In the past few years, I have realized, that the mineral and vitamin content in grass and other crops has been steadily declining. Yes, in the last 60 or so years we have depleted our soils and it’s also a result of changing agricultural practices, crop varieties, and revenue high farming methods.
A 2004 research study of USDA data found that, modern crop varieties bred for higher production tend to have lower concentrations of certain minerals and vitamins something known as the “dilution effect.” Between the 1950s and 1990s, levels of calcium, iron, and vitamins like A and C dropped considerably in some produce.
Of course, the nutrient content of fodder is also based on factors like soil type, geography, and harvest techniques, making it tough to draw direct comparisons over time. Some researchers argue that these changes aren’t nutritionally important if a horse has access to a varied diet, but I’m still worried about the long-term effect of topsoil degradation on overall crop quality.
Balancing My Horse’s Nutritional Needs
Despite these changes, natural fats and minerals from a grass-based diet remain crucial for horses. That’s why I’m convinced, that changes in forage nutrient composition mean, supplementation is often needed especially for performance horses or those with higher energy needs.
That’s why I use a balancer. It provides all essential vitamins and minerals to make certain my horses keep up a well-rounded nutritional form. This is crucial, because deficiencies or imbalances can result in serious health problems.
For example, the calcium-to-phosphorus ratio plays a key role in bone health. If there’s too much calcium or too much phosphorus, it can impair bone development, cause orthopaedic issues, or even disturb nutrient absorption. Normally, this ratio should be between 1.5:1 and 2:1. When the intake is not balanced, especially in young or high-performance horses, it can lead to developmental orthopaedic diseases (DOD), muscle weakness or poor bone mineralization.
How ReoVit Can Help Maintain Balance
ReoVit Optimal a nutritional balancer, making sure that my horses receive the right amounts of trace minerals (like zinc, copper, and selenium) and all essential vitamins. These nutrients are very important for energy metabolism, immune function, and even coat health. As the studies show, forage may no longer contain the same levels of these minerals and vitamins because of changes in soil health and farming methods, mineral supplementation has become an important part of my feeding program.
By Using a Balancer like ReoVit Optimal, I Can Ensure That:
• Calcium and phosphorus levels stay within the appropriate range to prevent skeletal disorders.
• Micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, and vitamin E support immune health, muscle recovery, and overall performance.
• Horses that are mainly on hay (which may be nutrient-depleted) still meet their daily nutritional requirements.
I always emphasize a grass/hay first diet, but adding a balancer helps me to ensure my horses get everything they need to stay healthy. By providing the right levels of nutrients without over- or under-supplementing. This way, I can help them thrive for years to come.
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