must be given additionally. They serve to regulate the balance of fluids in the horse's body, are responsible for the horse's feeling of thirst, and regulate the distribution of fluids in the body cells. They are lost through heavy sweating and, if they are not replenished, this can lead to prolonged recovery times, fatigue, lower performance and fitness, as well as a higher risk of injury. Electrolytes are responsible for the correct pH level in the blood so an undersupply can certainly have consequences for the horse, such as for the muscles. If electrolyte deficiency causes the blood to thicken, the muscles are no longer properly supplied with blood and acid can build up. Painful tension and cramps, even exertional rhabdomyolysis, can result. Electrolytes are also responsible for the coordination of important metabolic processes, send signals to muscle and nerve cells, and can transmit electrical impulses. CAUTION: The horse often indicates the loss of electrolytes by refusing water. It instinctively senses that the intake of water would further decrease the electrolyte concentration in its body. This means that electrolytes need to be administered before water intake. The most common reason for electrolyte deficiency is severe fluid loss through sweating, triggered by stress, exertion, or during transport. Other causes can be diseases such as colic or diarrhoea and - in rarer cases - inadequate roughage or feed. Symptoms such as exhaustion or reduced performance also indicate an insufficient supply of minerals. Electrolyte deficiency can also result in circulatory problems easily detected by pale mucous membranes, In breeding, the mating process in stallions and the birthing process in mares are particularly sweaty and can lead to an undersupply. High-quality feed as a basis, topped up by an individual supply of electrolytes A balanced diet with high-quality feed, especially hay, is a good basis for the supply of electrolytes. Mineral requirements that cannot be covered by roughage must be compensated by means of dietary supplements. While a basic supply is usually sufficient for leisure horses, (performance) athletes usually require electrolyte products with a higher dose. It is also important to have a plentiful supply of fresh water, since electrolytes and water are always connected. But why does the horse sweat in the first place? Well, sweat is the best way to thermoregulate the horse's body during exertion; it acts like an air conditioner. Sweat is composed of water, electrolytes, and proteins. The more a horse sweats, the higher the electrolyte concentration in the blood. Protein excretion is seen as a white foam that appears between the buttocks or under the saddle blanket during great exertion, as well as on the head under the bridle. Performance, temperature, and humidity can result in considerable fluid loss - and therefore also electrolyte loss. A careful administration of electrolytes at the right time is needed to compensate for this. The best time of day is the evening, when the work is done and the stall is quiet. Choosing the evening before an active day ensures a relaxed absorption of electrolytes with the concentrate feed. The horse recognises best how much water it ńeeds to keep its electrolyte levels balanced when it is at rest. NOTE: Electrolytes should not be administered under stress, during transport, or immediately before or after exercise. NutriLabs has developed three products to ensure every horse can be offered the optimal dose of electrolytes, whether leisure horse or top athlete: Nutrilytes® Basic, Nutrilytes® Ultra, and Nutrilytes® High Performance. Nutrilytes® supports your horse's performance and helps keep it healthy. Nutrilytes® Basic is designed for leisure horses that perform light to medium work. It is suitable for daily feeding and has a high sodium chloride content. Nutrilytes® Basic and a balanced diet get every horse off to a great start. Nutrilytes® Ultra Pellets were developed for leisure and sport horses with an increased need for electrolytes. Heavy sweating also causes horses to lose trace elements, so Nutrilytes® Ultra also includes the necessary salts, as well as zinc, copper, and iron Nutrilytes® High Performance is the ideal electrolyte product for horses that have to perform at their best. Its broad spectrum of important ingredients makes it the perfect option for competition horses. Nutrilytes® Ultra and High Performance are fed in pellet form, making feeding easy by ensuring maximum acceptance by the horse. It is also ideal for administering a high amount of electrolytes. The pellets are even suitable for horses with sensitive stomachs. Author: Andrea Kerssenbrock

