Minerals page 18

MINERAL · TO UPGRADE THE FEED RATION

Stiefel Mineral for high-value, basic supply with minerals and vitamins for breeding, sports and leisure horses. The daily feed ration is sensibly supplemented to prevent feeding-related deficiencies.

With magnesium, sodium, vitamins A, D3, E, B1, B12, zinc, manganese, selenium.

Feeding recommendation*: 60 g per day (3 kg = 50 days)

• 3 kg bucket/pellets ST002601

COMPLETE PLUS · TO UPGRADE THE FEED RATION

Stiefel Complete Plus is a mineral feed based on herbs. The organic trace elements contained can be optimally utilised by the body. The balanced composition can compensate for feed-related deficiencies and thus improve the metabolic function and keep the organism fit on a natural basis. With herbs, carrot flakes, energy carriers, vitamins and organic trace elements and vitamins A, D3, E, B1.

Feeding recommendation*: 100 – 150 g per day (2,5 kg = up to 25 days)

VITAMINS AND TRACE ELEMENTS VITAMINS

AND TRACE ELEMENTS

TWO IMPORTANT SUBSTANCES – BUT WHAT DO THEY DO?

Although horses need only small amounts of vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids, these are nevertheless essential for their good health and condition. Pollution and improper pasture management have resulted in horses now getting fewer vitamins from pasture grass and hay. Feeding horses vitamins, trace elements, and amino acids is recommended to maintain optimum health.

WHAT DO VITAMINS AND TRACE ELEMENTS DO FOR THE ORGANISM?

The equine organism uses vitamins and trace elements in a myriad of ways. A deficiency can result in a variety of symptoms and diseases. It can lead to decreased performance or mental changes, just to name two. All horses need proper management and a balanced diet based on good quality hay and/or pasture grass. After these conditions are met, you can optimise your horse's health with additional feeds.

STRONG BONES

Horses need an adequate supply of trace elements from birth. Healthy bones need calcium to keep them strong and resilient. Whilst young horses can absorb and metabolise calcium well, absorption capacity decreases as they age. Horses with calcium deficiencies are often prone to fractures, exostoses, and tendon problems. Feeding calcium to foals, young horses, lactating mares and older horses can contribute to compensate for feed-related calcium deficiencies. The calcium-phosphorus balance can be regulated as well.

STRONG HOOVES AND HEALTHY COAT

Zinc and biotin are important for hoof development and quality. In many processes, zinc works in tandem with other substances, needing its „team partners“, biotin and methionine, to help build strong hooves. Biotin Plus contains all three of these components to promote robust, resilient hooves and hoof growth. A biotin deficiency can have negative effects on hoof horn growth and hoof horn quality. The feeding should take place over a longer period of time (at least 9 months), since biotin can only become noticeable with the growth of new horn cells. The hoof grows approximately 1 cm per month. A zinc deficiency is commonly seen in the horse’s largest organ – the skin. It can result in changes to the skin, including eczema, thickening, and/or hair loss. Here is one of those processes where zinc needs its „team partner“, methionine. Methionine is an amino acid that horses need and cannot produce themselves. They need to get it through their feed: it is one of the essential amino acids that should be provided in sufficient quantities. Zinc Plus contains both of these amino acids, which can have a positive effect on hoof horn and skin as well as the immune system of the horse.