Should I feed Vit E

[Caol Ila]

I've been going down too many rabbit holes on the internet and on this forum, reading stuff saying that horses on sparse pasture and hay are likely to be vitamin E defiicient. The grass in my horses' fields is pretty thin at the moment, and they are only turned out for about six hours a day.

They both look fine and are acting normally.

Should I supplement with Vit E?

 

[I'm Dun]

yes, if they dont have access to green, growing grass then I always supplement. 2000ius a day of natural vitamin e works out about a tenner a month from memory.

 

[Landcruiser]

I use a balancer anyway, but added in extra Vit E about 8 weeks ago after reading some posts on here. Mine have very, very limited grazing over winter. I've seen a real difference with my young mare in that I've been struggling to be on top of her mud fever for months and seen it almost disappear after starting the Vit E. I don't want to speak too soon but I also think she's grown a little in front, she's been resolutely bum high for ages. Had a stick on her today and she appears to have crept up half an inch or so on the wither. I've just upgraded to the Forage Plus natural Vit E which is pricey but apparently more bio-available.

 

[ycbm]

I always would after Christmas until the grass comes through.
.

 

[paddy555]

I supplement all year round but more in winter. Whilst there is vit E in grass in spring/summer etc many horses have their grass restricted, sometimes very severely. due to EMS/cushings/lami risks.

 

[lynz88]

I have to supplement in eyewateringly high quantities and cost due to very poor grass and even if the grass did come through, isn't very good quality. Mine is EPM so should be on high IUs for Vit E anyways. The good news is you will find out very quickly whether it is worth the cost or not - usually can see it work in about 2 weeks.

I will add that doing a blood test isn't always useful. I know of a horse that showed in normal range but was displaying some odd stuff (a bit like mine did). She started supplementing with natural vit E and had her happy horse back.

 

[Equi]

Out of curiosity what changes would you expect to see if they are lacking vit e?

 

[lynz88]

Mine looks like he doesn't want to live anymore he stops interacting with anything around him and he's a snuggly horse, he loses the ability to hold himself even just standing (he will 'slouch') loses what very little muscle he has and can't put any on, loses weight, and loses any sort of spark in his eye. He looks very, very, very sad and out of it.

 

[Vermeer]

Reading with interest. Where is the best place to get it? Will human vit e supplements do the job or?

 

[Fieldlife]

I give 2,000 iu all year, and increase to 6,000 iu over winter.

 

[paddy555]

Out of curiosity what changes would you expect to see if they are lacking vit e?

half way down the page, vit e responsive myopathy. That affected mine vey badly. I had no idea at the time.

Nutritional Myopathies in Horses - Musculoskeletal System - MSD Veterinary Manual

Learn about the veterinary topic of Nutritional Myopathies in Horses. Find specific details on this topic and related topics from the MSD Vet Manual.

www.msdvetmanual.com

 

[paddy555]

Reading with interest. Where is the best place to get it? Will human vit e supplements do the job or?

Natural Vitamin E oil equine feed supplement for immune system health.

Progressive Earth natural Vitamin E oil for immune system support and muscle health in ponies and horses. Essential vitamin equine health.

progressive-earth.com

thats the one I use. I'm sure you can use human ones but it will be very expensive I would imagine.

 

[Vermeer]

Thanks @paddy555

 

[Follysmum]

I started to use vit e a few months ago after I saw a decline in my old horse. I was wondering if his time had come . He was a bit down and spending more time on his own and also when laying down he was taking more time than normal to get up. I started him on 4,000 he is back to his normal self. Could be a coincidence but I’m
Sticking with it as don’t want to jinx anything.

 

[lynz88]

I think you are right that it is the vit E that he is lacking as mine acts like that without supplementation.

 

[Caol Ila]

Following up this thread…

My horses have been on 2000iu of vit E since I started it. Both going well. As of yesterday, they’ve changed to overnight turnout with plenty of grass. They are only in, eating hay, 6-8 hours per day. Do I need to keep feeding vit E?

 

[Follysmum]

Interesting I’m also debating whether to stop during the summer months also.
Would be good for any feedback

 

[lynz88]

I think it depends on the grazing and your horse tbh. Some may be able to go off completely during the summer while others still may need low amounts. You don't seem to need to feed too much to get a positive result so I would be tempted to give it a go.

 

[ycbm]

Following up this thread…

My horses have been on 2000iu of vit E since I started it. Both going well. As of yesterday, they’ve changed to overnight turnout with plenty of grass. They are only in, eating hay, 6-8 hours per day. Do I need to keep feeding vit E?

Not unless they have a vitamin E myopathy. There's plenty in fresh grass.
.

 

[Caol Ila]

Not unless they have a vitamin E myopathy. There's plenty in fresh grass.
.

Not as far as I know (I imagine I would….)!

Very happy to to feed fewer supplements. I go a bit mental on the herbs, lol.

 

[paddy555]

Interesting I’m also debating whether to stop during the summer months also.
Would be good for any feedback

it depends on your grazing. If the horse is on a track with little grass and a lot of hay or a restricted laminitis paddock then no. Out at grass all the time then yes.

 

[Follysmum]

it depends on your grazing. If the horse is on a track with little grass and a lot of hay or a restricted laminitis paddock then no. Out at grass all the time then yes.

Thankyou
out 24/7 on grass so when I have finished off this bag I will drop off until winter time.

 

[ycbm]

If you have well made hay, cut this year, then you should be OK to start again in January.
.

 

[Caol Ila]

Mine are out from anywhere between 3pm and 8pm (depending on my day) and 9am. Lots of grass!

 

[J.Scott]

I have been advised to feed extra natural vit e in deep winter for a fit conpeting horse at 2000iu when they are mostly on hay but run out of steam quickly. I have also been advised to increase upto 3x normal so 6000iu for a pony with asthma and various allergies to pick up immune system. Advised by independent nutionist.