Glossary – Knowledge about feed, nutrients & vitamins
From A for amino acids to Z for zinc: In our glossary, we explain the most important terms relating to horse feeding – become a feeding expert now and find out exactly what your horse needs!
A
Acid
The body contains weak acids, such as carbonic acid, and strong acids, such as hydrochloric acid. Acids are continuously buffered in the organism.
Acid-base balance
The acid-base balance is an important regulatory system in the body for maintaining constant pH values, which is influenced by the feed.
Acidosis
There are mild and severe forms of over-acidification of the gut, muscles and other regions of the body.
ADF
ADF (acid detergent fibre) refers to the portion of cell wall substances in feed crops that cannot be dissolved in acidic solution in the laboratory. ADF is determined using the extended Weender analysis.ADF therefore comprises all poorly digestible and indigestible cell wall carbohydrates: celluloses, lignin (woody substance) and lignin-nitrogen compounds. Although not all fibre fractions are digestible by the horse or its gut microbes (e.g. lignins are largely indigestible), they are important for gut motility and gut health.
Amino acids
Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins. Some must be supplied through the feed.
Animal starch
Animal starch, also known as glycogen, is the energy storage substance of the muscles.
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanins are a subgroup of flavonoids and therefore of secondary plant compounds. Blue and violet plant pigments belong to this group. They are particularly valuable in nutrition due to their antioxidant effect.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants contribute to the natural protection of cell membranes against harmful molecules.
Appendix
The appendix is the first section of the horse's large intestine and, unlike in humans, essential for life.
Appendix
Appendix refers to the first section of the large intestine in horses and is also known as the caecum.
Apple pectin
Thanks to its gel-forming properties, apple pectin supports the natural function of the intestinal mucosa and a positive gut flora.
Ascorbic acid
The chemical name for vitamin C is ascorbic acid. As an antioxidant, it protects the cells from free radicals, supports the natural function of the immune system and is important for collagen.
Atypical myopathy
Atypical myopathy is an often fatal disease in horses that graze on sparse pastures and are presumed to have eaten large quantities of sycamore seeds.
Atypical myopathy (seasonal pasture myopathy)
Atypical myopathy is a poisoning that often ends fatally.
B
Barley grass
Barley grass is the young, green-harvested barley plant. It is very rich in nutrients and a popular dietary supplement in human nutrition. Horses also benefit from the high density of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, etc.
Basal metabolic rate
The basal metabolic rate is the energy the horse needs for bodily functions at rest.
Base
Bases have a vital buffering effect in the body. These include, for example, hydrogen carbonate in the blood or sodium hydrogen carbonate (bicarbonate) in saliva.
Beta-carotene
The provitamin beta-carotene formed by plants is converted by the horse into vitamin A according to requirements.
Bicarbonate
Bicarbonates, also known as hydrogen carbonates, are buffering substances in the body that are of enormous importance. They stabilise the pH value, e.g. in the blood or in the digestive tract.
Biotin
Biotin is part of the horn substance and strengthens the natural structure of skin, hair and hooves.
Blood sugar level
The sugar content in the blood should be kept largely constant by the body, in order to supply the body with energy consistently and adequately.
Body Condition Scoring
The Body Condition Score (BCS) is a system for assessing nutritional status and fat reserves. This is particularly important for determining the ration.
Brewer's grains
Brewer's grains primarily provide plenty of crude fibre and protein - including in horse and dog feeding.
Brewer’s yeast
Brewer's yeast contains many nutrients and supports horses during coat change and also diarrhoea.
Brewer’s yeast cell walls
Valuable components of the cell walls of genuine brewer’s yeast are called mannan-oligosaccharides and ß-glucans. They are useful for the immune system and gut.
Buffer
Buffer systems keep pH values stable by balancing bases and acids against one another. Buffer systems are enormously important in the body.
C
Ca:P ratio
The Ca:P ratio is the calcium-phosphorous ratio and should, among other things for good bone density in horses, never be less than 1:1 and never more than 1:3.
CAB
CAB stands for cation-anion balance. It can, for example be used in sport horses to estimate the acidifying or alkalising effect of a feed on the pH value in blood or urine.
