VITAMINS

Vitamin A Requirements
The function of Vitamin A is to keep healthy the epithelium or linings of mucous membrane throughout the body. If these are not maintained, surfaces grow rough and horny – keritinisation is the technical term for this condition – and fail to secrete sufficient fluid. At first, the conjunctiva of the eyes becomes affected resulting in night blindness. Horses are likely to stumble and fall in the dark. Later, the linings of the nose, throat, respiratory canal, intestinal tract and urinary tract, becomes affected. They become clogged with dead horny cells in which all sorts of dangerous microorganisms flourish.

The vitamin A in Castlereagh Feeds provides the body’s first line of defence against disease and infection. Some affected horses show a slight discharge from one or both nostrils. There may be profuse watering from the eyes with reddening and swelling of they eyes. Horses work sluggish. Brood mares fail to breed. A notable feature is the production of faulty hoof growth. A dry, scaly type of hoof is left as a band. Scurfy conditions of the skin are also a prominent feature. The disease runs a slow course and if treatment is not effected, usually more and more horses become affected. If there is not enough Vitamin A in the diet, growth is slowed and retarded. Legs become weak, resulting in an unsteady gait. Horses continually lose weight in spite of full feed. It also causes infertility and lowering of resistance to disease and infection.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of Vitamin A deficiency, Castlereagh Feeds are fortified with pure Vitamin A at the level of 4400-8630 I.U per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

Vitamin B Requirements
The first symptom of Vitamin B deficiency is loss of appetite. The horse will not eat. They suffer form insomnia and are nervous and therefore have a tendency to be jumpy. Frequently, horses are immobilised by cramps and may lose their balance and stagger around aimlessly. The paralysis commences with the feet and progresses upward, affecting the legs and eventually the neck. There may be a reddening of the lips, around the nose and the corners of the mouth, together with salivation and running eyes and a thickening of the eyelids which tend to become stuck shut.

The animal does not thrive; the skin is scurfy and has a rough coat and diarrhoea. Symptoms of dermatitis may be coupled with the loss of hair. Slow and progressive wasting of muscular tissues occurs and horses continually lose weight despite full feed. Reproduction and lactation are impaired and abortions may occur. Anemia of varying severity may develop and deficient horses may start to eat their own excreta at the risk of worm infection. A peculiar kind of heart trouble develops in which the right side of the heart grows enlarged and the rate of the heart beat rises unnaturally.

The function of Vitamin B in Castlereagh Feeds is to prevent circulatory trouble, maintain good appetite and maintain the normal working of the nervous system. The vitamins are also required for the metabolism of fats, starches, sugars and proteins. They are vital for a shiny coat, bone formation, normal functioning of the body and good health. The Vitamin B in Castlereagh Feeds is necessary for enzyme functioning, the oxidation of the glucose, maintenance of the adrenal gland, cell multiplication and growth. The vitamins are also required for the production of blood cells as well as for the detoxification of many harmful substances in the body.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of any Vitamin B deficiency, Castlereagh Feeds are fortified with pure Vitamin B at the following levels:

Vitamin Level per kg of Castlereagh Feeds
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin) 0-10 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) 4.4-10 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) 0-10 mg
Vitamin B12 11.0-150 mcg
Vitamin B15 0-15.4 mg
Biotin 0-100 mcg
Calcium Pantothenate 4.4-30 mg
Choline Chloride 0-127 mg
Folic Acid 2.2-10 mg
Niacin 8.8–40 mg

Depending on individual rations

Vitamin C Requirements
At first horses may become fatigued with a chronic disinclination to exercise. The body may start to ache and swell. Tiny haemorrhage spots may appear under the skin. Blood vessels rupture and may result in internal bleeding. The gums become soft and spongy, they may ulcerate and bleed. Bad breath may be noticed. Bones become brittle and may fracture easily.

