According to the National Research Council (NRC), the daily requirement for adult horses at maintenance is estimated at
10 mg copper per kg of dry feed
, or approximately 100 mg per day. The estimated upper tolerable limit of copper for horses is 250 mg/kg feed, or 2500 mg per day.
How much copper does a horse need daily?
An average, 1100-lb (500- kilogram) horse requires a minimum of
100-120 milligrams
of dietary Cu per day. Requirements vary for growing horses and pregnant mares. Generally, Cu in forage hovers around adequate concentration.
How much is too much copper for a horse?
The estimated upper tolerable limit of copper for horses is 250 mg/kg feed, or
2500 mg per day
. Some horses might require more copper than the recommended daily intake.
How much copper and zinc should a horse have?
The recommended requirements for a 500 kg, mature horse at maintenance consuming 2% of their body weight in dry matter is 100-120 mg of copper per day, and
400-500 mg of zinc per day
.
Can I feed my horse Copper sulphate?
Copper sulphate is in many commercial horse foods and most balancers, it’s
perfectly safe
in the right quantity.
Can a horse get too much copper?
The maximum tolerable limit for copper fed to horses is estimated to be
250 mg/kg
, meaning our 1,100-pound horse eating 2% of his body weight per day or 22 pounds (10 kilograms) can safely consume up to 2,500 mg of copper a day.
Can you overdose a horse on copper?
In young growing animals, low levels of copper can cause abnormal bone and cartilage formation.
Copper toxicity
When should I take zinc and copper?
It’s important to strike a balance between the amount of copper and zinc in your body. If you take a copper supplement, you should take a zinc supplement, too. Don’t take them at the same time.
Wait at least 2 hours after taking zinc to take your copper dose
.
What does copper do for a horse?
Copper is a critical element in many important metabolic pathways in horses. Copper is necessary in
bone formation
, elastin formation, haematopoesis, pigment formation, reproduction and immune system function.
What does copper and zinc do for horses?
Copper and zinc are required for the horse
to make keratin
, a protein that is found in hair and hooves. Horses with low levels of copper and zinc might have a coat that is frizzy, dull, or discolored. Zinc and copper supplied in a 3:1 ratio supports a shiny, healthy coat and healthy skin.
How do you use copper sulphate on horses hooves?
A remedy traditionally has been a mixture of copper sulfate and water to form a paste,
packing the compound into the infected area of the hoof
. The solution, according to those who utilize the compound, has worked in their practices and provided a cost-effective treatment to the thrush cases they see regularly.
What are the symptoms of selenium deficiency in horses?
Deficiency in selenium can cause a variety of symptoms in horses, including myopathy (muscle disease), impaired movement,
difficulty in suckling and swallowing
, respiratory distress and impaired heart function.
Are horses sensitive to copper?
The research results are as follows:
Horses are sensitive to copper sulphate
. Even a single application of 0.125 g/kg body weight in 1% concentration by means of incubation into the stomach causes stomach and gut disturbances and other poisoning symptoms. Poisoning occurs in two types: acute and chronic.
Is it safe to take a copper supplement?
When taken by mouth:
Copper is LIKELY SAFE when taken by mouth in amounts no greater than 10 mg daily
. Copper is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts. Adults should avoid using more than 10 mg of copper per day. Kidney failure and death can occur with as little as 1 gram of copper sulfate.
What happens if you are copper deficient?
Copper deficiency
Why do black horses fade?
Many black horses “sun bleach” with
exposure to the elements and sweat
, and therefore their coats may lose some of their rich black character and may even resemble bay or seal brown, though examination of the color of hair around the eyes, muzzle and genitals often will determine color.
