Function of Zinc in Horse Diets

Horses need minute amounts of zinc daily. Don’t be fooled by the low daily requirement, though; this mighty micromineral plays a vital role in overall well-being.

Many body functions rely on zinc, including maintenance of the immune system, cell division and membrane integrity, wound healing, growth and maturation, DNA synthesis, cellular metabolism, and neurological function. Found to be essential for carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, zinc also supports synthesis of chondroitin sulfate, which is necessary for cartilage formation.

Zinc has low digestibility and retention, but commercial feed manufacturers add zinc at rates sufficient for horses in various life stages.