The vitamin C in Castlereagh Feeds produces and maintains intercellular material which bonds individual cells into tissue structures. The blood vessels become porous, and let the blood through; muscles weaken, and become paralysed. Mineral salts drain away from the bones and cartilages grow so weak that they won’t hold the joints together, the walls of the lungs cave in, anemia develops in the cells of the bone marrow, tissues degenerate and wounds refuse to heal.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of any vitamin C deficiency, Castlereagh Feeds are fortified with pure vitamin C at the level of 0-5.5mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

Vitamin D Requirements
Rickets is a condition where the growing bones in young horses fail to calcify or harden properly due to a deficiency of Vitamin D. The bone grows away from the cartilage located between the ends and the shaft of the bone. This cartilage proliferates and, in normal animals, calcifies but in rickets cases, the cartilage produces soft osteoid tissues in excessive amounts, which does not calcify normally, but produces the typical enlargements near the joints. The knee, hock and junction of the lower parts of the ribs with the cartilage are very noticeably enlarged. The swollen joint cartilages may be eroded and is therefore tender, movement being restricted. The shafts of the bones bend outwards, giving marked bow-leggedness. Stiffness, lameness, weakness and finally posterior paralysis are seen in severe cases.

The Vitamin D in Castlereagh Feeds facilitates the absorption of Calcium and Phosphorus from the intestine and controls the incorporation of these elements into the skeleton from the blood. Without enough Vitamin D the calcium in the diet cannot be made use of.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of Rickets, Castlereagh Feeds are fortified with pure Vitamin E at the level of 22-50 I.U. per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

Vitamin K Requirements
Vitamin K, is required by the body, in the formation of prothrombin. Prothrombin is an essential link in the chain of blood clotting and therefore a deficiency of Vitamin K, upsetting prothrombin production will lead to affecting horses, particularly mares, haemorrhaging from any slight scratch or bruise. In advanced cases, spontaneous bleeding may occur and horses sometimes are known to bleed to death.

The Vitamin K in Castlereagh Feeds will promote blood clotting and coagulation.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of haemorrhaging, Castlereagh Feeds are fortified with pure Vitamin K at the level of 0-5.5 mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

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MINERALS

CALCIUM AND PHOSPHOROUS REQUIREMENTS

The calcium combines with Phosphorous to form Calcium Phosphate. The Calcium Phosphate forms a dense meshwork in the bones, interspersed by tiny blood vessels. These blood vessels not only nourish the bones and bring extra calcium to them when required, such as after fractures, but carry off calcium as it is needed in other parts of the body. If there is a heavy demand as in a period of rapid growth or for body repair and there is not enough Calcium in the food, then the bones become depleted. Bone malformation and deformities follow.

Calcium also forms a component of most living cells and body fluids and is required for the normal action of the heart. The calcium in Castlereagh Feeds calms the nerves, steadies and relaxes the muscles, promotes restful sleep, soothes pain and prevents bleeding and allergies.

A low level of calcium in the blood makes horses irritable, anxious, nervous and jumpy with twitching and spasms in the muscles especially in growing stock. It causes restlessness, leg weakness and cramps. In later life it causes brittle bones.

Most of the phosphorous is combined with Calcium in the bones. The rest is chiefly in the cells and forms an essential part of each cell as nucleic acid. Many of the B Group Vitamins are only effective when combined with Phosphorous and quick release of energy in the muscles and nerve is dependent on the presence of adequate Phosphorous. Phosphorous is also required for the metabolism of Carbohydrates, ie. With the action of Phosphorous, Carbohydrates (starches, Sugars and Fats) are burnt up and converted into energy.

Calcium and Phosphorous must be carefully balanced, because a prolonged imbalance can cause bone malformation and bone deformities. Calcium and Phosphorous must always be in a certain ratio to each other. For horses the optimum Calcium/ Phosphorous Ratio is 1.3 PARTS Calcium to 1 PART Phosphorous
Oats has a ratio of 1 : 4 which is dangerously off balance.

Treatment
In Castlereagh Feeds, the Calcium and Phosphorous are perfectly balanced and a constant ratio of 1.3 : 1 is maintained and therefore for safety reasons, no additional calcium or Phosphorous must be fed otherwise the delicate balance will be distorted or destroyed.

COBALT REQUIREMENTS ( PERNICIOUS ANEMIA)

Without Cobalt horses get Pernicious Anemia. This is a crippling form of anemia and it occurs in many cobalt deficient areas of Australia. Pernicious Anemia can be prevented by the administration of cobalt in conjunction with Vitamin B12.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of Pernicious Anemia and taking into consideration the interaction of Cobalt with Vitamin B12, Copper and Selenium, we have added Cobalt in the form of Cobalt Sulphate to Castlereagh Feeds at the level of 1.0-1.6 mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

COPPER REQUIREMENTS

Copper deficient horses are unthrifty, foals do not grow, they are poorly developed, anemic and suffer form chronic diarrhoea, severe debility and roughness of coast. The bones of young, growing stock become brittle and fragile. The coat of horses may lighten in colour and looked bleached and faded. In mares fertility and lactation are impaired.

