Many horses today need little or no concentrate feed. In fact, they already get enough energy from roughage to maintain their condition. We should think especially of horses at rest, recreational horses that do little work, austere breeds, brood and gestating mares in early pregnancy, young horses,….

But that doesn’t mean their rations are complete.

The hidden problem

Roughage often contains insufficient vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
Vitamin E drops sharply as grass is stored, as shown in the graph below. This shows that only horses that could eat unlimited fresh grass can meet their maintenance needs for vitamin E, in addition, some horses such as sport horses have an increased need for vitamin E.

In addition, trace elements such as selenium, copper and zinc are often insufficient.
This can lead to long-term health problems.

The solution: a balancer

A balancer is a concentrated source of essential nutrients without extra energy.

Why choose VitaMinalia Equine BALANCER?

• Highly concentrated in all essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements
• Maximum uptake
  Contains organically bound zinc, copper, manganese and selenium → more absorbable and effective
• Very low in sugar (3.5%) and starch (3%), free of grains, soy and molasses
  → ideal for sensitive or frugal horses
• Supports muscle maintenance
  With essential amino acids such as lysine, methionine and threonine
• Healthy digestion & resistance
  Thanks to the addition of brewer’s yeast
• Excellent value for money
  Only ± €0.80 per horse per day (at daily dosage of 250g, purchase per 20 kg bag)

Conclusion

VitaMinalia Equine BALANCER gives your horse everything it needs – and nothing it doesn’t.

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For example, micronutrients such as vitamins A, E and C, copper, zinc and selenium are extremely important for a functioning immune system. They also play an important role in fertility. In turn, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are very important for the bone development of the (unborn) foal.

During preparation for mating (or embryo transfer) and during gestation, the need for essential vitamins, minerals and trace elements increases. A deficiency can lead to reduced fertility, more difficult gestation or suboptimal development of the unborn foal. VitaMinalia Equine Balancer provides these micronutrients in the correct proportions without making the ration unnecessarily heavy. This concentrated composition is ideal to combine with a roughage ration.

For these reasons, they give VitaMinalia equine Balancer to all pregnant mares at Aan De Watergang veterinary practice.

A well-prepared breeding season begins today. With VitaMinalia Equine Balancer you invest in the vitality and fertility of the mare as well as in the future of the foal – from day one.

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New: natural antioxidants from grapes

In the updated formulation, we have added natural polyphenols from grapes. These plant-based antioxidants help neutralize free radicals in the body and thus support your horse’s cellular health, immune system and ability to recover. Especially in sport horses, older horses or animals exposed to stress, this extra protection is welcome.

New: source of inulin for healthy intestinal flora

A second important addition is a natural source of inulin, a prebiotic. Inulin stimulates the growth of beneficial bacteria in the gut and contributes to a stable and healthy intestinal flora. A properly functioning gut is the basis for a strong immune system, efficient digestion and balanced behavior.

Below we would like to mention again why to choose VitaMinalia Equine BALANCER:

• Highly concentrated in all necessary vitamins, trace elements and minerals in the best absorbable forms without adding extra energy
• Supplemented with high-quality protein and amino acids to maintain muscle mass
• Brewer’s yeast, source of B vitamins, supports digestion and overall health
• Best value for money
• Tasty pellet that is well absorbed
• Brings very little sugar and starch
• Low cost in use due to low application rate
• Suitable for any type of horse

This new composition is already available now at our distributors and on our webshop!

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During the first 5-6 months of gestation, the fetus is still developing very slowly and the energy and protein requirements of the broodmare are quite low. In many cases, a quality roughage is sufficient to meet the main nutritional needs. However, supplementing the ration with a good vitamin and mineral balancer is recommended to maintain good health and resistance. A well-balanced licking bucket can also be a practical alternative for mares housed in groups (or on pasture). Breeding mares that are still being ridden obviously do have higher energy requirements and are best supplemented with a quality concentrate feed. Mares that are too skinny can also be given some extra concentrate feed at this stage to get in better condition.

