BALANCED EQUINE NUTRITION Equine Amino

Equine Amino is a quality blend of the key essential amino acids based on Dr Eleanor Kellon’s VMD recommendations 
 
An essential amino acid is one which has to come from the intake, as the other type, non-essential amino acids can be manufactured by the horse. This blend includes three of the essential amino acids that are considered to be the most likely deficient in a horse’s intake and can make a difference with topline and muscle building, and hoof quality: lysine, methionine and threonine.
 
Ingredients: L-Lysine HCL, DL-Methionine, L-Threonine
2 sizes
Small: net weight = 1 kg
Large: net weight = 2 kg
 
Dr Kellon recommends:
10 – 20 g lysine
5 – 10 g methionine
2 – 4 g threonine
 
36 g Equine Amino will provide the full combinations of these amino acids; 20 g lysine, 10 g methionine and 4 g threonine.
18 g will provide the lower level of amino acids; 10 g lysine, 5 g methionine and 2 g threonine.
1 level metric tablespoon (20 ml volume) contains ~11 g Equine Amino.
 
How much to supplement your horse is not per se based on bodyweight or workload but how much your horse is deficient in quality protein, however the higher the bodweight or workload, the higher the requirements. If your horse is less than 450 kg, the lower feeding rate may be sufficient.
 
If your horse is on a high quality protein intake (pasture improved grasses, actively growing for example) it’s far less likely you need additional amino acids. Protein/amino acids are the most expensive nutrient to supplement.
 
Equine Amino can be fed with any of the mineral mixes.
 
The three amino acids considered the most likely deficient are:
Lysine
The number one ‘limiting’ amino acid known to limit muscle development/topline also plays a role in production of hormones, enzymes, antibodies, collagen, elastins in bone matrix, skin, tendons and articular cartilage plus keratin protein in hooves, coat, mane and tail.
Methionine
This amino acid can make a difference more with muscle function rather than bulk because methionine combines with lysine for form the amino acid carnitine, a carrier required for the muscle to burn fat. It’s known as a structural amino acid which means it’s found in all the proteins of the body, from skeletal muscle to haemoglobin, antibodies and enzymes. Also required for the initiation of building proteins in the body. Insufficient methionine can play a role in crumbling and cracking hooves.
Threonine
The next limiting amino acid after lysine, threonine can also limit the ability to build muscle and inhibits fat accumulation in the liver. It is an immunostimulant, promoting the thymus gland which as a very important role to play in the immune system.
Combined in Equine Amino, these amino acids help to support performance, strong muscles and healthy weight. “Production of the summer coat is critically dependent on adequate protein and essential amino acid intake.” Dr Kellon.
 
For more information and nutrition articles please visit balancedequine.com.au