[Copper and zinc in animal feed for the adult horses in Switzerland].

The research focuses on evaluating whether the copper and zinc content in horse feed in Switzerland is sufficient for adult horses. It observed that a traditional diet of oats and hay does not provide enough of these essential minerals, and even commercial feeds often fail to meet the requirements.

Overview of the Research

• The research studied the copper and zinc contents in 25 different rations for adult horses in Switzerland. The minerals’ content was analyzed from various sources of horse feed, including oats, hay, and commercial feeds.
• The total daily intake of copper and zinc for each horse was calculated by adding the content in all food sources. Statisticians then compared this figure to the stipulated dietary requirements for a 550 kg adult horse.

Key Findings

• The study found that traditional horse feed, such as oats and hay, does not contain sufficient copper and zinc. These elements are essential for the horse’s health and well-being.
• Alarmingly, many commercial horse feeds also do not provide the necessary minerals. This indicates a widespread failure in ensuring that these feeds meet the nutritional requirements of adult horses.

Implications of the Research

• The research raises serious concerns about the nutritional adequacy of horse feed in Switzerland. Due to the insufficient mineral content, all types of feed might require supplementation to satisfy a horse’s nutritional needs.
• The findings suggest the need for stricter regulation and standards for commercial horse feed production. This is to ensure that these feeds are nutritionally complete and can support the healthy growth and maintenance of adult horses.
• Lastly, the researchers suggest further studies to confirm the impact of these findings and establish viable solutions to address this problem.