From the ^5th month of gestation the need for energy and especially protein increases for the development of the placenta and especially in the last trimester of gestation the unborn foal develops very rapidly. Towards the end of gestation, the protein requirement therefore increases by more than 40%! The energy requirement increases by about 25-30%. It is therefore important to monitor the condition of mares towards the end of pregnancy. Some mares will be able to maintain their condition by taking in more roughage, other mares will start to lose body condition themselves because they are giving a lot of nutrients to the foal. These mares will therefore need concentrate feed supplementation. Mares at the end of the gestation are best a little more in condition (without being too fat, of course) to allow good milk production during lactation.

In addition to energy and protein, pregnant mares also have an increased need for certain trace elements, vitamins and minerals during the last trimester. Copper requirements for the unborn foal, for example, have been shown to increase significantly. Mares that receive too little copper during pregnancy produce foals at increased risk of OCDs. In addition, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and magnesium play an important role in the foal’s bone formation. Vitamins A, E and beta-carotene, in turn, are important to maintain the mare’s resistance around foaling and to produce enough quality colostrum so that the foal has a good start.

VitaMinalia Equine OPTIGROW was developed to optimally support the broodmare at the end of pregnancy (and during lactation) with high-quality proteins, vitamins, highly absorbable trace elements and minerals. So that you can give your foal the best possible start!

Do not hesitate to contact us in case of additional questions!

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Protein contained in the ration is broken down (in part) into amino acids in the small intestine, these amino acids are then absorbed by the intestinal wall into the bloodstream and transported through the liver to the various tissues. Moreover, the liver is able to convert certain amino acids to other amino acids. However, there are certain (so-called essential) amino acids that the horse cannot produce itself, so these amino acids must be provided through the diet. Essential amino acids include lysine, methionine, threonine and tryptophan.

All feeds (both roughage and concentrate) contain protein; however, there is a wide variation in the amount and quality of protein that different feeds contain. The quality of a protein source depends mainly on its digestibility and the proportion of essential amino acids it contains. High-quality protein sources include soy and flaxseed.

Grass, hay and haylage has a very variable protein content depending on the season, growth stage of the grass and fertilization level of the grassland. Increasingly, we are seeing hay and haylage from unfertilized grassland that does not contain enough protein to meet the horse’s needs. Especially sport horses, broodmares and growing young horses have increased protein needs for muscle building, among other things. It is therefore recommended to do a regular analysis of the protein content of your forage and make an appropriate supplement with an appropriate concentrate feed or supplement.

Since traditional protein sources in horse nutrition (especially grass, hay and haylage) are relatively poor in the most essential amino acids, all VitaMinalia products are enriched with high-quality protein sources and essential amino acids to meet your horse’s needs.

If you have additional questions or need advice regarding your horse’s nutrition do not hesitate to contact us!

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This also applies to VitaMinalia EQUINE OPTIGROW, this product not only ensures the healthy growth and development of foals and young horses, it also supports the fertility of broodmares. We would like to explain some of the components that contribute to this:

• Beta-carotene (also known as provitamin A), this vitamin is known for its positive effect on showing stallionhood and faster resumption of the cycle after birth. Beta-carotene is also absorbed by the yellow body and plays a role in the formation of progesterone, important for maintaining early gestation. Deficiencies in beta-carotene can therefore lead to increased embryonic mortality. Especially at the end of winter/early spring it is important to provide beta-carotene as the levels of beta-carotene in roughage are very low.
• Folic acid (vitamin B9) is very important for proper development of the unborn foal
• Vitamin E and selenium intervene in the formation of reproductive hormones. Mares deficient in these antioxidants also have an increased risk of giving birth to foals with congenital defects.
• Trace elements such as copper, zinc and manganese are also important for proper and regular ovulation.

VitaMinalia EQUINE OPTIGROW is enriched with all these elements, moreover, from the best absorbable sources. Thus, natural vitamin E is added and trace element from organic sources (chelates).

