Lysine and Threonine for the Older Horse

Older Horses appear old as they often lose their top line and muscle mass

Why does this happen?

The reason for this loss is that an older horse is unable to absorb all the protein that they eat and as well as affecting the visual appearance of the outline of the horse, it is also having a detrimental effect on the internal health of the horse. Protein is needed for muscle , blood, skeleton and organs, hormones, enzymes  and antibodies (immune system) – basically most body functions.

What is protein

Protein is a collection of amino acids, much like bricks in a wall. There are two types, essential and non-essential. The latter can be ingested or mainly created within the body of the horse. The essential ones must be taken up from the diet.  There are only two limiting amino acids, these are Lysine and Threonine. Limiting means that if these two are not in the diet, then protein is blocked. Increasing the amount of protein, (or a protein supplement) is detrimental to the health of the horse…Protein Article https://vetpro.co.nz/protein-what-why-how/

How to Help the Older Horse Retain Body Mass Safely

Supplementing with Lysine and Threonine is the answer (Graham-Thiers & Kronfeld., 2005). It will not have any negative impact but will help the horse to process all the digestible protein available. To use the wall analogy, without these two important bricks, the wall will break down. Not only will it help the look of the horse, but it will also help maintain the strength and therefore result in a longer useful life where exercise and involvement with others can continue into an older age.

How Much Lysine & Threonine to Feed

A measure for the daily requirement of lysine per day for a 500 Kg horse is 27 gm (NRC 2007 ) and it has been calculated that threonine is .62 of that. So ideally 16-17 gm. ( Mok, Urshel., 2020). It is important to check the amount being fed in premix feeds and adjust the amount being supplemented accordingly, adjusting for the amount of the feed compared to the recommended amount which will show a total amount. For example, if you feed 2 Kgs of premix instead of a recommended 4 Kgs then halve the estimated amount of Lysine and Threonine actually in the horse’s feed.

Additional Support for the Older Horse

Also available in 10kg by request.

Another nutritional support is the product Vetpro Muscle Max    .. link to product sheet.    Very easily digested, a fat-based supplement with no carbohydrates but provides safe energy and good healthy condition.

Check out the article specifically about the Older Horse …https://vetpro.co.nz/the-older-horse/