Calciferol
Calciferol is the chemical name for vitamin D. It occurs in nature as vitamin D2 and vitamin D3 and is important for bones and immune defence.
Calcium-phosphorous ratio
For various reasons, including good bone density, the calcium-phosphorous ratio in horses should never be less than 1:1 and never be greater than 1:3.
Cation-anion balance
Using the cation-anion balance (CAB), the acidifying or alkalising effect of a feed on the pH value in the blood or urine can be estimated. This is important for horses, for example in competitive sport or for special dietetics.
Ceylon cinnamon
Ceylon cinnamon is regarded as the “true” cinnamon with a mild flavour. Ceylon cinnamon is a spice that supports a natural balance of the stomach and gut.
Chlorine
Chlorine or chloride ions are electrolytes. They have important functions in the body cells.
Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is known as “leaf green” and enables photosynthesis in plants. In horses, green fodder has a positive influence on the acid-base balance.
Cholecalciferol
Cholecalciferol is the chemical name for vitamin D3, which is formed in the skin of humans and animals in sunlight.
Chopped alfalfa
Compared with unchopped alfalfa, chopped alfalfa sometimes contains fewer nutrients but encourages chewing.
Chrondrosis dissecans
Chrondrosis dissecans, also known as “joint mice” or chips in horses, can also be triggered by incorrect feeding.
Cobalamin
Cobalamin is the chemical name for Vitamin B12. It is important for the intestinal mucosa, the nerve cells, blood formation and provision of the amino acid methionine.
Coenzyme
A coenzyme is a substance that reacts with an enzyme or on which an enzyme depends. Vitamins or trace elements often serve as coenzymes.
Collagen
Collagen is also the main stabilising component of connective tissue, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and bones in horses, as well as in layers of the skin.
Collagen hydrolysate
Enzymatically treated collagen is known as collagen hydrolysate. It is fed to horses to support cartilage formation.
Colon
The large intestine of the horse is divided into the appendix, colon and rectum. Its microbes ensure the supply of energy and vitamin B.
Confidentiality
Digestibility describes the percentage of a nutrient that is broken down and absorbed by the body.
Curcuma (turmeric)
Also written as curcuma and known as Javanese turmeric, Indian saffron or yellow ginger.
Cushing’s syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a disease that mostly affects older horses, which should then be fed a grain-free, low-sugar diet.
D
DCAD
DCAD is the English abbreviation for the German term "Kationen-Anionen-Bilanz (KAB)", meaning dietary cation-anion difference. It can be used to estimate the influence of a feed on the pH value in blood or urine.
Diatomaceous earth
Diatomaceous earth provides silicon for bones, skin, connective tissue, hooves and hair.
Digestible energy
Digestible Energy (DE), or “digestible energy”, was declared and used in requirement calculations until 2014. Since 2014, the more precise ME (metabolisable energy) value has applied.
Dried apple pomace
Dried apple pomace contains pectin and supports the natural function of the gut walls.
Dried grape pomace
Dried grape pomace is a source of useful dietary fibre and valuable secondary plant compounds such as polyphenols.
E
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are important for the transmission of impulses between nerves and muscles.
Endotoxins
Components of decaying bacteria also act as endotoxins in the horse’s body, causing toxic effects.
Enzymes
Enzymes are also catalysts for biochemical reactions in horses. They initiate or accelerate the vast majority of processes in the body.
Ergocalciferol
Ergocalciferol is the chemical name for vitamin D2, which is formed in plants when exposed to sunlight.
Extruder technology
Extrusion can make straw more digestible. The risk of impaction is also lower with processed straw.
F
Fat
Fats are high-quality energy storage substances in the body and, alongside hay, an important source of energy in grain-free feeding.
Feed restriction
The opposite of ad libitum feeding is restrictive, i.e. limited, feeding. Feed restriction is necessary for obese or good doer animals.
Fibre-fat feeding
Fibre-fat feeding refers to grain-free horse feed with energy from oils and fat-containing ingredients. Horses with conditions such as stomach problems, Cushing’s or PSSM can be fed according to their performance requirements, while remaining gentle on the metabolism, with this approach.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are a subgroup of polyphenols or secondary plant compounds. Almost all plant pigments belong to this group. They are particularly valuable in nutrition due to their antioxidant properties, among others.
