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The Effect of Nutrition on Hoof Health

Updated: Feb 15

'The hooves carry the horse's entire body weight on a relatively small surface. In addition, the hooves form the basis of the horse's locomotor system. Therefore, it's essential that the hooves are in optimal condition. Besides good hoof care, it is important that the ration contains the vitamins and minerals required for hoof growth, optimum quality and maintaining healthy hooves.'



Hoefsmid die paardenhoef vijlt

The hoof consists of different parts. The inside of the hoof consists of soft tissue called the hoof dermis. It surrounds the hoof bone, the bone that can be found on the inside of the hoof 1. The hoof dermis also contains the nerves and blood vessels that are vital for the blood and nutrient circulation in the hoof 2. The hoof dermis is enveloped and protected by the hoof capsule. The hoof capsule consists of the hoof wall, hoof balls, frog and sole 3. The structure of the hoof is similar to the structure of human nails. The hoof wall is connected to the hoof bone by lamellae, located in between these two parts 1. The lamellae between the hoof wall and the hoof bone consist of a soft structure 1. To protect the hoof dermis, the hoof wall is made of a tough and strong structure. The hoof wall consists of hoof horn and contains Keratin, a complex mixture of several proteins, which provides the structure of the hoof wall 4,5.


Hoof wall, Laminae, Sole, Hoof Capsule, Coddin Bone

The hoof is the base of the locomotor system and consists of several parts. The living part of the hoof is protected by the hoof capsule. The hoof capsule consists of the sole, hoof balls, frog and hoof wall. On the inside of the hoof the coffin bone can be found, the bone part inside the hoof. The coffin bone is connected to the hoof wall by laminae. Created with BioRender.com


Because the outer part of the hoof has a protective function, it is important to prevent any issues concerning the hoof wall such as cracks or dry hooves caused by insufficient moisture in the hoof. To prevent this, feed containing the right amount of vitamins and minerals required for the maintenance and growth of healthy hooves should be provided to the horse.


Biotin, also known as Vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin and is therefore not stored in the body 6. Biotin is important for cell growth and the production of enzymes that promote normal metabolism in the body. In addition, Biotin is also important for the production of Keratin and is therefore related to the quality and structure of the horse's hooves. Studies have shown that supplementing Biotin has a positive effect on the quality of the horse's hooves. Josseck et al (1995) supplemented 20 mg of Biotin on a daily basis during a period of 29 months, to 152 Lipizzaner horses with deteriorated hoof quality, to study the long-term effect of the Biotin. Results of this study showed that after a supplementation period of nine months, the addition of 20 mg Biotin had a positive significant effect on hoof horn quality in horses with moderate to poor hoof quality. Geyer & Schulze (1994) studied the effect of the addition of 5 mg Biotin per 100 to 150 kg body weight (20 to 30 mg for a 600kg horse), in 97 horses during a study period of 1 to 6 years. Research results showed that hoof horn quality improved significantly after 8 to 15 months. Following this period, the daily dosage of Biotin was either decreased or the daily supplementation was stopped altogether. This appeared to have a negative effect and resulted in reduced quality of the hoof horn of these horses. It is crucial to consistently supplement with the appropriate amount of Biotin to maintain a lasting positive impact, as evidenced by these findings.


Zinc and Copper are two trace elements, which in addition to Biotin, are required for optimal hoof health, structure and quality. Zinc is essential for building and maintaining hoof wall cells and is required for the keratinisation process, also known as the cornification of hooves 9. Copper is necessary for the formation of enzymes which are required for the formation of Keratin strands of which the hoof wall consists 5. Therefore, Copper is important for the formation of proteins required for the keratinisation process of the hooves 10. The combination of Zinc and Copper prevents cell, tissue and fatty acid damage in hooves which can lead to dehydration of the hoof 11. A deficiency of Copper and Zinc can therefore often be expressed into brittle and dry hooves. A study conducted by Higami (1999) suggests that a diet deficient in Zinc and Copper has a negative impact on hooves and can lead to the development of White Line Disease (WLD), a disease resulting in the gradual detachment of the hoof wall. Jančíková et al (2012) studied the effect of Copper and Zinc on horses' hooves by supplementing the diet of 8 horses with 100 mg of Zinc and 20 mg of Copper per day. During the research period, hoof growth was measured and monitored. Based on the results, it was found that the horses who were given a supplement containing Zinc and Copper had a significantly higher rate of hoof growth in comparison to the control group. These results suggest that supplementing Zinc and Copper has a positive significant effect on hoof growth.