2023-02-08T00:00:00+01:00 2023-02-08T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/support-for-gastrointestinal-issues EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ Horses have sensitive digestive systems, making it important for horse owners to be familiar with signs of digestive distress. There are many factors that contribute to a horse's digestive health. Some indications of healthy digestion are how much or how little your horse is eating and drinking, whether they have a shiny coat or whether they seem relaxed. If you notice a change in your horse's droppings, or eating and drinking behaviours, please contact a vet to help diagnose the situation. Here are a few products by the brand NutriLabs that ease symptoms and help prevent gastrointestinal issues: Mineral supplements to relieve stomach acid: Acid Protect® was developed specifically for horses with severe stomach acid problems. It helps the horse rebuild its stomach lining while protecting the walls of the stomach from further exposure. Acid Protect® is also suitable for foals. Aka-Biotix is especially suitable for horses suffering from faecal water. It binds excessive amounts of liquid and sand deposits, supports intestinal flora and peristalsis, and cleanses the intestines. Psyllium encourages intestinal activity, while prebiotics, elecampane and fructo-oligosaccharides (multiple sugars) promote healthy intestinal flora. They serve as nutrients for certain bacteria and activate desirable bacteria, as well as reducing undesirable germs. The Synbiotix powder with prebiotics and yeast helps intestinal flora grow and recover. The powder contains sugar compounds (fructo-oligosaccharides) that are not completely digested, remaining available to the desirable microorganisms in the intestine, promoting their growth. Together with yeast, they encourage the rapid growth of endogenous probiotic bacteria, preventing undesirable germs. We're all familiar with how uncomfortable it is to experience gastrointestinal complaints. For this reason, we're happy to offer NutriLab's great selection of products that can help support your horse on its way back to health! Author: Andrea Kressenbrock

2023-02-02T00:00:00+01:00 2023-02-02T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/product-test-hoof-support EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ A horse's hooves need particular substances such as the scaffold protein keratin in order to grow well. A lack of amino acids, vitamins, or minerals can have a negative effect on hoof growth, horn substance, and elasticity. This is one of many important reasons to ensure your horse enjoys a balanced and nutrient-rich diet. The Hoof Support Pellets by the brand NutriLabs contain calcium, dimethyl sulfone, and biotin. Plus, many important amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements have been added to the formula to support vital processes, promoting strong hoof growth. But does the product live up to its promise? We have tested the complementary feed on 2 different horses for 3 months. Test Horse Bandera Bandera tends to have brittle, fragile hooves that grow rather slowly. Bandera enjoyed eating the pellets from the beginning. After a while, you really could see an improvement in the hoof structure. After the test phase, the hooves have definitely become visibly stronger and harder, and their growth has improved. Test Horse Glücksi The problem with Glücksi is that he tends to drag his hind legs. This not only means that his hooves wear down quickly, but he also loses his rear horseshoes from time to time. The rear hooves are therefore often very short. There was not much change to the hoof structure after the test phase, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing. The hooves have definitely grown faster, making it easier to deal with small problems in the future. Conclusion: Both horses accepted the Hoof Support Pellets well and showed positive changes. We can therefore very much recommend the complementary feed to all horse owners who are struggling with hoof problems.

