Astragalus (Milkvetch) - Feed Ingredient

Astragalus, commonly referred to as milkvetch, is a genus comprising over 2,000 species of herbaceous plants and small shrubs within the legume family (Fabaceae). The most well-known species in feed and herbal formulations is Astragalus membranaceus, which has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine. The root of A. membranaceus is typically dried and processed into powders or extracts.

In equine supplements, Astragalus is used as a botanical ingredient primarily for its functional compounds, including polysaccharides, saponins (notably astragalosides), flavonoids, and amino acids. These constituents are investigated for their potential immunomodulatory, antioxidant, and adaptogenic effects. However, Astragalus is not used as a nutritional feed component, as it does not provide significant amounts of protein, fiber, or energy.

Caution should be exercised with other species of milkvetch, some of which are toxic to livestock due to compounds such as swainsonine (a toxin that causes locoism) or high selenium accumulation. Therefore, only verified non-toxic species, such as A. membranaceus, should be used in equine products, and inclusion should be guided by species-specific safety data.