I have told more than one owner, the best nutrition/supplement for the horse's feet is a lot of wet saddle blankets every week. If they follow the advice even a newbie owner can tell the difference, in the hooves, after 12 weeks.
David, I agree this should have more attention, but cattle producers really know more about this. Not enough funding to study in horses. Even the NRC Nutrient Guidelines for the Horse depends a lot on other species. In addition to the impact of insulin on equine feet, I think that copper and zinc deficiency often plays a role in equine hoof health. Copper is necessary for the cross linking of keratin fibers that gives hooves hardness and integrity. But as far as I'm concerned, keratin is keratin, and needs the same trace minerals in horses as cows. Journal of Dairy Science Volume 87, Issue 4, April 2004, Pages 797–809 Invited Review: Formation of Keratins in the Bovine Claw: Roles of Hormones, Minerals, and Vitamins in Functional Claw Integrity D.J. Tomlinson1, , , C.H. Mülling2, T.M. Fakler1 Keratins are the characteristic structural proteins of the highly cornified epidermis of the skin, feathers, and hoof. Keratin proteins provide the structural basis for the unique properties of the biomaterial horn and its protective function against a wide range of environmental factors. Hoof horn is produced through a complex process of differentiation (keratinization) of epidermal cells. Formation and biochemical binding of keratin proteins and synthesis and exocytosis of intercellular cementing substance (ICS) are the hallmarks of keratinization. It is finalized by the programmed death of the living epidermal cells, i.e., cornification, that turns the living epidermal cells into dead horn cells. The latter become connected by the intercellular cementing substance. The functional integrity of hoof horn essentially depends on a proper differentiation, i.e., keratinization of hoof epidermal cells. Keratinization of hoof epidermis is controlled and modulated by a variety of bioactive molecules and hormones. This process is dependent on an appropriate supply of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. Regulation and control of differentiation and nutrient flow to the epidermal cells play a central role in determining the quality and, consequently, the functional integrity of hoof horn. Decreasing nutrient supply to keratinizing epidermal cells leads to horn production of inferior quality and increased susceptibility to chemical, physical, or microbial damage from the environment. A growing body of evidence suggests that hormones, vitamins, minerals, and trace elements play critical roles in the normal development of claw horn and correct keratin formation.
I have seen and heard this too. This is feasible via resolution of insulin resistance, which removes the damaging effects of insulin on new horn material being produced.
Not sure I understand that can you explain that further for me Brian? I m not turning into a barefoot trimmer, but in all there posts they bang on about feed and horses ability to cope without shoes if the diet is right. Id love to be able to manipulate feet through diet. When we are really desperate we resort to the feed supplements that improve feet. Is there couter productive feed stuffs and are there beneficial, I bet there is.
Thats cos shoeing doesnt interest them, feeding there horse a mix that looks better than there husbands breakfast cereal does.
This time of the year, I am advising all cronic lamanitic horses to be drylotted and fed only dry hay and very little grain at all...water at one end of lot and hay at the other...I have a mare that gains weight looking at anything green, so she is UP and only gets hay and alittle bit of crimped oats...she gets really cresty and takes forever for her to shed her hair...won money on her Sat and she was her old self so it doesn't seem to hurt her to keep her slim..she has won me over $50,000 over her 19 yrs .. not that much but our jackpots are small due to cheap entry fees...
I have found that rather than explaining the metabolic process that causes founder in hope that an owner will dry lot their horse, I now simply suggest that they transfer a couple of thousand dollars from savings into checking so they can pay the Vet and Farrier. This tends to get action quickly.
