How Lysine supplementation can help your horse.

Lysine for Horses

 

Lysine is commonly the most underfed essential amino acid in horses because an inadequate quantity of lysine is present in commonly fed cereals grains and grass. This deficiency limits the synthesis of several important proteins in horses and leads to an impedance of certain body functions. So an adequate dose of lysine must be provided to horses for their proper growth and sound health. Lysine is richly present in legumes like soybean. It can also be obtained from dairy, potato, and soybean proteins. Canola meal is also a good source of lysine. Lysine supplementation can fulfill the deficiency of lysine in horses.

Lysine increases calcium absorption and minimizes its loss through urine. Lysine is an important component of crucial muscle proteins actin and myosin which are responsible for the smooth and efficient contraction of muscles. Lysine plays an important role in cell division and multiplication as it is a component of DNA in the nucleus and is important for the proper growth of horses.

Lysine is metabolized to a vitamin-like compound, carnitine, which assists some important enzymes responsible for the catabolism of fat for the sake of energy.  Lysine assists recovery from sports injuries in horses. It is also involved in hormone, enzyme, and antibody production. Lysine helps the immune system by fighting against bacterial and viral infections.

Important proteins in the horse's body like collagen and elastin are formed by lysine amino acids. A high level of collagen and elastin is present in the skin and connective tissues like cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

Lysine supplementation can help build, maintain, and support the horse topline and muscle mass development. It assists in collagen formation and also improves the ability to maintain and repair tissues in the horse’s body. Lysine supplementation supports hoof growth and improves the hair quality of horses. In short, lysine supplementation can support a healthy nervous system and promotes the overall health condition of your horse.

The modern horse is prone to lysine deficiency due to the regional factors that affect local pasture and forage production. Lysine deficiency causes many symptoms like muscle loss, weak hoof structure, rough coat, and poor exercise performance. Low levels of lysine in the diet hinders the growth of young horses as it causes weight loss and weak muscles. Milk production in mares is affected by lysine deficiency.

Excess of lysine in horses disturbs arginine usage in the body. It influences blood flow negatively due to disturbing the production of nitric oxide. So, a balanced amount of lysine is necessary for the proper growth and health of horse.