Copper Deficiency?

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MrsNorris

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Have been feeding my cob copper and zinc amongst other things for the last 18 months and can hardly believe the difference in his coat colour! Its not just the camara/light, he really has changed that much.

This time 2 yeas ago

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And one taken yesterday after a complete diet overhaul and weight loss of about 50Kg.

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Anyone else feeding copper seen such a marked change in colour?
 
OMG he's gone copper!!!! :shocked:

A lot of horses are copper deficient. My old boy was and when it was supplemented (free choice) he also improved.
 
Amazing isn't it?
And he had been on Formula 4 feet for a few years prior to that first picture, guess it doesn't have much copper in it?

Just realised how unflattering that before picture is! Here's a better one, please excuse my leg position, daughter clicked just as I was giving him an aid (well thats my excuse anyway!!)


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That's some change!

We think we have a low copper/high iron issue (getting forage tested over the next couple of weeks), but as my lad's bright bay, he's copper coloured already and I never see any difference in coat. I do see a huge difference in hooves though ;)

Spot_the_Risk - there are a few companies doing testing now - you can get soil, water, grass and hay tested. For some reason, they say it's better to get the actual forage tested rather than the soil - can't just now remember why. The one I plan to use is ForagePlus - they send the grass to a lab, get the results and then provide an interpretation and feeding plan for you. I believe Simple Systems do it as well.
 
Brightbay said:
That's some change!

For some reason, they say it's better to get the actual forage tested rather than the soil - can't just now remember why.
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I think the reason for grass/ hay testing rather than soil is that different minerals will be taken up into the forage at different rates - so just because something is in the soil doesn't mean it's necessarily in the grass.

For example our soil is high in magnesium - which could interfer with the uptake of potassium by the grass - so even though our potassium is fine in the soil it might not be OK in the grass itself - if that makes any sense !!

We test our soil as we are keen to understand how to make the grass grow better - hence soil is key, my boys get multi vit suppliment so I don;t worry too much about what's in the grass.
 
Omg stunning, what product do u use, as I would like to add to my horses diet. Also can u get it in lick form?
 
You should ALWAYS test your soil/forage before adding anything.

A farmer would never do it to his/her cattle/sheep so we should not do it to our horses.

It's not costly and most feed companies do it, there are companies who specialise in it. If in doubt ask a local farmer.
 
SKY said:
Omg stunning, what product do u use, as I would like to add to my horses diet. Also can u get it in lick form?
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Thanks everyone :) have never had the soil or forage tested but decided to try adding minerals as he is barefoot and wanted to make sure he had everything there to grow good feet. Colour change was just a nice bonus! His tail is going from red-tinged to proper black too.

It does suggest that he was almost certainly deficient though.

I get it from Progressive Earth on ebay, just plain zinc and copper, and feed it at the same level that is present in their Pro Hoof supplement, as I don't want to overdo it.

Willl start on the Pro Hoof when I run out though, as its a bit of a faff adding stuff seperatly (he currently has Cu, Zn and Mg, as well as brewers yeast, linseed and salt).
 
You can also get hi-copper mineral licks from most feed stores if you want to offer it free-choice.
 
Thanks, one of mine has bad feet last few years. Tried everything and nothing sorts it, also his coat could be better. Vet and carrier tried everything. But think will get him tested for copper levels. He's great every other way just nt great hooves.
 
Do remember also you can improve your horses grazing by planting the correct meadow plants in the feld. Fields arent looked after properly, or are planted with the wrong type of grass which is why we have to provide extra supplements.

Your pasture is your best friend and its so overlooked.
 
Copper and zinc can be blocked if horses are being fed feeds high in iron and iodine, like seaweed, so sometimes it's best just to cut out unnecessary supplements instead of increasing others
 
ridefast said:
Copper and zinc can be blocked if horses are being fed feeds high in iron and iodine, like seaweed, so sometimes it's best just to cut out unnecessary supplements instead of increasing others
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Thats a very good point, have never fed seaweed for that reason, only BY and linseed, which are both low in iron I believe?

Was told by someone, can't remember who, that many horses in the uk already have more iron than they need, so feeding extra is a no no.

And if thats true, then I guess supplementing copper and zinc becomes even more important to counteract the naturally high iron levels?

Its all so complicated!

But this seems to be working for me, so I'm happy :)
 
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It all seems complicated but really anymore I think less is more. I think specific targets such as copper and zinc plus digestion suits most horses. Adding flax to a ration of straights and most horses will flourish.

How did horses survive this long? I mean 30 years ago we didn't have all these feed companies with specialist feeds. And horses worked harder too. I think we're poisioning our horses by trying to be good to them. I have ditched most everything in favor of specific minerals to compliment the grazing and hay. I kept reading and researching. Bare diets have helped immensely. My grass has gone crazy here, the ground is rock hard, and yet my bare horses are flying. Night grazing only and a scaled back diet and I can hardly believe the difference.

Your horse looks amazing OP. Congrats.

Terri
 
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