ridecamp@endurance.net: Selenium/beet pulp versus Bran

Selenium/beet pulp versus Bran

RALSTON@AESOP.RUTGERS.EDU
Thu, 24 Apr 1997 14:26:07 -0400 (EDT)

I must be having a slow week-a second "de-lurk" :-)

Selenium: In deficient areas of the country it is
recommended that no more than 1 mg selenium per day
per adult horse be supplemented. Things that might
increase this need would be high copper (and many
commercial feeds are now high copper) or arsenic (!)
intakes. As little as 5 mg/day can be toxic: signs are
mane and tail hairs falling out, horizontal cracks
in the hooves, eventually leadingto lameness and sloughing
of the hoof. Supplement Seleniumwith EXTREME caution-
I saw two horses at the Cheshire ride last week end with
toxic cracks-both from the east coast and both being supplemented.

Vitamin E is relatively non-toxic-up to 1000iu/day can be
given to adults, increased need for this (NOT selenium) for
long distance type work, especially if on high fat rations.
It is labile (rapidly destroyed if incontact with air and
certain minerals-I usually recommend getting the pure vitamin E
capsules from health food or grocery stores

Beet pulp is a fairly good source of fiber and calcium. Contains
moderate energy, ZERO vitamin A, very low fat. I find it a useful addition to
rations of horses on limited fiber (no pasture, limited hay, over
12 lbs of grain per day). It MUST be soaked if fed in the "raw" form.

Rice bran on the other hand is being marketed as a high fat (=energy)
supplement. It also is a fair (not as good as beet pulp) source of
roughage but is also VERY high in Phosphorus (higher than even
Wheat Bran). Use with caution and in very limited amounts if used
with grass hay.

Sarah Ralston, VMD, PhD
diplomate, American College of Veterinary Nutrition
Ralston@aesop.Rutgers.Edu

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