Iron (Fe) in horses

Iron is a trace element (microelement) found in plants as ferritin (where iron is stored in the plant).

Blood, muscles, and the spleen contain three-quarters of the total amount of iron. In the body, iron has several important functions:

Iron is involved in oxygen transport. Hemoglobin and myoglobin are the proteins involved in this process.
Involved in the immune system. Iron is stored in the macrophages of the liver and spleen, which are involved in protecting the immune system.
Iron is involved in various metabolic processes. For example, iron is a component of lactoferrin and is therefore involved in the mammary glands.

Scientific name:

Type:

Trace element

Function of iron in horses:

Involved in oxygen transport
Necessary for the immune system

The absorption of iron is influenced by the hormone hepcidin, but is regulated based on iron intake and the iron needs of tissues. An excess of iron can overwhelm the regulation of iron, disrupting this system.

A diet with sufficient roughage provides the horse with an adequate amount of iron. Therefore, it is not advisable to supplement additional iron.