Iron

Iron is an important trace element for the formation of blood and muscle pigments, as well as for the binding and transport of oxygen. It is also a component of numerous enzymes and is therefore needed, for example, in energy metabolism, hormone metabolism or for the immune system.

Most of the iron in a horse’s body is found in the blood pigment (haemoglobin) and in the muscle pigment (myoglobin). If a horse is undersupplied with iron (a warmblood requires around 450 to 600 mg daily), the number of red blood cells decreases and oxygen transport deteriorates. The daily feeding of hay and oats is sufficient to cover iron requirements. In cases of significant sweat or blood loss, additional iron should be given.