Poor Nutrition Impacts Hooves

The nutritionists at Kentucky Equine Research are frequently asked questions about dietary influences on hoof health. Questions have been posed by farriers, veterinarians, trainers, and owners. In recent years, more horse people have expressed an int
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The nutritionists at Kentucky Equine Research are frequently asked questions about dietary influences on hoof health. Questions have been posed by farriers, veterinarians, trainers, and owners. In recent years, more horse people have expressed an interest in the effects of poor nutritional status or malnutrition on hoof health.

Without question, malnourishment negatively impacts hoof growth. Inadequate dietary energy, especially to the point of emaciation, hinders normal hoof development just as radically as it impedes other body processes. While hoof growth may continue at a relatively constant rate through downturns in nutrition, the quality of hoof that erupts during these periods may be severely diminished.

Like other tissues, the hooves will likely improve as a horse moves from negative energy balance (too few calories in the diet to sustain body weight) to positive energy balance (calories exceed those required for maintenance of body weight). A malnourished horse in negative energy balance will use whatever nutrition it consumes or whatever it can leech from its internal stores to fuel survival. Hence, energy is the nutrient of primary importance. Meeting energy requirements with a well-balanced diet that contains high-quality forage and concentrates is the single most important factor when considering hoof growth and integrity of an emaciated horse. As the horse progresses in its recovery, alternative energy sources such as fermentable fiber and fat may be added to the diet. Though fat is a valuable feedstuff used to increase energy density of rations and to add shine to the coat, it does not seem to have a measurable effect on hoof growth or strength.

Aside from energy, a well-balanced diet will provide nutrients the horse requires for overall health and well being, and these in turn will help fuel sound hoof growth. High-quality protein will supply the horse with the amino acids researchers have theorized are essential for hoof growth. Over the years, scientists have studied certain amino acids more than others, namely methionine and cystine, believing that supplementation of these will benefit hoof quality

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