When it comes to owning a horse, one of the essential aspects that every horse owner should be aware of is the importance of properly balancing their horse's diet. An essential component of a horse’s nutritional needs is selenium, a vital trace element. This blog post will delve into the importance of selenium for horses and address a common question: how much selenium does a horse need?
How Much Selenium Does A Horse Need Table of Contents
Why is Selenium Important for Horses?
Signs of Selenium Deficiency in Horses
Why is Selenium Important for Horses?
Selenium is an indispensable trace mineral that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions of a horse. It helps in:
- Enhancing the immune system
- Neutralizing free radicals
- Supporting muscle function
- Promoting healthy reproductive processes
- Strengthening cell membranes and connective tissues
However, the selenium content in necessary feed ingredients, such as forage, may vary depending on the soil's selenium concentration in which the feed is grown. So, horse owners must ensure that their horses are getting an adequate amount of selenium in their diet.
Signs of Selenium Deficiency in Horses
If a horse is not getting the required amounts of selenium in its diet, it may show the following signs:
- Weakness and poor performance
- Probable infection due to a weakened immune system
- Stiff or sore muscles
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Muscle atrophy
Recommended Selenium Intake for Horses
According to the National Research Council's (NRC) recommendations, horses should receive 0.1 milligrams (mg) of selenium per kilogram (kg) of dry matter consumed daily. For most adult horses, this would translate to approximately 1-3 mg of selenium per day, depending on their weight, activity level, and overall health.
It is crucial to balance selenium intake because too little can lead to deficiency, and too much can cause toxicity. Selenium toxicity can manifest as:
- Hair loss
- Sloughing of hooves
- Impaired liver and kidney function
- Paralysis and colic-like symptoms
- In extreme cases, death
To avoid selenium toxicity, it is essential not to exceed the upper tolerable limit, which the NRC considers to be 2 mg of selenium per kg of diet dry matter.
Sources of Selenium for Horses
Selenium can typically be found in the following horse feed types:
- Forages grown in selenium-rich soils
- Commercial horse feeds
- Vitamin and mineral supplements specifically designed for horses
If you are unsure whether your horse is getting the right amount of selenium in its diet, consult with your veterinarian or equine nutritionist for assistance.
How Much Selenium Does A Horse Need Example:
Jane recently acquired a five-year-old Quarter Horse named Sunny. Although Sunny appears to be healthy overall, Jane notices that he seems to tire easily and has been suffering from frequent illness. After discussing Sunny's situation with her veterinarian, Jane discovered that he may have a selenium deficiency due to the low selenium levels in the forage she has been feeding Sunny.
Jane was advised to switch Sunny to a different type of forage and add supplemental selenium to his diet to reach the NRC recommendation of 1-3 mg per day. After implementing these changes, Sunny's health and performance improved significantly. Jane continues to monitor Sunny's selenium intake to avoid deficiency or toxicity and maintain his overall well-being.
As responsible horse owners, it is crucial to understand and maintain the appropriate balance of essential minerals in your horse's diet, including selenium. Knowing the importance of selenium for horses and ensuring they receive adequate amounts of it can aid in preventing health issues and promoting their overall well-being. If you found this article helpful, please share it with other horse owners, and don't forget to explore other informative guides on How to Own a Horse for more tips on horse care and management.
