Many horses cannot perform to their potential because they have hoof problems that keep them out of work or reduce performance. The old adage "No hoof - No horse" still applies today and this article examines some of the nutritional issues that impact on the hoof of the horse.
Energy Intakes Affect Hoof Growth
When evaluating a feeding program to address a case of bad feet, the first thing to consider is total feed (energy) intake. Ensuring that energy requirements are met is the most important step in ensuring hoof growth and integrity. If a horse is losing weight it will experience a negative energy balance which will affect hoof growth. Research has shown that the growth of the hoof wall was 50% greater in ponies with a positive energy balance than those with restricted diets. Many racehorses and lactating mares experience a negative energy balance for prolonged periods. Therefore these groups have a high incidence of hoof problems.
Hoof Wall is Mostly Protein
The hoof wall is approximately 93% protein on a dry matter basis, due to the composition of the hoof wall. One of the amino acids (building blocks) contained in the protein of the hoof is methionine. Most commercially available hoof supplements do contain methionine. There are a number of other essential amino acids in the hoof and a deficiency in these can be equally detrimental to hoof growth and quality. Poor quality protein is an issue that commonly affects horses in training. These horses are often being fed oaten chaff with oats (which supply poor quality protein) and will benefit from extra high quality protein supplementation.
Minerals are also important for hoof growth. If mineral deficiency is compromising the horse’s health in general, then the health of the foot is also going to deteriorate. Zinc impacts on the health and integrity of coat, skin and hoof. Adding zinc to a diet that already contains adequate levels of zinc is not going to automatically increase the quality or growth of the hoof. European research has shown that horses with “bad feet” have lower blood zinc levels than horses with normal feet, possibly due to abnormalities in the individuals zinc absorption or retention. The form of zinc does have some relevance chelated zinc may show improvements where inorganic zinc has been ineffective. Chelated zinc contains zinc bound to an amino acid, which potentially enhances absorption.
Biotin and Vitamins
Commonly the focus for improving hoof wall integrity and growth is on the B vitamin biotin. The normal horse has a biotin requirement of 1-2 mg per day. Studies have shown that supplemental biotin at levels of 15-20 mg per day has a positive effect on hoof wall tissue. However the horse takes 6-9 months to grow a new hoof and usually at least 3 months to see a visible improvement in the hoof. Biotin treatment also reduces the incidence and severity of hoof horn defects, increases tensile strength and improves the condition of the white line. Unfortunately biotin does not work for every horse with bad feet.
Combination supplements that incorporate biotin, zinc and methionine eg EQUIVIT BIO-BLOOM work more effectively than straight biotin products. It has been estimated that biotin only products are effective in 5% of cases. At higher dose rates these products can also be wonderful coat conditioners and can be used to aid in recovery from laminitis. Biotin products are expensive but keep a horse in work, reduce hoof-related lameness and extend the life of a set of shoes so are worthwhile.
Vitamin A in the diet is another factor that may be important in promoting normal hoof wall growth. Vitamin A is involved in maintaining epithelial integrity. Vitamin A is present in green grass, hay and supplements so deficiencies are unlikely but can occur in dry conditions or if no supplements are fed for a prolonged time.
The Bottom Line
Even though most hoof problems are a result of genetic predisposition and bad mechanics, improvements are possible with correct nutrition and supplementation. Identify the feed that is designed for the class of horse you are feeding, and feed the correct quantity to achieve desired body condition. Look for feeds that are balanced for macro and micro minerals and include supplementary vitamins. In addition to a good feed, emphasis should be placed on high quality hay or pasture.
In situations where the energy intake of the horse is restricted (penning, locking up) it is imperative to ensure the other nutrient requirements are met. Also remember that feeding only oats can result in large imbalances in the diet and these imbalances are exaggerated in cases where pasture is restricted. Often dramatic differences in hoof wall growth, have been observed when horses with restricted pasture intakes are fed 750g per day of a supplement pellet (NRM EQUINE BALANCER PELLET) in addition to their oat ration.
If the horse is receiving a well balanced diet and being shod correctly and there are still problems with hoof growth and quality, it is certainly worth trying a biotin, methionine and zinc product like BIO-BLOOM. You will need to allow at least 3 months for any improvement in the hoof quality to become evident and supplements will be less effective if the horse is losing weight. Unfortunately, there is no quick fix and maintaining a good foot on a horse is a combined result of good farriery, good nutrition, good health care and selecting horses that genetically have good feet.
Dr Peter Huntington
Director of Nutrition KER Australiasia
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