2022-11-10T00:00:00+01:00 2022-11-10T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/product-review-fuderex-cream EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ The cold, wet autumn and winter are a challenge for many horse owners. One not only needs more motivation to go outside in the cold, but horses tend to be a lot more vulnerable to mallenders during these cold months. Mallenders are caused by the over-production of keratin in the horse's body. Mallenders usually occur on the hind legs and around the hock joints, but can also show up in other parts of the body. In most cases, mallenders show up as red areas, scabs or crusty areas. It is important to be able to recognise mallenders so you can treat the areas quickly. This week, we tested the FUDEREX Cream by NutriLabs. The FUDEREX Cream contains both zinc oxide and lanolin to protect the skin from wetness. It also contains sulphur to help the skin recover. Here are the results of our tests: Test Horse: Heidi Age: 18 years Heidi is stabled in a stable building with daily access to a paddock. The paddock is often quite muddy in the autumn and winter. Heidi typically suffers from mallenders, which show up as small pustles and crusts. Heidi's fetlock joints before using the FUDEREX cream: After 3 days, we could already see a positive change in Heidi's condition. The crusts almost completely disappeared, and the skin appeared to be less irritated. We kept using the cream until the crusts disappeared completely. Heidi's fetlock joints after 3 days of using the FUDEREX cream: Test Horse: Crimetime Age: 7 years Crimetime is stabled in a stall and also has access to the paddock every day. In the autumn and winter months, the paddock is also rather muddy. Crimetime suffers from mallenders all year round, but it tends to get worse in the winter. Without treatment, the affected areas begin to ooze and become inflamed. With appropriate care, the mallenders do get better, but have not gone away completely. Crimetome's fetlock joints before using the FUDEREX cream: We used the FUDEREX Cream on Crimetime for 4 weeks. Unfortunately, Crimetime's mallenders did not disappear completely, but we did see a real improvement. The affected are much smaller and not as cracked as they were in the beginning. Crimetime's fetlock joints after using the FUDEREX cream: Conclusion: Mallenders can occur in a wide variety of forms and impact every horse differently. It is most important to carefully investigate and treat the affected areas. Based on our experiences, we recommend using the FUDEREX cream for support for existing mallenders or as a preventive measure for horses that are sensitive to mallenders.

2022-07-07T00:00:00+02:00 2022-07-07T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/paddock-fencing-by-kerbl EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ You can now find a category with pasture fencing products in our online store. It includes a range of products from Kerbl that you can use to put up your own pasture fence. First off, here's a brief explanation of the function of a pasture fence and what factors you need to keep in mind before you start. What is the function of a pasture fence? The main function of a pasture fence is to fence animals in as well as out. The requirements differ depending on the species of animal. For horses, for instance, the fence should be about 1.50 m high, while 1.10 m is sufficient for cattle. For sheep and poultry, netting is the preferred choice. What do I need for a pasture fence? You will need the following to put up an effective pasture fence: Earthing rods Earthing cable Pasture fence energiser Wooden & plastic stakes Fence connection cable Pasture fence rope or tape Clip connectors Insulators Warning signs Gate handle Testing device Earthing The most important component of a pasture fence is earthing. The electrical circuit will not work without it. Factors to keep in mind for earthing: The better the earthing, the more effective the shock. Earthing rods should be at least 1 metre long The more earthing rods, the better Should be made of corrosion-resistant material Place in a damp, overgrown area Do not use earthing meant for buildings You can check whether the earthing is sufficient with a testing device. The voltage should be 0.0. If you don't have access to a fence energiser, you can carry out the test by touching the earth rods. If you feel a slight tingle, the earthing is too weak and you should use more earthing rods. Which type of fence energiser should I use? We offer 3 different types of fence energisers: Power supply unit Battery operated unit Solar power operated unit Generally, a power supply unit connected to the mains is the best option for an energiser because: Low energy costs Low maintenance High output power Not damaged by growing vegetation If using a power supply unit is not an option, you can use an energiser powered by battery or solar power. Although both these options are usually less powerful, they are much more flexible. Do I have to put up warning signs? All parts of an electric fence that are installed along a public road or footpath must be labelled with warning signs at frequent intervals. If this is not observed, the insurance will be cancelled in the event of damage. What should I do if my pasture fence / pasture fence energiser is not working? Checking the energiser itself is relatively easy. Unplug the device and hold a pasture fence tester against it. If the device registers sufficient voltage, the fault does not lie with the device itself. Next, it is best to check whether the earthing is sufficient. See above. If the earthing is also fine, use the fence tester to test along the fence. If the power is considerably weaker at one point, this is probably the problem. The reason for this could be knots in the tape/rope or worn out sections. If you are using connectors, it is advisable to use special Litzclip connectors and not simply connect sections of tape/rope with knots. We wish you good luck as you put up your own pasture fence!