Folic acid
The chemical name for vitamin B9 is folic acid. It is important for cell division and maturation, particularly for the formation of blood cells and in embryonic development.
G
Garlic
Garlic contains many great constituents for horses, such as the sulphur-containing amino acid alliin.
Gastric acid
The horse’s stomach continuously produces gastric acid. This inhibits bacteria and breaks down protein in the feed for digestion. The stomach cells protect themselves with buffering mucus. If this balance is disturbed, however, gastric ulcers occur.
Glucagon
The hormone glucagon is also responsible for raising blood sugar levels in horses and is the antagonist of insulin.
Glucose homeostasis
Glucose homeostasis refers to the maintenance of blood sugar levels in the body.
Glycine
Glycine, proline and hydroxyproline are amino acids that occur in high concentrations in cartilage protein.
Golden milk
"Golden milk" originally comes from Ayurvedic nutritional teachings and is regarded as beneficial for the metabolism and immune system. Turmeric is the classic main ingredient, giving "golden milk" both its colour and its name.
Grain allergy
The term grain allergy is used in horses as a synonym for grain intolerance. It refers to metabolic problems associated with intolerance to sugar and grain.
Grain-free
Whether a diet without grain is beneficial for a horse depends on factors such as age, state of health and workload.
Ground linseed
Ground linseed is valuable in horse feed, as the mucilage can be released more quickly and it is more easily digestible than linseeds.
H
Heu-cobs
Heu-cobs are made from warm-air-dried, pelleted hay and are fed, after being soaked, particularly to senior horses.
Highly biologically available
Nutrients classed as highly biologically available are easily absorbed.
Hippuric acid
Hippuric acid is an energy-rich, urinary substance that occurs only in horses. It serves to detoxify phenolic acid from roughage cell walls.
Hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid is continuously produced in the horse’s stomach. It is also referred to as gastric acid and assists in the digestive process. However, too much hydrochloric acid can lead to gastric ulcers.
Hydroxyproline
Hydroxyproline is an amino acid that occurs in the body almost exclusively in cartilage protein.
Hyperlipidaemia
Hyperlipidemia, also known as blood lipid disorder, is a metabolic disorder that leads to fatty liver.
Hyperlipidemia
Hyperlipidemia (blood fat imbalance) is a metabolic disorder that leads to fatty liver disease and can occur, among other things, in the case of excessive dieting.
I
Insulin sensitivity
Insulin sensitivity refers, in horses too, to the sensitivity of cells to insulin.
K
Keratin
Keratin is the stabilising structural protein in hair, hooves and skin. Its strength depends strongly on the content of the sulphur-containing amino acid cysteine.
L
Lactate
Lactate is a synonym for lactic acid. An excess of lactic acid can arise from feeding errors or overexertion.
Lecithin
Lecithin is an important building block, strengthens the nerves and supports energy production.
Lein-Distel-Öl
Lein-Distel-Öl is a blend of omega-3-rich linseed oil and milk thistle oil, which is good for the liver.
Linseed extraction meal
Pressing linseeds produces oil and linseed extraction meal, which is characterised by a high nutritional value, plenty of protein and a good taste.
Lipopolysaccharide
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are components of bacteria that are released and have a toxic effect when the bacteria die off in larger quantities.
Lysine
Lysine is an essential amino acid that is the first to become deficient in the diet. Lysine is a building block of all body proteins and is particularly important for muscle growth and collagen formation.
M
Maintenance requirements
Maintenance requirements represent the body's basic requirement for nutrients to maintain vital functions.
Mannan-oligosaccharides and ß-glucans
Brewer's yeast cell walls (MOS) support the natural function of the immune system and gut.
Menadione
Menadione is the chemical name of synthetically produced vitamin K3. It is essential for blood clotting and in bone metabolism.
Metabolic disorder
Horses with metabolic disorders such as EMS, PPID or PSSM should receive as little sugar and starch as possible.
Metabolic disorder
In horses, the term metabolic disorder is often used colloquially to describe conditions or metabolic derangements relating to intolerance of sugar and grain.
Metabolisable energy
Metabolisable energy (ME) describes the part of the energy in a feed that is actually available to the animal for performance.
