The key to hoof health

The saying ‘no foot no horse’ certainly holds true so it’s not surprising that hoof health is high on the list of priorities for many owners. Although biotin is often the first nutrient that springs to mind, several other factors play a key role in maintaining/ achieving strong, healthy hooves…

Laying the foundations

Diet is just one of many factors that affect hoof health including trimming and shoeing, weather, and genetics.

We asked The Equine Podiatry Association (EPA) and the British Farriers & Blacksmiths Association (BFBA) for their comments on the best approach to hoof health.

“Optimum hoof health is team work and can be promoted by regular farriery appointments, good stable hygiene and nutrition. A well-balanced trim and the application of appropriate shoes, if necessary, is vital whilst good stable management and hygiene are essential in promoting growth of a healthy horn preventing the hoof capsule becoming compromised by unwanted bacteria. The BFBA would encourage all owners and carers to contact a qualified equine nutritionist before making changes to their horse’s diet” said the BFBA.

The EPA added, “We work closely with owners to help them understand how factors such as diet and environment can influence the health of the hoof. One of the biggest issues that we face as Equine Podiatrists is educating owners that a balanced species appropriate diet is key in order to grow a healthy hoof capsule”.

Some horses, such as those with particularly poor hoof growth and/ or quality, may benefit from a specialist hoof supplement (in addition a balanced diet). Whilst spring grass may provide 3 times more energy (calories) than your horse needs, forage alone is unlikely to provide a balanced diet. It is also worth remembering that due to the time it takes to for the hoof to grow, it can take up to 12 months to see the effects of either reduced or improved nutrition.

Biotin

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7 or vitamin H, is one of the most researched nutrients when it comes to hoof health. Biotin and other B vitamins are produced as a by-product of fibre fermentation in the hindgut. There is no published requirement in horses but some scientific studies have found supplementary biotin to have a positive effect on hoof health and/ or growth:

*Feeding 0.12mg of biotin per kilogram of bodyweight (60mg per day for a 500kg horse) for 5 months has been seen to improve hoof growth.

*Feeding 15mg of biotin per day for 10 months has been seen to increase hoof hardness and horn growth.

*Feeding 5mg of biotin per 100-150kg of bodyweight per day for 8-15 months (17-25mg per day for a 500kg horse) has been seen to improve hoof horn condition. However horn condition deteriorated again when supplementation was either reduced or removed.

Several feeds and balancers now contain elevated levels of biotin and when fed at the recommended ration, may reduce or even remove the need further biotin supplementation.

Protein

The hoof wall consists largely of protein including keratin – the same structural protein found in our own skin, hair and fingernails! Providing sufficient levels of key amino acids (building blocks of protein) is therefore essential for hoof growth, integrity and strength.

Lysine and methionine

Lysine and methionine are essential amino acids and important building blocks of hoof wall. In fact, methionine contains sulfur, a mineral which is needed for keratin formation. Essential amino acids cannot be produced by the horse and must therefore be provided by the diet. Levels in UK forage are typically low and therefore feeding a balancer as opposed to a broad spectrum vitamin and mineral supplement may be more beneficial for good doers that do not require the calories provided by compound feed.

Copper & Zinc

Copper and zinc play a number roles important for both hoof health and strength. Like amino acids, levels of copper and zinc are typically low in forage.

Calcium

Calcium is not just good for bones and teeth! Although only hooves only contain very small amounts of calcium it is important for cell attachment in the hoof wall.

MSM

Whilst you may associate MSM with joint health, you may also find it in the ingredients list for your hoof supplement. Although not a nutrient, MSM is in high in the mineral sulfur (needed to form keratin).

Beware of over-feeding selenium!

More does not always equal better and this is certainly true for selenium. Chronic selenium toxicity (a build up over time) can lead to abnormal hoof cracking around the coronary band which in severe cases, can lead to shedding of the hoof wall. However much lower intakes have been seen to have detrimental effects on hoof health which is why many nutritionists recommended feeding no more than 5mg per day for a 500kg horse.

For more advice on feeding a balanced diet contact the SPILLERS Care-Line 01908 226626