Equine Motor Neuron Disease
Two studies were conducted at the University of California, Davis to measure effects of vitamin E supplementation on serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) α-tocopherol levels. The first study was conducted to determine if there were differences in serum and CSF α-tocopherol levels between two groups of horses supplemented with two levels of vitamin E as water-soluble natural d-alpha-tocopherol. These results showed that daily administration of 10,000... Read More »
Category : Essential Vitamins | Tips and Topics
Vitamins are often clumped together as a single entity, and the contributions of individual ones are sometimes overlooked. In recent years, scientists have been taking a closer look at vitamin E. Though the nutrient was first discovered more than 80 years ago, the scientific community continues to find new uses for this much-heralded vitamin. The far-reaching effects of vitamin E in equine nutrition are well known. Vitamin E plays imperative roles in... Read More »
Category : Essential Vitamins | Tips and Topics
What is Equine Motor Neuron Disease? Equine Motor Neuron Disease (EMND) is a degenerative disease of the motor neurons located in the spinal column and brain stem. Motor neurons are the nerves responsible for signaling muscles to contract and move. The motor neurons of horses with EMND become damaged. The damaged neurons send incorrect signals to the muscles and affect the musculature of the horse. Symptoms associated with EMND include: A constant... Read More »
Category : Essential Vitamins | Nutritional Minutes | Tips and Topics
Horses are managed in varying conditions throughout the world. A vast number of them do not have access to growing pasture year-round due to geographic region, season, training schedules, or specific management routines. Because of their limited intake of fresh forages, these horses do not consume sufficient vitamin E for optimal health. Insufficient vitamin E in the diet can lead to muscle problems and impaired immune function. Canadian researchers... Read More »
Category : Essential Vitamins | Tips and Topics
Vitamin E is an essential nutrient for horses and is beneficial in combating the many effects of free radical production that can damage membranes and components of cells. As such, vitamin E appears to be most beneficial to young rapidly growing foals, pregnant mares, stallions, and especially equine athletes. Natural and synthetic sources of vitamin E, unlike other vitamins, have different structures, and the natural form is transported quickly and... Read More »
Category : Essential Vitamins | Tips and Topics
The most important function of vitamin E in the horse’s body revolves around its antioxidant properties. Antioxidants offset the damage caused by free radicals, which are unstable compounds that are generated when oxygen is burned by the body. When these free radicals circulate throughout the body unchecked, they cause cellular damage that is thought to play a role in various health problems. A diet abundant in vitamin E and other antioxidants ensures... Read More »
Category : Essential Vitamins | Tips and Topics
