Collagen is one very important aspect to well being, overall health, and soundness in the horse. It is something that is overlooked in the modern equine diet and can play a huge role in aiding recovery from injury, joint lameness, tendon and ligament concerns, hoof health and soundness, not to mention digestive health and even mentality. How does a nutrient such as collagen accomplish all of this and why should you add it to your horse’s regimen?
Protein is one thing that I continually harp on to horse owners and for many reasons. I believe the deficiency of high-quality protein is partially to blame for our increased incidence of lameness concerns and even our metabolic ailments. The lack of quality protein in the horse’s diet in current times is a problem by itself, but it is also indicative of a bad diet overall. Hence, our rise in equine related problems.
The need for protein is evident in the average horse with poor body condition, poor hair coat, brittle and breaking hooves, weak tendons and ligaments, sore backs and joints, and even poor recovery from events and training. The need for protein is readily apparent and increases dramatically as the horse is put to work, training, enduring a chronic ailment or illness, and just aging. In fact, on the human medical side of things, the recommendations for high-quality protein intake have almost doubled in amounts, as research is steadily making a connection with not only frailty and bone weakness, but poor mentation and cognitive decline.
Where does collagen come into play??
What is Collagen and How Does it Affect Your Horse?
Plain and simple, collagen is a protein molecule, which is a chain of linked amino acids. Collagen is a unique protein type because it contains amino acids that are not normally found in other protein sources, such as forage. The main amino acids that make up collagen protein are proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline, which are combined in various ways to form protein fibrils or chains. The precise nature of each protein chain or fibril is what delineates one form of collagen from another, such as Type I or Type II collagen. Collagen is formed naturally in the body through amino acids that are consumed in the diet, but in many cases, because of poor quality protein intake, collagen production is limited or reduced, which can impact your horse tremendously.
Collagen’s main function in the body is to provide support and integrity to various tissues in your horse. There are many forms or types of collagen naturally in your horse’s body, just like in yours, and this is because different types or forms are found in different tissues. The body of your horse simply creates the collagen type from the building blocks of amino acids that are present in the diet, based on need.
Through the supplementation of a collagen source, your are automatically increasing your horse’s protein and amino acid intake. The collagen that is consumed is broken down through digestion into the amino acids that make up the macronutrient, making them available for your horse to rebuild proper collagen throughout their body.
Collagen plays a vital role in your horse:
- Skin health and healing
- Tendon and ligament strength, elasticity, and healing
- Hoof health, strength, and integrity
- Eye health and vision
- Heart health and overall circulation
- Digestive health and microbiome balance
- Joint and cartilage health
- Muscle strength, tone, and body mass
How to Tell if Your Horse May Be Lacking Collagen?
There are no precise ways of determining if your horse is collagen deficient and lacking in collagen production, but more so there are clinical signs of protein deficiency, which then are related to collagen production.
The tell tale signs that we see clinically are:
- Dry skin with poor luster or overall coat
- Poor hoof health and loss of integrity, with breaks and poor nail hold
- Weak tendons and ligaments, prone to injury and slow to recover
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Cartilage concerns with damage or loss (OCD)
- Digestive concerns with poor absorption of nutrients
- Aging, thin body condition, and loss of body fat
- Highly stressed horses with anxiety
- Metabolic concerns, PPID, and depression or reduced focus
Collagen Supplementation in the Horse; A Summary
Protein is vital for any animal, including the horse. Protein is composed of amino acids, which when put together in specific chains or combinations, create the various proteins found throughout the body and in all tissues of the horse. Collagen is another source of protein, adding to the protein intake by your horse, but supplies vital amino acids not found in other food sources. This new source of amino acids, through collagen supplementation, benefits your horse in a variety of ways outlined above.
Protein intake is one thing that I heavily recommend in most horses, whether if they are sedentary or in heavy training. In fact, years ago, we evaluated a higher protein intake in horses with metabolic ailments, and when supplemented properly, there were indications of improved insulin function. This is one reason why I recommend a clean and healthy diet with a nutritious protein source, such as alfalfa. It cannot be beat, despite the complaints about a high alfalfa diet.
If your horse is experiencing any of the concerns outlined above, I would highly recommend supplementing with collagen. Our Cur-OST EQ Collamend provides both Type I and Type II collagen with vitamin C, which is required for assimilation and utilization by your horse in their body. In addition, dependent upon your horse’s current diet and needs, in many cases, we will add this to the Cur-OST EQ Topline, which provides a balanced source of plant-based protein from peas and rice.
Author: Tom Schell, D.V.M, CVCH, CHN