Sunlight/Vit D

[clipclop]

Having posted a while ago about turning out overnight all year round, so far (I know we're not far into winter yet), this seems to be working.

My ulcer prone mare is better out on the grass longer and it means that through the day I can give her little and often hay wise as she's a good doer and just gorges on ad-lib.

The filly with photosensitivity issues seems to be improving so fingers crossed, keeping this regime all year round will comtinue to help her.

The others are quite happy with it as it means they get longer out whilst still coming in for their feet to dry out etc.

However, something that is concerning me is something that was mentioned in my previous thread - vitamin d deficiency.

I haven't had chance to google it properly but does anyone have any ideas of how I can ensure they are getting enough vitamin d?

They are fed grass nuts with speedibeet in the morning and in the evening they have micronised linseed, black sunflower seeds and speedibeet. Quantities are varied according to the individual and they all look well on it. I am happy to supplement them if necessary but it's what with?

[Dragonmaster]

You'll have to feed them that youghurt they're advertising on TV!!!

[clipclop]

I haven't seen any tv adverts in ages - I have radio 2 on all the time!! Anyone want to link me to an advert for a laugh?

[Amanda Seater]

Funny I think I mentioned the vit D and have been meaning to start this thread - So good on ya!

I have read somewhere when folks were wondering if rugging all year round would create a D vitamin low that the sunlight through the eyes would give enough d vitamin.
Is that sunlight or day light.?

I haven't researched this any further.
Most of my lot are yarded when they are "in" but others are in an indoor barn which isn't the lightest. I do try to keep the two I have in there in the stables nearer to the doors fo rmaximum light availability. That does sound like my barn is horrid but it isn't that bad at all and they love it in there in the summer!cool and no flies

[Catrin]

Horses that are exposed to ≥4 hr of sunlight per day or that consume sun-cured hay do not have dietary requirements for vitamin D.

For horses deprived of sunlight, suggested dietary vitamin D concentrations are 365-455 IU/lb (800-1,000 IU/kg) for early growth and 227 IU/lb (500 IU/kg) for later growth and other life stages.

Vitamin D toxicity is characterized by general weakness; loss of body weight; calcification of the blood vessels, heart, and other soft tissues; and bone abnormalities. Dietary excesses as small as 10 times the requirement may be toxic and are aggravated by excessive calcium intake. ~ Merck Veterinary Manual

[clipclop]

The very small bit of research I have had chance to do said that vitamin d isn't preserved in hay? I shall look into that further.

At the minute, they do have good grass but soon they will be mostly eating hay/haylage.

Thanks for the replies so far

Sent from my ST18i using proboards

[cookie]

Interested in this very much so keen to see replies as I do wonder how it affects my sweet itch pony who was rugged all year round, although this year we have had success rugging at dawn and dusk only as he over heats when rugged during the day, yes even this cold summer.


Sent from my GT-I9100 using proboards

[specialized]

A basic search has given the following simple information

Natural Sources
Horses eat the vitamins naturally through roughage such as grass and hay. The green stuff contains vitamins E, K, B and A. Hay retains vitamin A for six months after cutting, but your horse stores excess vitamin A in his liver for four to six months. Your horse receives vitamin D from exposure to sunlight. Four to six hours outside will keep your horse sufficiently supplied with vitamin D.



Read more: Vitamins for My Horse | eHow.com www.ehow.com/info_7823824_vitamins-horse.html#ixzz2BkU3nHh3


I have just read another one that says it is present in good hay - so it looks like we need a conclusive answer somewhere.

[KoLaTo]

So if mine are out 24/7 but rugged 24/7 will they still absorb the Vitamin D?

[Catrin]

Rugs will stop the Vitamin D production as it relies on cholesterol oils in the skin to be activated in order to sythesise the Vitamin D in the kidneys. The same effect as rugging can occur from excess bathing or use of fly spray.

The Vitamin D maintains correct blood calcium levels.

There is a different vitamin D found in plants so by eating fresh grass, a horse gets the plant form. Once eaten, it works like the synthesised one.

Whilst the Merck Veterinary Manual says it's preserved in sun–dried hay, some equine nutritionists say that it is not, but can be in sun–dried lucerne. Whatever the case, the amounts required are low and unless your horse, like Nearco, lives in a war–time bunker, or works in a pit, vitamin D deficiency is not likely to be a problem.

[bertie666]

I'm sure I remember a thread last yr on here from a member whose horse ended up v ill from vit d deficiency from being in full neck rugs for months on end??

[antares]

Oh no, what about sweet itch horses who are rugged all summer?

[Catrin]

Nov 9, 2012 19:44:43 GMT 1 antares said:

Oh no, what about sweet itch horses who are rugged all summer?

let them eat grass!

[KoLaTo]

Oh that's ok then cos mine is stuffing their faces 24/7 with grass - LOL

I have 2 rugged 24/7 365 otherwise i'd have no manes/tails/sheaths/bellies etc etc left....... this yr has been diabolical for midges, still out now & it's blinkin Nov!

[nich]

I have been worrying about the same thing with my Si girl. She even has her eyes shaded by a fly mask nearly all yr round too. Certainly hope there is enough in the grass!

Sent from my GT-I9003 using proboards