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Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin, this means that it is absorbed along with the fat fraction of the feed and can also be stored in fat tissue. Vitamin E has many different functions in the body, the most well known is as an antioxidant. Vitamin E is built into cell membranes and goes to protect them from so-called free radicals. Free radicals are substances that arise during exercise, illness, stress, … and can damage cells and tissues. With heavier efforts, more free radicals are created, which means that sport horses also have an increased need for vitamin E. This is certainly important to keep the muscles supple and healthy. Besides an effect on muscles, vitamin E as an antioxidant also plays a role in fertility, general resistance, a healthy nervous system,…

Horses get vitamin E from grass, hay, concentrates and any supplements. Fresh grass contains plenty of vitamin E; however, when grass (as hay) is stored, the vitamin E content deteriorates rapidly. Vitamin E deficiencies are therefore more frequently observed in winter when horses are fed little or no fresh grass and especially hay (or haylage). Horses require a minimum of 500 mg of vitamin E daily, and in sport horses the requirement can rise sharply to 1000 to 2000 mg daily. In some situations, supplementing the ration with vitamin E is therefore necessary.

Here it is important to also keep in mind that different forms of vitamin E are used. Natural vitamin (RRR-alpha-tocopherol) is better absorbed by the body and also works more efficiently after absorption than synthetic vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopherol). Thus, for horses with vitamin E deficiency or horses with increased requirements, it is definitely recommended to work with natural vitamin E.

All VitaMinalia products contain natural vitamin E, supplemented by other antioxidants such as (organic) selenium and certain plant polyphenols.

The post Explained: The importance of vitamin E for horses appeared first on Vitaminalia Equestrian Supplements for horses!.

We would like to briefly explain the use of the VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER:

VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER is a concentrated vitamin and mineral mixture for horses. This product serves to supplement the rations of horses that receive little or no concentrate feed. VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER provides these horses with all the necessary vitamins, trace elements and minerals for optimal health. In addition, VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER contains essential amino acids to support muscle growth.

VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER is distinguished by the use of high-quality vitamins and trace elements of the latest generation which are absorbed very well.

In the following situations, the use of VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER is indicated:

Yearling, two-year-old and three-year-old horses. This is to provide these horses with extra minerals and high quality trace elements for a healthy (bone) growth
Mares for breeding (and carrying) during the first 6-7 months of pregnancy that receive little or no concentrate feed. Afterwards VitaMinalia EQUINE OPTIGROW is best provided
Ponies, recreational and sport horses which get little or no (vitaminized) concentrates.

Below is the recommended dosage

1 full measuring cup (150 ml) contains approximately 120 grams of VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER pellets.

Currently, the VitaMinalia EQUINE BALANCER pellets are only available in 20 kg bags. Soon the 5 kg buckets will also be available.

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It seems obvious but it cannot be emphasized enough that good roughage is the foundation for broodmares as well. Good roughage ensures a healthy digestive system and helps prevent problems such as stomach ulcers and colic. The preferred choice here is good grass, hay or haylage. This contains a lot of crude fiber, a decent level of protein (although there can be very much variation in this!), it is relatively rich in minerals and counters boredom as horses spend a long time absorbing it.

It is important to keep the mare in a healthy condition (not too thin but certainly not too fat either). The condition can be controlled with an appropriate amount of concentrate feed. Especially towards the end of the gestation period it can be useful to increase the amount of concentrate feed because the unborn foal will grow rapidly.

The minerals calcium, phosphorus and magnesium are very important for proper bone formation in the unborn foal. If the foal receives these minerals in low amounts or in the wrong proportions, it is at high risk of being born with weaker bones.

Breeding mares should therefore receive additional minerals during gestation, this can be done through an appropriate concentrate feed for broodmares, a supplement or possibly a well-balanced licking bucket. In addition to the above macrominerals, microminerals (or trace elements) such as, copper, zinc, manganese and selenium are also very important for the formation of strong bones, tendons and joints. For example, it has been shown by several researchers that foals deficient in copper have an increased risk of conditions such as OCD. The form of the trace elements is also important, for example, a recent study using (organic) L- selenomethionine versus (inorganic) sodium selenite as a selenium source in the breeding mare’s diet showed that L-Selenomethionine improved selenium and antioxidant status in the lactating foal. In addition, L-selenomethionine had a positive effect on bone metabolism in the foals.

