Energy Production: Copper is involved in energy production through its association with the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. This enzyme is essential for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the primary energy currency of the body. A deficiency in copper in horses can potentially lead to reduced energy production, which may affect the horse’s athletic performance, especially when combined with issues related to iron metabolism.

Red Blood Cell Health and Iron Metabolism: Contrary to popular belief, anaemia in horses is not solely caused by iron deficiency. Anaemia is characterized by a deficiency in the number and quality of red blood cells in the body. While iron is generally abundant in most horse diets, copper is critical for red blood cell health. Copper-dependent enzymes known as “ferroxidases” are responsible for mobilizing iron stores from the liver, bone marrow, and spleen. If there is a deficiency of copper, it can impact iron mobilization, leading to impaired red blood cell function. This, in turn, can have significant consequences on the horse’s overall health and performance.

Connective Tissue Formation: Copper is also essential for the formation of connective tissues in the body. Connective tissues are crucial for maintaining the structural integrity of various body parts, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments. A deficiency in copper in horses could potentially compromise the horse’s musculoskeletal health.

Melanin Formation: Copper is involved in the formation of melanin, the pigment responsible for skin, hair, and eye colour in horses. Adequate copper levels are necessary to maintain normal pigmentation.

Immune System Support: Copper acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells and tissues in the body from harmful reactive oxygen species. This antioxidant function contributes to the overall health of the immune system.

In summary, copper is a trace element with a wide range of essential functions in a horse’s body. It is involved in energy production, red blood cell health, connective tissue formation, pigmentation, and immune system support. Copper deficiencies can have detrimental effects on a horse’s health and performance, making it crucial to ensure that horses receive an adequate supply of copper in their diets.

Causes of Copper Deficiency in Horses: Several factors can contribute to a copper deficiency in your horse:

– Insufficient Dietary Intake: This can occur due to factors like providing poor-quality hard feed that diminishes nutrient digestibility and absorption, offering feed with copper levels below recommended guidelines, following a forage-only diet (as forages are often low in copper), or underestimating the demand for copper, especially in young horses or Arabian show horses, racehorses, endurance horses or those with a high intensity training schedule.

– Mineral Imbalance: The dietary intake of iron, zinc, and sulphur can potentially hinder copper absorption in the small intestine. While molybdenum is known to tie up copper in other species, its effects in horses are less understood. It’s essential to note that under these conditions, a deficiency may still occur even with adequate copper intake.

Correcting Copper Deficiency in horses: Fortunately, addressing a copper deficiency in horses is relatively straightforward. The choice of the best copper supplement for horses depends on individual needs:

– Copper supplements come in various forms, including liquids, pastes, or powders, and can be administered daily or as needed.

– Copper chelates, where copper is attached, usually to an amino acid or glucose molecule, enhance bioavailability. These are particularly useful for managing mineral imbalances, where iron or other minerals may inhibit absorption.

– For instance, Foran Equine CopperVit is a daily chelated copper supplement for horses that also contains manganese, vitamin E, and vitamin B12. It’s suitable for horses fed daily, such as pregnant mares or growing youngstock.

– Another option is Foran Equine Copper-Max, which contains chelated copper and a balanced level of zinc. This paste supplement, available in single-use syringes, is designed to support all horses requiring additional copper, especially those undergoing strenuous training.