Re:[RC] Yucca in horse feed - illegal? - Elizabeth Walker
Evidently.
I contacted Mellisa Ribley about it, as I recently switched to Triple Crown. (Didn't even notice the yucca until it got pointed out.) According to the answer I got - Yucca is on the prohibited substance list, as it has anti-inflammatory properties, and there is no way to tell how much of it is in the feed in a non-FDA approved feed. "The recommendation is to use these products/feeds with caution during competition as it is the rider/iowners responsibility as to what is present in the horse during the time of competition."
I haven't contacted Triple Crown yet, though someone else reported that their rep said it "wouldn't test". The yucca isn't added for its anti-inflammatory action. It is added because it will bind with ammonia in the large intestine, and be excreted in the manure, rather than in the urine. From their web site:
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One of the most common feeding errors is over-feeding protein. A small amount of protein is converted to energy, but much of the excess protein produces high levels of ammonia in the large intestine. Ammonia absorbed into the blood inhibits performance due to increased joint unsoundness, abnormal electrolyte balance, decreased immune response, and poor energy metabolism. The yucca extract binds with the ammonia and passes it out through the feces without allowing absorption into the bloodstream and subsequent release through the urine. A beneficial side effect of reducing urine output of ammonia is air quality improvement. This reduces irritation to the horse's respiratory tract and reduces complications with air passage disorders.
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This one just irks me, as I don't like the idea that a drug rule would discourage or prohibit me from buying a horse feed that I thought was the best value / quality / what have you, for my horse. Gee - maybe we ought to ensure that we only allow our horses grass pasture and water, as that is the closest to a horses "natural potential". Oats, high-powered grains, fats, electrolytes - all of that enhances our horses competitive ability, too!
On May 5, 2009, at 11:02 AM, Shelly Williams wrote:
OK, I just got a new horse (see ya at OD!), and he has been eating Southern States Triple Crown Complete, which has in the ingredients list "yucca schidigera extract". Is this a no-no?
