by Kentucky Equine Research Staff
Horses can satisfy vitamin E requirements by grazing fresh, green pasture, typically consuming about 2,000 IU per day. Modern management often limits pasture access, and while hay contains vitamin E, levels decline rapidly after baling and storage. Given these challenges, routine testing is the most reliable way to confirm your horse’s vitamin E status and prevent deficiency-related disease.
“Horses should receive 1–2 IU of vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) per kg body weight. based on a daily dry-matter intake of 2% to 2.5% of body weight. Alternatively, the total diet should supply 50 to 80 IU of vitamin E per kilogram of dry matter, an amount that provides roughly the same daily intake,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor for Kentucky Equine Research.
Vitamin E blood levels can be measured by your veterinarian. According to Carrie Finno, D.V.M., Ph.D., a board-certified internal medicine clinician at the University of California, Davis, horses should maintain blood vitamin E concentrations above 2 μg/mL.*
Blood levels alone, though, do not necessarily indicate if signs of deficiency will develop.
“Whether or not a deficiency of vitamin E has an impact on health depends upon individual genetic factors, the temporal occurrence of deficiency during development, and the duration of deficiency,” explained Finno in her presentation at the 2024 American Association of Equine Practitioners Annual Convention.
For example, genetically susceptible foals with vitamin E deficiency may develop equine neuroaxonal dystrophy/equine degenerative myeloencephalopathy, whereas older horses with chronic vitamin E deficiency lasting more than 18 months may develop equine motor neuron disease. Other adults may develop vitamin E-responsive myopathy.
Finno recommended testing vitamin E status and supplementing horses that have levels below 2 µg/mL with vitamin E.
However, it is important to remember that different labs have different methods for analyzing vitamin E. Be sure to reference the specific range provided by the lab performing your test.
“Careful consideration of both product type and dose when targeting vitamin E supplementation in deficient horses is important,” she advised.
“Studies have shown that natural-source vitamin E is more effective at increasing vitamin E status in horses compared to synthetic vitamin E. Synthetic vitamin E (dl-alpha-tocopherol) contains eight different isomers, slightly different forms of the same compound that horses cannot use efficiently. Natural vitamin E (d-alpha-tocopherol) is made entirely of the isomer that horses absorb and use easily,” explained Whitehouse.
She added, “Supplementation levels above basic requirements are often needed to improve vitamin E status, making it essential that horse owners consult with their veterinarian and monitor how the individual horse responds to supplementation over time. Natural vitamin E is also available in different forms. Liquid products are water-dispersible, such as Nano-E, and have a higher bioavailability, making them the first choice when managing horses deficient in vitamin E.”
Yes, routine testing of your horse’s vitamin E levels is recommended. If blood levels are still low in supplemented horses, additional testing for parasites or malabsorption may be recommended by your veterinarian.
Reprinted courtesy of Kentucky Equine Research. Kentucky Equine Research is an international equine nutrition, research, and consultation company serving horse owners and the feed industry.
Our goals are to advance the industry's knowledge of equine nutrition and exercise physiology, apply that knowledge to produce healthier, more athletic horses, and support the nutritional care of all horses throughout their lives. Learn more at Kentucky Equine Research.
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*Finno, C.J. 2024. How to assess and correct vitamin E concentrations. In: Proc. American Association of Equine Practitioners Convention 70:524-526.
The video showcases the Icelandic horse and its incredible qualities – unique, genuine and pure. The horse is the embodiment of the Icelandic spirit and has for centuries played an important role for the entire nation. Today, this is as true as ever, as it opens up a world of adventure and companionship, forging friendship that will last for a lifetime.
Horse racing odds are crucial for both seasoned bettors and newcomers. Grasping these odds can enhance your betting experience by providing insight into potential winnings. This article explains how these odds are calculated and interpreted.
Horse racing odds might initially seem complex, but they are vital in the betting world. These odds offer insights into the likelihood of a horse winning a race and the potential payout if your bet is successful.
By understanding the basics of horse racing odds, you can make more informed betting decisions, whether you're placing a wager on a local race or exploring options like leopardstown betting at Boylesports.
This article will help you become a more knowledgeable enthusiast by explaining the intricacies of odds calculation and interpretation.
The calculation of horse racing odds involves analysing various factors that might influence a race's outcome. Key elements include the horse's past performance, current form, and the jockey's track record. Additionally, track conditions and weather can affect how well a horse performs on race day. Bookmakers use this information to set initial odds, which can shift as bets are placed and new information becomes available.
Betting patterns significantly influence how odds are calculated. As money is wagered on specific horses, bookmakers adjust the odds to balance their books and minimise risk. This dynamic process means that understanding the basics of odds calculation can give you an advantage. When you recognise patterns or shifts in odds, you can potentially identify opportunities for favorable bets.
Horse racing odds are presented in several formats, each conveying the same fundamental information but catering to different preferences and regions. Fractional odds are common in the UK and are expressed as ratios like 5/1 or 7/2, indicating potential profit relative to your stake. Decimal odds are prevalent in Europe and Australia, showing total payout per unit bet, such as 6.0 or 4.5.
The moneyline format is popular in North America and presents odds as positive or negative numbers, representing potential profit on a stake or the amount needed to win a specific amount. For instance, +300 indicates a profit on a bet, while -150 means you need to wager a certain amount to earn a profit. By familiarising yourself with these formats, you can easily compare offers across platforms and select bets that align with your strategy.
To make informed betting decisions, it’s essential to interpret odds correctly. Odds reflect not only potential payouts but also implied probabilities of outcomes. By converting fractional or decimal odds into percentages, you can assess how likely a bookmaker believes an event is to occur. This knowledge empowers you to gauge whether an offered bet represents value based on your own assessment of an event.
Comparing odds across multiple bookmakers is another crucial step for any bettor seeking value. Different platforms may offer slightly varying odds due to their unique calculations and risk assessments. By shopping around, you might find more favorable terms that enhance your potential returns or reduce your risk exposure.
Technology has transformed how fans access and understand horse racing odds today. Online platforms provide real-time updates and comprehensive data analytics that were previously unavailable to casual bettors. These platforms allow you to track market movements instantly and adjust strategies based on live information.
Mobile applications further simplify this process by delivering notifications about significant changes in odds directly to your device. This constant connectivity ensures that you're always equipped with the latest insights no matter where you are. Embracing these technological advancements enhances your betting experience by offering unprecedented levels of accessibility and convenience.
There are more interesting articles in our section on Racing & Wagering.
Relocating a horse to another boarding barn is a decision often driven by a combination of issues related to your horse's health and happiness, the quality of care provided, and your own riding goals and satisfaction.
Your horse's behavior can be a major indicator that it is unhappy or unsafe.
Issues with the barn's management can directly impact your horse's welfare and your peace of mind.
Sometimes the problem isn't the barn, but a mismatch between what you want and what the barn offers.
The bottom line is to trust your gut. If something doesn't feel right, or if you or your horse are consistently unhappy, it is likely time to part ways and find a better environment.
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Essential Spanish words for a horse barn include terms for the horse itself, common care tasks, tack and equipment, and basic commands. Learning these can help with communication and ensure safety for both you and the horses.
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