The production of Keratin in the body requires amino acids as it is a combination of proteins. An important amino acid for the formation of Keratin is Cysteine. Cysteine contributes to the strong structure of Keratin and has an effect on hoof quality and hardness 11. Methionine, an essential amino acid, is crucial for producing Cysteine and other amino acids 13. Because Methionine is an essential amino acid, the body is not able to produce Methionine which is required for the production of Cysteine and other functions. Therefore, it must be obtained from the diet.


To keep hooves moist and prevent cracks, hooves are often greased with hoof fat. The addition of a sufficient amount of fatty acids to the diet also positively affects moisture management in the hooves. Fatty acids ensure that moisture is retained in the hooves, preventing the hooves from getting dry and brittle. Omega 3 fatty acids also have an anti-inflammatory effect and are able to prevent inflammation in the hooves 15. Linseed oil is often supplemented to the diet due to it being a plant-based product, providing the ideal balance between Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.. Therefore, flaxseed oil is often added to the diet to provide the horse with sufficient fatty acids.


Synovium Hoof Health is a supplement, in pelleted form, formulated to support hoof quality, growth and structure. The supplement contains Biotin, Zinc, Copper and Methionine. The supplement has been formulated according to the studies mentioned earlier and includes dosages that have been scientifically proven. As hooves grow gradually, it is important that this supplement is supplemented for at least 90 days for optimal effect and support. Click here for more information



References


1. Redden, R. F. (2003). Hoof capsule distortion: Understanding the mechanisms as a basis for rational management. In Veterinary Clinics of North America - Equine Practice (Vol. 19(2): 443-462.

2. Kainer, R. A. (1989). Clinical Anatomy of the Equine Foot. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice, 5(1): 1-27.

3. Parks, A. H. (2017). Chapter 3-Anatomy and Function of the Equine Digit. In: Belknap, J.K., Geor, R.J., Equine Laminitis, First Edition. John Wiley: United States.

4. Bragulla, H. H., & Homberger, D. G. (2009). Structure and functions of keratin proteins in simple, stratified, keratinized and cornified epithelia. Journal of Anatomy, 214(4): 516–559.

5. Rueda-Carrillo, G., Rosiles-Martínez, R., Hernández-García, A. I., Vargas-Bello-Pérez, E., & Trigo-Tavera, F. J. (2022). Preliminary Study on the Connection Between the Mineral Profile of Horse Hooves and Tensile Strength Based on Body Weight, Sex, Age, Sampling Location, and Riding Disciplines. Frontiers in Veterinary Science, 8: 1-9.

6. Lipner, S. R., & Scher, R. K. (2018). Biotin for the treatment of nail disease: what is the evidence? In Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 29(4): 411–414.

7. Josseck, H., Zenker, W., & Geyer, H. (1995). Hoof horn abnormalities in Lipizzaner horses and the effect of dietary biotin on macroscopic aspects of hoof horn quality. Equine Veterinary Journal, 27(3): 175-182.

8. Geyer, H., & Schulze, J. (1994). The long-term influence of biotin supplementation on hoof horn quality in horses. Schweizer Archiv Für Tierheilkunde, 136(4): 137-149.

9. Noormohammady, Z., Chamani, M., & Khodae, H. R. (2018). Effect of Zinc on Integrity of Horse Hoof. Agricultural & Veterinary Sciences, 2(1): 17-23.

10. Tenaud, I., Leroy, S., Chebassier, N., & Dreno, B. (2000). Zinc, Copper and Manganese Enhanced Keratinocyte Migration Through a Functional Modulation of Keratinocyte Integrins. Experimental Dermatology, 9(6): 407-416.

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