Description
Vitamin D for Horses
Need vitamin D for horses? Vitamin D is made in the skin under the influence of ultraviolet rays in sunlight. Vitamin D is also found in hay; as hay ages these levels do decrease. Under normal conditions, a horse can make enough vitamin D to meet its needs.
How much vitamin D does a horse need?
On average, this requirement is 6.6 IU per kg body weight for working, pregnant and lactating horses. During growth, however, this is different; on average, growing horses need as much as 16 IU per kg of body weight of vitamin D. This is because vitamin D is important for skeletal development in young horses because vitamin D regulates calcium and phosphorus levels.
Deficiency of vitamins in the ration
Vitamin D deficiency is difficult to recognize before real problems arise. Vitamin D is important, among other things, for maintaining healthy muscles, bones and teeth and normal growth, especially for young animals.
If you are looking for more information or overall nutritional advice, please contact us. We can be reached by phone at 0180 - 239 560