PURE LYSINE(Vita-Flex) contains only pure l-lysine hydrochloride (HCl), the stable form of the essential amino acid most often deficient in the diets of horses. Amino acids serve as the building blocks of proteins. In order to make proteins for growth, development, and maintenance of tissues, the horse must have an adequate supply and balance of amino acids in the diet. The protein of many horse diets, especially those based on grains and grass hay and forage, is often low in lysine. The National Research Council calls lysine is the first limiting amino acid in the diet of growing foals. Inadequate intake of protein or required amino acids by mature horses may lead to reduced feed intake, body tissue loss, poor hair coat, and reduced hoof growth. Lysine is found in a wide variety of tissues, hormones, and cells throughout the body. Proteins that require lysine include the collagens and elastins that make up bone matrix, tendons, skin, and articular cartilage. The iron-carrying hemoglobin molecule needs lysine in its unique structure. Myosin and other muscle proteins contain large amounts of lysine. The keratin protein in hoof and hair requires lysine. Without enough lysine, the production of these and other proteins is restricted. HOW MUCH LYSINE IS NEEDED: The NRC estimates that the daily lysine needs of mature 1,100 pound horses range from 23 grams for idle horses to 46 grams for horses in intense work. Growing horses have the greatest need for quality protein. In growing to a mature weight of 1,100 pounds, a horse will require 30 grams of lysine daily at 4 months of age, and over 50 grams of lysine as a long yearling in training. GRASSES AND HAY - POOR SOURCES OF LYSINE: Grains we feed to meet the energy needs of growing and working horses are particularly weak in lysine. As an example, 10 pounds of most oats can be expected to supply only 20 grams of lysine. The same amount of corn, which is popular for its energy and digestibility, supplies less than 12 grams of lysine. When available, sufficient amounts of soybean meal or alfalfa can make up for this lysine shortfall, but these feedstuffs can be expensive and problematic to feed. Pure Lysine is a simple, low cost solution that goes right the heart of the matter. It supplies the key missing ingredient in its pure form, for easy feeding, excellent digestibility, and surprisingly low cost.
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| Recommended Feeding Levels: Each 4 gram scoop enclosed supplies 3 grams of pure lysine. For foals and weanlings up to one year, feed 2 scoops (6 grams l-lysine) per day. Feed mature horses 1 to 3 scoops daily, depending upon activity. Broodmares, breeding stallions, horses in heavy training or competition: 2 to 3 scoops daily. Increase feeding of large breeds proportionately according to body weights over 1,000 pounds. |
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