Every cell in the body needs and contains Copper. It exists in the very nucleus of the cell and aids the development of bones, brain, nerves, and blood. The copper in Castlereagh Feeds interacts with the Iron and allows the absorption of more iron and extends the life span of the red blood cells.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of any Copper deficiency and taking into consideration the interaction of Copper with Iron, Zinc, Cobalt, Molybdenum, Sulphate, Selenium, Calcium and Vitamin B12, we have added Copper in the form of Cupric Oxide to Castlereagh Feeds at levels of 4.9-17.0 mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

IODINE REQUIREMENTS (GOITRE)

Most of the iodine in the body is concentrated in the thyroid gland; the rest is in the adrenal gland and the sex glands. The whole of the mental and physical processes slow down if there is a deficiency of Iodine. The use and distribution of Iodine is governed by the thyroid gland, which manufactures a hormone thyroxin, rich in Iodine. When there is not enough Iodine, the thyroid gland swells and enlarges, producing Goitre.

With reduced levels of the hormone thyroxin, the horses metabolism slows down, resulting in reduced growth, lowered milk production coupled with abnormalities of the developing foetus. There is a great fatigue and lethargy and the horses lacking thyroxin feel sleepy and are dozing off most of the time. They feel the cold weather more intensely, lose all interest in mating and have low pulse and low blood pressure. The skin becomes dry and harsh. The disease comes on slowly and is not always recognized.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of Goitre and taking into consideration the interaction of Iodine with Calcium, we have added Iodine in the form of Calcium Iodate and/or Potassium Iodide to Castlereagh Feeds at the level of 1.5-1.6 mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

IRON REQUIREMENTS (ANEMIA)

Most of the iron is contained in the red corpuscles of the blood, the rest is in the muscles and some is stored in the liver, the spleen and the bone marrow. Iron is vital to good health for it delivers life giving oxygen to every cell in the body. Red blood cells are made in the bone marrow. They disintegrate after a life span of a few months and therefore the body needs a constant supply of red blood corpuscles. Iron is particularly critical during the growing period because the more the foal grows, the more blood is required and when there is not enough Iron available, the foal becomes anemic.

Anemia or Iron deficiency is often brought about by blood sucking parasites such as worms or lice. Symptoms of Anemia are: the faeces are usually pale in colour, lethargy, and marked increases of heartbeat (thumps) occur with exercise coupled with heavy breathing. The skin and mucous membrane are pale and quite often yellow. There may be oedema of the head, giving the horse a puffed-up appearance. Death may occur quite suddenly or affected horses survive in a poor, unthrifty condition. A high incidence of other infectious diseases is often associated with Anemia.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of Anemia and taking into consideration the interaction of Iron with Cobalt, Vitamin B12, Folic Acid, Copper and Zinc we have added Iron in the form of Ferric Ammonium Citrate (iron tonic) and Ferrous Sulphate to Castlereagh Feeds at the level of 55-199mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

MAGNESIUM REQUIREMENTS

Magnesium, Calcium and Phosphorous all interact in the body to maintain a balance, not only in the blood but also inside every cell. The level of Magnesium in the blood does not vary much and most of the Magnesium is held within the cells themselves and even a slight deficiency causes horses to become nervous, excitable, irritable and sensitive. Horses are “highly strung” and are very jumpy. These symptoms appear quite quickly when magnesium is deficient.

The magnesium in Castlereagh Feeds strengthens and steadies nerves and muscles including heart muscles, prevents arteriosclerosis, lowers the blood pressure and blood cholesterol and in some way prevents rheumatism and neuritis.

The magnesium is also required for bone formation. It is also necessary for carbohydrate metabolism and in certain enzyme activities. When there is not enough Magnesium in the diet, growth is retarded and horses get nervous tremors.

