Methionine is not very talked about in the horse world but it’s important and it should be.
In nature horses get adequate methionine in grass that is grown in dirt with enough sulfur. Oftentimes we have depleted the pastures and sulfur and phosphorus are out of whack. These can be soil tested.
Methionine is an amino acid and important “building block” to a horse’s health and without a good supply of it the foundation will be shaky.
It helps produce fiber in muscle necessary for the normal function of muscles. It’s important for synthesizing protein, which is how cardiac, smooth, and skeletal muscles get built.
Methionine is an antioxidant. Horses low in it don’t do well with exercise , and they get sick easier. They often take longer to shake off illness also.
Methionine is important for hoof health. It’s one of the keys to building a stronger and harder hoof. Most horses people know about biotin but have not been told about methionine. An added benefit is that methionine acts as a joint helper by strengthening cartilage and connective tissue.
The exact amount a horse needs of this important block is not known. Studies have shown that horses who are in heavy work and pregnant or nursing mares get depleted of it more rapidly.
If you just cannot get your horse to look quite right or are struggling to get strong feet, you might poke into your diet and see how much methionine is in it, then talk it over with your vet.
As with most things too much methionine can also be harmful, and older horses especially have a hard time with a methionine overdose.
If you are dry lotting your horses, depending on what else they consume, their diet may be lacking.