2022-03-29T00:00:00+02:00 2022-03-29T00:00:00+02:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/what-is-pasture-myopathy EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ What is Atypical Pasture Myopathy? Atypical pasture myopathy is a fatal disease in horses caused by the toxin hypoglycine A. It results in a disturbance of muscle metabolism, which can be fatal within only three days. Pasture myopathy is caused when horses eat the seeds of certain maple species. Younger horses and those that are grazed for more than 12 hours a day are more susceptible to this disease, although any horse can get pasture myopathy. Symptoms of Seasonal Pasture Myopathy The symptoms of pasture myopathy progress very quickly. In fact, the disease is fatal within 72 hours if not detected and treated immediately. The following signs are the most common: Weakened muscles Apathy Fatigue Darkened mucous membranes Trembling of the muscles Refusal to move Inability to lie down (inability to get up after lying down) Fast and irregular heartbeat Dark coloured urine Occasional gagging Difficulty breathing Respiratory failure Collapse Coma Causes of Atypical Pasture Myopathy in Horses The toxin hypoglycin A is found in the seeds of certain maple seeds. Not all maple species contain hypoglycin A, but it has been detected in the seeds of sycamore and ash maple. After consumption, hypoglycine A is converted into methylenecyclopropylacetic acid (MCPA), which prevents the absorption and metabolism of fatty acids. The muscles are no longer supplied with sufficient energy and are destroyed in the process. The muscles needed for standing and breathing are also affected, and even the heart muscles are affected. This leads to increasing weakness, which progresses to coma and eventually death. If you think your horse has eaten the seeds of one of these trees, you should take your horse to a vet immediately, even if you haven't noticed any symptoms yet. Treatment of Atypical Pasture Myopathy in Horses Your horse's treatment will depend on how many seeds were ingested and how long ago that was. If the horse has only eaten small amounts and no symptoms appear, there is nothing you can do but observe the animal for 12 - 24 hours. If no symptoms have appeared yet, but you know that your horse has eaten a large number of seeds, the vet will probably treat your horse immediately with infusions (electrolytes and sugars), the administration of painkillers and the administration of vitamins and antioxidants. The prognosis depends on the severity of the condition and when it is detected. As long as the horse can still stand, a complete cure can be achieved. Prophylaxis Clearly, the best chance is prevention. Check around the grazing area for maple trees and remove any sprouts. It is best to play it safe. It is better to close a pasture or even cut down a tree once than to lose one or more horses. When temperatures are cold, stabling (especially at night) is good, and feeding concentrate, mineral feed and good quality hay is also important. Then, when the fields are grazed, the horses do not start chewing on leaves, bark or dead wood. Always remove leaves if possible and fertilise the paddocks with calcium cyanamide. The danger is also reduced if horses do not spend more than six hours a day in the pasture. Incidentally, most cases of pasture myopathy occur in spring between 1 March and 31 May and in autumn between 1 October and 31 December. So you should be especially careful here. If you suspect that your horse might have pasture myopathy, you should seek veterinary help immediately.