Metabolism
Metabolism is the total sum of all chemical reactions that occur within a living organism to sustain life – not just in horses.
Methionine
Methionine is a sulphur-containing, essential amino acid. It is particularly important for protein synthesis and as a sulphur source, and therefore for skin, hooves and hair, among other things.
Microbes
Microbes are microorganisms that live on and in the horse’s body. Without the beneficial microbes in the colon, horses could not survive.
Milk thistle
Milk thistle is often referred to as the “liver plant” and is also highly valued in horse feeding.
Minerals
Minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium are vital, as they perform many functions in the body.
Molasses allergy
In horses, metabolic problems associated with intolerance to sugar and grain are sometimes colloquially referred to as a molasses allergy.
Monocalcium Phosphate
Monocalcium phosphate is an easily digestible source of phosphorous. It helps to balance a calcium excess or phosphorous deficiency.
Montmorillonite
Montmorillonite is a natural clay mineral that binds toxins and allergens in the gut. It is also used against diarrhoea.
MSM
MSM is a natural sulphur compound that is particularly good for the airways, but also for the joints and skin.
Muscle Integrity Myopathy
Muscle Integrity Myopathy, abbreviated to MIM, is sometimes used in Germany as a synonym for PSSM2.
Muscle metabolism
The main function of muscle metabolism is to provide energy for strength and movement.
N
NDF
NDFs are structural carbohydrates found in plant cell walls. They are determined using the extended Weender analysis.
Niacin
The chemical name for vitamin B3 is niacin. It is essential as a coenzyme in energy production and therefore for the performance of muscles and the brain.
O
Obesity
Adiposity refers to pathological fat deposits associated with obesity, which often lead to laminitis.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential, and linseed oil contains more than in any other vegetable oil.
Organic trace elements
Organic trace elements are bound to amino acids and can therefore be taken up particularly effectively. They support the skin, coat, hooves, immune system and the horse’s entire metabolism.
Osteochondrosis dissecans
Bone chips or joint chips can be triggered by several factors – including incorrect feeding. They are also referred to as joint mice or osteochondritis dissecans / chrondrosis dissecans.
Overweight
Excess weight (overweight) is genetically favoured, but is primarily the result of an excess supply of food combined with too little exercise.
P
Pantothenic acid
Pantothenic acid is the chemical name for Vitamin B5. It plays an important role in energy metabolism and in the formation of steroid hormones.
pcv
pcv stands for pre-caecal digestible and is important in horse feeding, as only proteins or amino acids digested before the large intestine can be utilised by the horse.
pcvXP
pcvXP stands for precaecal digestible crude protein. Only its amino acids can be utilised by the horse.
Pectin
Pectin, as a gel-forming fibre, forms a protective layer on the stomach and gut lining and supports the beneficial gut flora as a prebiotic.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a plant popular for its pleasant taste that is known for its beneficial properties for the stomach, gut and airways.
Performance requirement
The performance requirement is the energy a horse needs in addition to its maintenance requirement for physical performance.
pH value
The pH value indicates how acidic or alkaline an aqueous solution is. Acidic at pH 0 to 6, neutral at pH 7, basic (alkaline) at pH > 7.
Polyphenols
Polyphenols are a well-known group of secondary plant compounds. They are valuable for nutrition and immune defence, among other things.
Polysaccharide storage myopathy
With PSSM (polysaccharide storage myopathy), excessive glycogen is stored in the muscle fibres. Affected horses should be fed as little starch and sugar as possible.
Proline
Proline is an amino acid that, like glycine and hydroxyproline, occurs in high levels in cartilage protein.
Protein
Protein is the building material for muscles and all other tissues. What matters for horses is digestibility in the small intestine.
Provitamin
Provitamins are precursors to vitamins. They are converted into the active form in the body as needed.
PSSM
PSSM is the abbreviation for polysaccharide storage myopathy. A distinction is made between Type 1 (PSSM1) and Type 2 (PSSM2, occasionally also referred to as muscle integrity myopathy)
PSSM 1
PSSM 1 refers to a hereditary polysaccharide storage myopathy caused by a genetic defect. Low-sugar, grain-free feed and optimum management can positively influence symptoms and progression in PSSM 1.