Finally, it is also very important to provide adequate vitamins to your broodmare. Vitamins contribute to the overall health and resistance of both mare and foal. Vitamins A, E and B9 (folic acid) also play an important role in the mare’s fertility. Especially towards the end of winter, it is very important to provide vitamins as vitamins in roughage break down over time. Thus, at the time when mares are in high gestation and have an increased need for vitamins, the roughage contains just the lowest levels. A good vitaminized concentrate and/or supplement is then definitely in order!

Once the foal is born, the mare’s energy requirements (for milk production) will increase exponentially. However, this does not mean that you should double the mare’s concentrate feed allowance overnight. It is important that you build this up gradually so as not to confuse the digestive system. In this regard, roughage remains the foundation. If your hay is of good quality, it will provide most of your mare’s energy needs, therefore it is also important that she has this available at all times. It also remains very important that your mare gets enough protein, a lack of which can lead to reduced milk production.

If you want to be sure your mare and foal are getting the best quality vitamins, minerals and trace elements they need, give VitaMinalia EQUINE OPTIGROW: VitaMinalia EQUINE OPTIGROW is a complete nutritional supplement(/supplementary feed) for breeding. It supplements the ration of your broodmares and foals with high quality vitamins, minerals, trace elements, proteins and prebiotics to obtain an optimal growth and development of the foal. In addition, it supports the fertility of the
mare.

VitaMinalia EQUINE OPTIGROW contains the latest generation of selenium (L- selenomethionine) and natural vitamin E to achieve an optimal effect on fertility. In addition, it is enriched with minerals and easily absorbable (organic) trace elements such as copper, zinc and manganese) to provide the mare and foal with the right building blocks for healthy bones.

VitaMinalia EQUINE OPTIGROW is rich in high-quality vegetable protein sources supplemented with additional essential amino acids to achieve optimal growth and milk production.

Resources
– Bridges CH, Womack, JE, Harris ED. Considerations of copper metabolism in osteochondrosis of suckling foals. J Am. vet, nied. Ass. V.185, p.173-178 , 1984
– Coskun A, Ozdemir O, Erol M, Kirbiyik H. The Relationship of Copper Concentrations in Feed and Plasma to Developmental Orthopedic Disease in Foals. Vet Archiv, v.86, p. 287- 294, 2016
– Leleu C, Du Laing G, Pincemail J, Pitel P, David C, Paboeuf F, Rovers-Paap P. Source of selenium fed to mares affects milk and Se status of their foals. In 8th European Equine Health & Nutrition Congress, p.108, 2017
– Chavette-Palmer P, Robles M. Development programming: Can nutrition of the mare influence the foal’s health? Congresso Brasilairo de Reproduçao Animal 2019

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Unfortunately, you will not be able to cure or prevent this disease through nutrition. However, a good diet is the basis for good health and moreover, with specific nutrients you can optimally support the resistance so that your horse is optimally armed to face infections.

First, it is important that horses be fed a diet that puts them in optimal condition, this means not too thin and not too fat. After all, both skinny and fat horses have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill. In addition, fiber-rich feed is important to achieve healthy digestion and intestinal flora. So again, roughage is the basis supplemented with an appropriate amount of concentrate to get your horse in the right condition.

In addition, you can further support the resistance with specific nutrients. Both in VitaMinalia Equine SPORT, OPTIGROW and BALANCER a lot of attention has been paid to these elements.

First of all, our products contain all important vitamins, especially vitamin A, E and C are very important for a well-functioning immune system. For example, studies already showed that foals got much less sick after a long transport when they were supplemented with vitamin E and C compared to foals that did not receive a supplement.

Trace elements also play an important role in immunity. Zinc and selenium in particular are known to be very important. Among other things, zinc plays a role in maintaining the skin barrier and the activity of immune cells. Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that also contributes to the activation of immune cells. All VitaMinalia products contain these trace elements in organic form making them extra absorbable.

In addition, sufficient high-quality proteins and amino acids are important. After all, these are the main building blocks of immune cells. VitaMinalia Equine SPORT and OPTIGROW also contain various other antioxidants and plant extracts that support overall health in addition to the above elements.

Here it is not only the quantity of all these individual nutrients that is important, but also their relationship to each other. For example, an excess of zinc can cause copper to be absorbed less well. With VitaMinalia products you can be sure that also here the right balance is respected!

Do not hesitate to contact us in case of additional questions!

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