B2 RIBOFLAVIN IN THE EQUINE DIET

HappyHOrseHealthyPlanet_B2_Riboflavin

What Does It Do?

B2 is vital for protein and carbohydrate metabolism.  Riboflavin is a precursor to two coenzymes. Coenzymes are molecules that carry chemical compounds between two enzymes which transport many substances in the body. Being a precursor simply means that the equine body uses B2 to make the coenzymes. B also appears to have a role in fat metabolism.

There is a specific site in an area of the small intestine where dietary B is absorbed.  It binds to a carrier protein and then is transported to the liver, the adrenals, and other sites where it is built into the enzymes.

As with all water soluble vitamins excess B is withdrawn by the kidneys and excreted via the urine.

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B1 THIAMIN IN THE EQUINE DIET

HappyHOrseHealthyPlanet_B1 THIAMIN

What Does It Do?

The main function of thiamine is the metabolism of carbohydrates and protein.  Thiamin, known as B1 is required for fat metabolism as well.

There are three enzymes that require B1, they have big technical names that I won’t include here but they do have an important role in carbohydrate digestion, so I will mention them.

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BODY CONDITION SCORING FOR HORSES

If you follow my blog you know I am always talking about this.  Vets use it, nutritionists use it, animal welfare organizations use it, because a BCS is a universal way of determining the current condition of your horse.  Specifically, what is the score on a ratings scale from 1 to 9 of your horse’s current weight.

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The ABCs of Equine Nutrition; The Letter B

HappyHorseHealthyPlanet_ABC-B2

Wow!  There are a lot of topics in horse nutrition that begin with the letter “B“.  And those topics have a LOT of information!  Before we get into nutrients, toxins or any other nutrition topic, I would like to begin with a tool for you to use in determining your horse’s health. A way to help you see if your nutrition program is on the right track.  With that in mind we will start the letter B with Body Condition Scoring.

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