PSSM 2
PSSM 2 refers to various neuromuscular disorders that are not caused by the GY1 mutation. Essential amino acids support the muscles in PSSM 2.
Pyridoxine
Pyridoxine is the chemical name for vitamin B6. It is important in amino acid metabolism and in the breakdown of glycogen.
Pyroluria
Whether the “detoxification weakness” pyroluria actually exists in horses is highly disputed.
Pyroluria
Pyroluria is the term used for a “detoxification weakness”. Whether this actually exists in horses is highly disputed.
R
Reduction diet
A reduction in weight must not take place too quickly or via a zero diet. The diet of hay, amino acids and mineral feed should provide around 80% of the energy requirement.
RER
RER stands for recurrent equine exertional rhabdomyolysis and is a synonym of tying up. The horses suffer from muscle pain and tension in the skeletal muscles.
Retinol
Retinol is the chemical term for vitamin A. Vitamin A or retinol is important for vision, resistance to infection, epithelial protection, fertility and embryonic development.
Riboflavin
The chemical name for vitamin B2 is riboflavin. This “growth vitamin” is important for energy release from nutrients, for protein synthesis and indeed for growth.
Rosehip
Rosehips contain high levels of vitamin C and support the natural function of the immune system.
S
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the Latin name for a type of yeast used, among other things, as brewer’s yeast, baker’s yeast, or in live form as a probiotic for horses.
Saliva
Horses produce saliva when chewing. It contains no digestive enzymes, but larger amounts of buffering substances such as sodium bicarbonate.
Secondary phytochemicals
Of the secondary plant compounds, the valuable polyphenols are particularly well known in the field of nutrition.
Selenomethionine
Organically bound selenium is considered to be more readily absorbed by the body and is commonly referred to as selenium yeast.
Small intestine digestible
Protein and starch should be as digestible in the small intestine as possible, as only then can the horse make use of them.
Sodium hydrogen carbonate
Sodium hydrogen carbonate (often known as bicarbonate) is a buffering substance in horse saliva. It supports the stabilisation of the pH value in the horse’s stomach.
Substrate
A substrate is a biochemical substance that is converted in an enzymatically controlled reaction.
Sulphur
A deficiency in sulphur can increase susceptibility to infections, inflammation and even ageing.
Sycamore maple
The seeds of the sycamore maple contain the toxic substance hypoglycin A, which is regarded as the cause of atypical myopathy.
ß-carotene/beta-carotene
The provitamin beta-carotene formed by plants, also written as ß-carotene, is the precursor of vitamin A. The horse’s organism converts ß-carotene into the active form of the vitamin as required.
T
Thiamine
Thiamine is the chemical name for vitamin B1. The “mood vitamin” is important for carbohydrate metabolism, nerve function and cardiac muscle activity.
Timothy
The sugar content of native timothy grass, also known as meadow cat’s-tail, is lower compared to ryegrasses.
Turmeric
The active compounds in turmeric are among the most intensively researched natural substances. For the horse, its radical-scavenging and digestion-supporting properties are of particular relevance, among others.
Tying up
Horses with tying up suffer from muscle pain and tension in the skeletal muscles. This is often caused by rest days combined with feeding high levels of energy, particularly grain.
U
V
Valine
Valine is an essential amino acid and must be obtained through the diet. Valine deficiency leads to increased muscle breakdown and growth disorders. Particularly after high performance and in stressful situations, valine counteracts muscle breakdown and supports regeneration.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is also important in horses for eyesight, infection defence, epithelial protection, fertility and embryonic development.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important for horses for the intestinal mucosa, the nerve cells and for blood formation. It also influences the synthesis of the amino acid methionine.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2, the "growth vitamin", is also important for horses for the release of energy from nutrients, for protein synthesis and growth.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 plays an important part in energy metabolism, not only in horses. It is also known as pantothenic acid.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C supports the protection of cells from free radicals, as well as the natural function of the immune system. Horses are largely self-sufficient when it comes to vitamin C.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K is essential for blood clotting, as well as important for the regulation of cell growth and in bone metabolism.
W
Weight loss
Horses must not lose weight too quickly or undergo a zero diet. The diet of hay, amino acids and mineral feed should provide approximately 80% of the energy requirement.
Z