Treatment
To prevent occurrence of any Magnesium deficiency and taking into consideration the interaction of magnesium with calcium and phosphorus, we have added Magnesium in the form of Magnesium Oxide to Castlereagh Feeds at the level of 100-150per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

MANGANESE REQUIREMENTS

The virility of stallions and the production of sperm as well as the fertility, conception and maternal instinct of mares is influenced by the manganese content of the feed. If there is not enough Manganese it will cause impotence and the degeneration and shrinking of the sexual organs, a reduced sexual drive and lowered conception rate.

The Manganese in Castlereagh Feeds will help to stimulate maximum breeding activity and prevent the occurrence of any fertility problems. In racehorses, the tendons are affected and weakness of the tendons may occur. In foals, stiffness of the limbs as well as deformities of the forelegs may be observed as a result of poor bone formation.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of any Manganese deficiency and in taking into consideration the interaction of manganese with Calcium and Phosphorus, we have added Manganese in the form of Manganese Oxide to Castlereagh Feeds at the level of 40.2 – 80.4 mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

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ZINC REQUIREMENTS

Zinc deficiency may produce loss of hair, scaly crusts on the skin, diarrhoea, loss of condition and skin irritation. Wounds take a long time to heal. Horses become lethargic with an unthrifty appearance, rough coat, stiffness of the joints, oedematous swelling of the feet and front of fetlocks, cracks in the skin of coronary bands around the hooves, dry scaly skin on the hooves, thickening and cracking of the skin around the nostrils, development of horny overgrowths on the lips and dental pads, gnasting of the teeth, excessive salivation, bowing hind legs which are tender and easily injured and often raw and bleeding. Horses have a high rate of respiration.

The Zinc in Castlereagh Feeds forms an essential component of the enzyme system where it functions as an “activator.” It forms part of all living tissues and is especially concentrated in the eyes, the malke sperm cells and the insulin producing islets in the pancreas gland. The zinc in Castlereagh Feeds is an essential part of at least 8 vital bodily processes but mainly for hormone and enzyme functioning.

Treatment
To prevent the occurrence of any zinc deficiency and taking into consideration the interaction of zinc with copper, iron and calcium, we have added zinc in the form of Zinc Oxide to Castlereagh Feeds at the level of 99.0 – 178.3 mg per kg of pellets, depending on individual ration.

ELECTROLYTES *
(*furnished in Race Conditioners, Show Conditioner and Foal Starter Pellets only)

Castlereagh Feeds contain Electrolytes in the form of :
- Sodium Dihydrogen Citrate
- Potassium Citrate,

as an aid in the prevention of dehydration, tying up, sluggish blood flow, acidosis, azoturia, kidney, bladder and urinary tract inflammation and various anemic blood conditions etc, especially for horses under stress of training, so that the animal may utilize maximum blood flow and maximum oxygen supply. This is critical for any horse that is required to work hard or stay over distances.

DEHYDRATION

One of the most common causes of dehydration in horses is loss of water as well as mineral salts from excessive sweating, particularly during the hot summer months. The main electrolyte lost is sodium ion. Castlereagh Feeds contain a high level of sodium and potassium in a watersoluble form to ensure that these elements are continually replaced to the body.

SLUGGISH BLOOD FLOW

Dehydration may cause sluggish blood flow and impaired tissue oxygenation because as the blood stream is also the water balance mechanism of the body, loss of water through sweating or panting will mean water lost from the blood. As the blood loses its water portion, it thickens and becomes more viscous. The Electrolytes in Castlereagh Feeds help to correct this condition.

ACIDOSIS

Metabolic Acidosis may impair normal muscular function and thereby hinder the horse’s performance. The electrolytes in Castlereagh Feeds exert a neutralizing effect on acidic substances that may build up in the tissues and the blood stream, as a result of strenuous training ie such as the increased pH. The urine is kept alkaline to prevent kidney tubular precipitation of myoglobin. Administration of Common Salt will only serve to intensify the acidosis.

AZOTURIA

Azoturia or sometimes known as Paryltic Haemoglobinuria, Myoglobinuria or Monday Morning sickness is usually prevented by the addition of Electrolytes in the Feed. Azoturia usually occurs in horses in good condition on a full working diet after a short period of rest. Symptoms are sudden cramping of muscles, heavy sweating, rapid respiration and the urine is often dark in colour due to the presence of myoglobin. The Electrolytes in Castlereagh Feeds aid in maintaining high urine flow and the urine is kept alkaline to prevent kidney tubular precipitation of myoglobin.

