Copper Supplementation in the Horse

Copper in its simplest form (as atoms or molecules), plays many important roles within the mammalian body.

Role of Copper in the Body

Copper is classed as a Trace Element. This is a substance which is needed by the body but only in tiny (or trace), amounts. A better-known example of a trace element may be Iron, familiar to us all for its role in blood production. Atoms of trace elements are used by the body in many different ways. In the example of Iron, a single atom of Iron is at the centre of every molecule of haemoglobin – the part of red blood cells which carries oxygen. Thus, Iron deficiency causes anaemia – a lack of production of healthy red blood cells.

Copper is often an integral part of enzymes – molecules which control and quicken chemical reactions in the body. Without enzymes, the processes of manufacturing and repairing body tissues would be too slow to maintain good health.

If we look at the bodily processes which require a small amount of copper in order to function correctly, the list is exhaustive.

• Cartilage and bone growth
• Nerve function
• Blood vessel repair
• Hair and coat quality
• Fertility
• Red blood cell function

Clearly, for optimum health and performance, a horse needs to have an adequate supply of copper.

Sources of Copper

The horse gets its copper from the feed. The copper content of grass and forage in turn depends on several things.

• Soil type and geology of the area. Soil overlying peat or granite tends to have a lower copper content.
• Mature/late season grass will have lower copper
• Some fertilisers will affect copper levels, sometimes in an unpredictable way.

Supplementation of Copper

Ensuring an adequate supply of copper to those horses where demands are high will be a sensible precaution. Young, fast growing horses eg yearlings, pregnant mares and horses in hard work may all benefit from additional sources of copper. These are generally administered as an oral supplement given at regular intervals and provide a basic percentage of the copper requirement to ensure the total intake meets demand.

Written by Dr. John Henderson, BVM&S MRCVS

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