Spirulina as animal feed

Spirulina as horse feed

Especially in domesticated animals, nutrition is key to a healthy and productive life. Therefore, a balanced supply of micro- and macronutrients should be ensured when feeding them.

An addition of spirulina algae provides animals and humans with valuable building blocks – such as amino acids, vitamins and minerals – and contributes to a naturally species-appropriate diet.

Why use spirulina as animal feed?

Spirulina is one of the most widely used algae, as a wholesome ingredient in human nutrition, as animal feed or in cosmetics, as well as Dietary supplement or in pharmacology.

Spirulina is increasingly being used in animal nutrition and breeding. Thanks to its composition, spirulina is attributed with various properties, such as the following:

• Muscle building / regeneration
• Mineral supply
• Rich in vitamins
• Rich in antioxidants

The comparatively high level of comparison is particularly noteworthy here. Spirulina has a high protein content of up to 70% . It also contains all the essential amino acids for humans and animals. Furthermore, spirulina is an excellent... Source of iron . Iron must be obtained through diet and is an essential building block for the formation of new red blood cells and their hemoglobin. The blue pigment phycocyanin, also present in spirulina, is both a natural blue dye and acts as a beneficial antioxidant .

Tip: A special feature of spirulina is that, unlike other microalgae such as green algae or plants, it does not have a hard cell wall made of cellulose. This makes spirulina easier for humans to digest and Monogastric animals digest and their ingredients are absorbed more effectively.

What are the ingredients in spirulina for animals?

Spirulina has a plant-based protein content of between 50% and 70%. This makes it very interesting as animal feed, especially for horses, as they require a high daily amount of protein to be in good health.

Protein is not stored like carbohydrates or fats and must be ingested daily through food. Protein plays a vital role in the development of foals, as well as in the milk production of mares and the performance of athletic horses.

Tip: Although spirulina is very rich in amino acids, it does not contain sufficient amounts of methionine and lysine. It is important to ensure a balanced intake of amino acids.

• Methionine source: sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, wholegrain corn flour
• Sources of lysine: peas, buckwheat flour, quinoa

Spirulina contains relatively low levels of fatty acids, at 7% of its dry weight. However, the main component is linoleic acid, which is important for brain development. essential Omega-6 fatty acid , which is found in milk and ensures healthy growth.

The Vitamin composition The range of vitamins in microalgae is very broad. Vitamins cannot be produced by the body itself, which makes them so vital. An adequate supply is particularly essential during growth and reproduction. Spirulina does not directly provide vitamin A, but rather its precursor, Beta-carotene is important for healthy skin and coat. The algae offer a wide range of B-complex vitamins , such as vitamin B1 (thiamine) for muscle and nerve function, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which plays a vital role in converting nutrients into energy and is a powerful antioxidant, and vitamins B3 (niacin) and B12, which are essential for the formation of red blood cells. Vitamin E ( tocopherol) is a fat-soluble antioxidant that is known as the fertility vitamin.

In addition to vitamins, spirulina contains interesting pigments that enable it to capture light energy. Chlorophyll, which plays a key role in converting light waves into energy, is also attributed with a cleansing effect in the body and intestines. A unique feature is the blue pigment, phycocyanin, which is found only in spirulina. It has been shown that phycocyanin supplementation positively influences the production and differentiation of red and white blood cells in the bone marrow. This property, along with its powerful antioxidant properties, makes this substance an interesting pigment for improving endurance in horses.

The Mineral composition Spirulina supports important metabolic functions. It contains potassium, phosphate, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and copper.

When should I give my horse spirulina?

Spirulina is usually added to animal feed as a daily course of treatment. This can last from a few days to a few weeks or even a few months. Thanks to its high-quality protein content, which is higher than soy, and its excellent tolerability, It is more digestible than grains. Therefore, spirulina is the ideal supplement when feeding horses. especially during growth or during muscle building.

Thanks to its broad nutrient composition, spirulina can be added to feed year-round, contributing to a complete and species-appropriate diet. A course of treatment in autumn is particularly beneficial to strengthen horses and ensure they are well-prepared for winter in the pasture. It is also recommended during training periods, where it promotes recovery. Generally speaking, a Daily dose for 15 days for sport horses or 7 days for leisure horses.

For daily dosage, it is recommended

• 5g for a foal,
• 10-15 g for an adult small horse
• Up to 15-30g for a large horse.
• As a rule of thumb, you can take 20g per 500kg of body weight per day.
• For dogs, it's 4g per 10kg, so 10 times more, since a protein-rich diet is species-appropriate.

Spirulina granules are mixed into the basic feed. Horses usually need a little time to get used to the new feed supplement. To avoid rejection, it's advisable to start slowly with the daily dose and gradually increase the amount . Most horses will accept the spirulina within a few days. For more difficult horses, a little patience and ingenuity are always required. Spirulina can be stirred into carrot juice for excellent results.

Areas of application:

– For athletic horses, to support performance and muscle development

– For older horses, to ensure optimal daily care and well-being

– For tired and sick horses, to correct deficiencies and promote recovery

– In breeding, to support fertility and growth.

Tip: For allergies, spirulina can have a soothing effect when combined with flaxseed flour, and for respiratory problems, add jiogulan and a source of vitamin C.