KIDNEYS, BLADDER AND URINARY TRACT

The electrolytes in Castlereagh Feeds help to prevent kidney, bladder and urinary tract infections. They are particularly beneficial in inflammatory conditions of the urinary tract and are compatible with Sulphonamide treatment

BLOOD CONDITION

The Electrolytes in Castlereagh Feeds are effective in maintaining a balanced blood picture such as Serum Protein, Packed Cell Volume, Haemoglobin, Red Blood Cells White Blood Cells and Erythrocyte Secimentation Rate etc.

SALT (SODIUM CHLORIDE) REQUIREMENTS

Under spelling conditions, horses need a total of about 0.5% Salt in their diet, but the requirements would increase in accordancr with the severity of the work, the heat of the day and the amount of sweat worked up.
If your horse does not have access to a salt block, then every so often after a heavy work out or on a particularly hot day you may add about ½ -1 tablespoon (but no more than that) of salt to its feed, depending on how much sweat he has worked up. Don’t be too liberal with the salt because it may result in an excessive water intake, wet droppings, tiredness and increased blood pressure.

IMPORTANT : Whenever you give your horse any salt, you should give him the salt AFTER the work-out NEVER before.

ROUGHAGE
Castlereagh Feeds are nutritionally balanced to perfection and only require the addition of roughage to make it a complete feed in itself.

CASTLEREAGH FEEDS + ROUGHAGE : a simple combination, even a child can do it.

However, whether Castlereagh Feeds are properly digested or not, doesn’t depend on the pellets but on two factors;
1. Whether you use the “right” roughage
2. Whether you give your horse “enough” roughage.

THE RIGHT ROUGHAGE
Horses are grass eaters and their digestive system does not function properly without any roughage. For this reason, the major part of your horse’s diet should always consist of roughage. (Grass, hay or chaff).

The actual roughage value of grass, hay or chaff is in the cell walls and the plant fibre which consists of almost pure cellulose. Grass consists largely of fibre (cellulose) and therefore, in the wild, the horse’s staple diet is mainly consisting of cellulose. The horse’s digestive system has evolved and is primarily designed for the digestion of cellulose based materials and, for this reason, requires a certain amount of cellulose to function properly.

Much of the cellulose is broken down in the digestive tract into simple sugars such as glucose. Glucose serves as a source of pure energy. However, its chief value is that by the interaction of cellulose, the true and full potential nutrient value of the consumed food is liberated and is thus rendered available for absorption.

The reason for this digestive phenomenon, it is believed, is that for the fibrous cellulose materials to be broken-down, more saliva has to be excreted and more enzymes and gastric juices are released. The body temperature rises and the bacterial activity in the digestive tract intensifies. The whole digestive process is activated and stepped-up. As a result, all the other soft rich food particles in the digestive tract such as the pellets) are exposed to a much more active and thorough digestive process and are therefore much more thoroughly digested. By the time the cellulose in the feed is finally broken down, all the soft food particles are already digested and absorbed without residue.

The intensity and efficiency of the digestive process and consequently the amount of nutrients extracted from the food during digestion is therefore largely regulated by the presence of cellulose.

The richer the food, the more cellulose is required. The less cellulose available, the lower the efficiency of the digestive process and the greater the food has only been partly digested and a certain amount of good food value are being lost.

For this reason whether Castlereagh Feeds are properly digested or not, you use a high-cellulose roughage. The roughage must have enough roughage value and, in fact, the more fibrous the roughage the better.

Basically there are two different types of roughage:

A) COARSE FIBRE ROUGHAGE (high cellulose content)
Such as oaten, wheaten or meadow grass etc
This is the “right” type of roughage for Castlereagh Feeds.

B) SOFT FIBRE ROUGHAGE (low cellulose content)
Such as lucerne and clover and all other legumes.

This is not very compatible roughage with Castlereagh Feeds.

Preference should always be given a coarse Fibre, High-Cellulose Roughage such as Oaten, Wheaten or Meadow Grass etc in the form of hay and or chaff because it works better with Castlereagh Feeds and the higher proportion you use the better your horse will do. Your horse will put on more weight, work harder, pull better, feel better and be healthier. You can use some Lucerne, if you have to, but it should not constitute any more than a handful or two.