2022-02-28T00:00:00+01:00 2022-02-28T00:00:00+01:00 https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/info/magazine/the-importance-of-magnesium-for-horses EquusVitalis uk@equusvitalis.com https://www.equusvitalis.co.uk/ Magnesium is an important mineral for horses because it is involved in numerous functions in the body. Below are the top 10 reasons why horses need sufficient magnesium in their diet: It works closely with calcium to maintain muscle function. When the muscles are supposed to contract, calcium is released for this purpose and migrates to the muscle fibres. Magnesium stops the contraction by pushing back the calcium. By allowing the muscles to relax, it can aid recovery and help relieve muscle pain and cramps in animals after hard work. This mineral can have a performance-enhancing effect on horses by supporting muscle oxygenation, muscle strength and metabolic processes. Magnesium helps nerve cells transmit signals to each other and to the muscles. It is thought to have a calming effect on horses, helping to relieve muscle tremors and nervousness. It can improve stress tolerance and resistance to disease and injury. Stress causes magnesium to be used up more quickly in the body. Ensuring optimal magnesium intake can help speed the return to homeostasis after an external stressor. Magnesium can contribute to normal fat distribution in horses. Magnesium helps cells respond to insulin. It helps prevent laminitis, especially in horses that are more prone to laminitis in the spring. (Horses with laminitis are often found to have low levels of this mineral in their blood). Magnesium also helps protect against inflammation and free radical damage. Optimal magnesium levels help absorb calcium from the diet. This can support healthy bones and your horse's overall well-being. Magnesium Deficiency in Horses The good news is that chronic magnesium deficiency in horses is unlikely. However, a mild to moderate deficiency can occur, which can affect mood and performance. Horses that do not receive adequate amounts of this mineral in their feed may only show signs of deficiency during stress or competition. Most signs of magnesium deficiency are related to impaired nerve or muscle function. Possible symptoms of this are: Nervousness/excitability/anxiety. Inability to relax or concentrate Muscle tremors, cramps, twitches, pain Intolerance of long working hours Highly sensitive to sounds or movements Hypersensitive skin Irritable moods Resistance to exercise Fatigue Irregular heartbeat Teeth grinding Increased sweating The best way to find out if your horse is likely to be deficient in magnesium is to analyse the feed. A blood test is unlikely to be conclusive as blood magnesium levels are kept within a narrow range. Often fast-growing grasses are low in magnesium. Such grasses are also likely to be low in sodium and high in potassium, which can exacerbate a deficiency. Other dietary factors can affect the absorption and assimilation of magnesium in the body. High amounts of fibre, oxalates, phosphates and fat in forage can reduce absorption in horses. Forage grown on acidic or clay soils may also be low in magnesium throughout the year. In addition, the composition of the forage can influence the magnesium content in horses, as digestibility varies depending on the forage. Alfalfa has the highest magnesium digestibility at 50%, while cereals have the lowest at 38%. Horses that eat a lot of cereals may therefore be more susceptible to a deficiency of this important mineral. Types of Magnesium Supplements Magnesium is present in varying amounts in forages and cereals. Concentrated feed may or may not contain extra magnesium depending on the amount of other ingredients. The amount of indigestible fibre and the presence of oxalates affect the availability of magnesium in feeds. Supplemental magnesium can be either inorganic (magnesium sulphate or magnesium oxide) or organic (chelated magnesium). Magnesium oxide is probably the most commonly used source and has an absorption rate of about 50%. The advantage of magnesium oxide is that the body does not absorb it unless there is a deficiency, so it is difficult to overdose a horse with it. Magnesium sulphate (Epsom salt) is also highly available to the horse for absorption, but it also has the effect of drawing water into the intestine and causing diarrhoea, so it is not recommended for daily use. Feeding It is always best to adjust the mineral content in your horse's diet with veterinary advice. As a general rule, it is advisable to spread the dosage of supplemental magnesium over two meals per day to minimise the risk of digestive disorders such as diarrhoea. The risk of overdosing is very low when you feed your horse extra magnesium. Excess magnesium is quickly excreted in the urine, so it does not normally accumulate to dangerous levels in the horse's body. However, giving high doses can cause diarrhoea. In general, it is more important to maintain an adequate calcium-magnesium ratio than to worry about an excess of magnesium. We can recommend the following magnesium products for horses from our shop: Powder: Mg Magnesium by Dr. Weyrauch EquiPower - Magnesium Pellets: Magnesium from Marstall Magnesium pellets from NATUSAT