Beta-Carotene in Horses

Natural horse feed does not contain vitamin A, but a variety of different carotenoids. These are also known as pro-vitamins A, of which beta-carotene is the most well-known and important. For example, grass is rich in beta-carotene, but dried roughage has a decreasing amount due to the drying process. Grass is therefore an important source of vitamin A.

Beta-carotene functions as a very good antioxidant in the horse's body. In the body, beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A, but this is very inefficient, with only 33% being able to be converted. Studies even show that this conversion becomes even less efficient when there is a higher intake of beta-carotene. This may be due to the fact that horses prevent an excess in this way.

Scientific name:

C40H56

Type:

Provitamin

Action of beta-carotene in horses:

• Conversion to Vitamin A

• Antioxidant