Hoof Nutrition Intelligence Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is a twice-a-month web segment that is designed to add to the education of footcare professionals when it comes to effectively feeding the hoof. The goal of this web-exclusive feature is to zero in on specific areas of hoof nutrition and avoid broad-based articles that simply look at the overall equine feeding situation.

Below you will find Part 1 of the latest question and answer installment that you can share with your footcare clients.

Q: What kind of hoof concerns are most often caused by poor nutrition?

By Kentucky Equine Research Staff

A: Known also as white line disease, seedy toe as a separation of the outer wall from the sole. This separation occurs as a result of opportunistic bacteria or fungi that invade the hoof when it is compromised and the organisms feed on live tissue within the hoof, destroying it little by little.

A hoof can become compromised for a variety of reasons: laminitic episodes, irregular blood flow, infection, abnormal hoof conformation or improper hoof trimming causing undue stress in the hoof.

Nutritional well-being plays a role in sound hoof growth. Each horse’s diet should be evaluated to make sure all pertinent nutrients are being fed in appropriate amounts, including a complete fortification of vitamins and minerals. A biotin supplement can be added to the diet to promote hoof wall growth.

Avoiding white line disease requires diligent care on the part of both the farrier and horse owner.

Located in Versailles, Ky., Kentucky Equine Research is an international research, consulting and product development firm working in the areas of equine nutrition and sports medicine.

Hoof Nutrition Intelligence is brought to you by W.F. Young Co. (Absorbine). Absorbine

Like many significant achievements, Absorbine® grew out of humble beginnings—and through the tenacity of someone willing to question the status quo. In this case, it was a young woman in late 19th-century Massachusetts: Mary Ida Young. Her husband, Wilbur Fenelon Young, was an enterprising piano deliveryman who relied on the couple’s team of horses to make deliveries throughout the Northeast. Inspired by Mary Ida and Wilbur’s vision, Absorbine® has continued to add innovative products throughout the years — products used every day by horse owners around the world. Which is why, since 1892, we’ve been The Horse World’s Most Trusted Name®.

Click here to read Part 2 of the May 1, 2016 installment: Why do horses need phosphorus in their diet?

Click here to read more installments of Hoof Nutrition Intelligence.