Methionine is one of the essential amino acids that have to come from the diet with a sulfur bond. If too low in the intake, it may be beneficial for feed additional methionine.
Dr Eleanor Kellon VMD “Methionine is a structural amino acid which means you can find it in all proteins in the body, from skeletal muscle to haemoglobin, antibodies and enzymes. Methionine is also required for the initiation of building proteins in the body.”
Insufficient methionine can play a role in crumbling and cracking hooves
Methionine can be converted to the other two sulfur containing amino acids, cysteine and cystine. Sulfur bonds between cystine amino acids strengthen the structure of hooves, hair, tendons and ligaments.
Methionine is required for the production of:
- Taurine – central to health of the heart, nervous system and eyes
- L-carnitine – a carrier that is necessary to burn fats for energy
- Metallothionein – a protein which binds excess dietary minerals, and toxics, and carries them back into the bowel for excretion
- Creatine – the carrier of high energy bonds for muscle contraction
- Glutathione – the body’s master antioxidant
Methionine also functions as a methyl group donor by being the precursor for SAM. Transfer of methyl groups (transmethylation) is involved in a host of body functions including:
- Detoxification reactions in the liver
- Production of epinephrine
- Regulation of the activity of DNA
- Production of the active form of the B vitamin folic acid
- Recycling of methionine
- Regulation of the immune response
- Recycling of glutathione into an active form
If you need a supplement to support muscle building/topline as well as healthy hooves, Balanced Equine Equine Amino may be the better choice. Equine Amino contains lysine, methionine and threonine.
Best before date is 3 years if stored in a dry and cool place.
Dr Kellon VMD recommends:
5 – 10 g methionine, mix with feed.
The NRC (National Research Council) estimates that a 500 kg horse in no work (maintenance) requires 7.5 grams of methionine per day.
If in work (exercising), the requirement is 8 to 10 g depending on the exercise intensity.
According to Winsco et al, growing horses require between 8 to 11 g per day.
Brosnan JT and Brosnan ME (2006) The sulfur-containing amino acids: An overview
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16702333/
Winsco KN et al (2011) Influence of methionine on growth and nitrogen balance in weanling quarter horses
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21357445/
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2023/04/17/amino-acid-supplements-for-horses/
Understanding Amino Acids by Dr Kellon
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2020/08/12/understanding-amino-acids/
Matching Feeding to Activity Level
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2017/10/15/matching-feeding-to-activity-level/
Living with Old Soft Tissue Injuries
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2017/07/09/living-with-old-soft-tissue-injuries/
Nutrition for the Lactating Mare by Dr Kellon
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2019/05/04/nutrition-for-the-lactating-mare/
Nutritional Support for Shedding by Dr Kellon
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2020/03/21/nutritional-support-for-shedding/
Methionine Supplementation May Be Crucial by Dr Kellon
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2020/06/11/methionine-supplementation-may-be-crucial/
Sulfate and Your Horse by Dr Kellon
https://drkhorsesense.wordpress.com/2024/03/02/sulfate-and-your-horse/
The amino acid Methionine is a nutritional supplement product for inclusion in horse’s feed. Product has no therapeutic effect and is designed to be administered in a feed for voluntary ingestion for horses.
Animal consumption only.
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