Support During the Coat Change and Winter Solstice
Did you know that a horse's coat change actually begins with the winter solstice in December? From December 21st, the days start to get longer and the nights shorter, although we don’t immediately notice this change. With the increasing daylight, the horse’s metabolism gradually adjusts to the summer time. During this period, the horse’s immune system is put to the test, making it even more important to support the horse properly during the coat change.
Oil Feeding for Support
Feeding linseed oil can be very beneficial during the coat change. Linseed oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help the horse through the coat change more smoothly.
Caution: Oil is energy-dense! 1 gram of fat provides twice the energy of 1 gram of starch, like that found in grains. Therefore, 50 grams of oil contain about as much energy as 250 grams of oats. For sensitive horses or horses with metabolic disorders, oil can be a great substitute for concentrate feed because it is easy to digest. However, too much oil can lead to overweight, especially in horses with low activity levels, due to its high energy content.
Ensuring Nutrient Supply
During the coat change, the horse expends a lot of energy to renew its coat. The nutrients the horse needs are often not sufficiently covered by hay alone, so supplementing their diet becomes necessary. Hestevard VMZ-25 is a classic mineral supplement that can help meet the daily nutrient requirements. The vitamins and trace elements, such as zinc, support a healthy metabolism and promote the health of the coat and hooves. If there’s a zinc deficiency, OrZin 40 can be used, as its chelated form improves bioavailability. Similarly, OrSel 50 is helpful for selenium deficiency, as the selenium in this supplement is highly bioavailable.
Caution with Trace Elements
However, caution is needed with selenium supplementation, as an overdose of trace elements, especially selenium, can cause health issues. Selenium excess can lead to poisoning symptoms and, in the worst case, result in laminitis. Therefore, it’s important to always consult with a veterinarian before increasing selenium levels to avoid over-supplementation.
Boosting Metabolism with Vitalprotz
To further stimulate the metabolism, Vitatude can be a good choice. This supplement contains essential vitamins and trace elements such as iron, selenium, manganese, copper, and zinc. Iron is especially important, as it is responsible for the red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body. Improved oxygen transport can enhance the horse's performance, which is why Vitatude is particularly useful after illness, during the coat change, or under increased stress.
Summary
The coat change is a challenging time for horses, and they need extra support. By feeding linseed oil, using mineral supplements and specific products like Vitatude, horses can receive the necessary assistance during this transitional phase. However, always ensure that trace elements are carefully balanced and consult with a veterinarian to avoid any over-supplementation.
Source: Meyer and Coenen (2014) Pferdefütterung, 6th edition, Georg Thieme Verlag, Stuttgart.
