The Story of B Vitamins in Horse NutritionBy Kentucky Equine
Research Staff · June 5, 2012 The B vitamins are a group of
water-soluble vitamins, each with its own distinct use and
chemical properties. Being water soluble means that they are not
stored in the body, and so are rapidly excreted in the urine
should there be an excess supply. Horses can to some extent rely
on their own “home-made” B vitamins to meet their full
requirements. While the horse manufactures his own niacin
(formerly B3), the remaining B vitamins are produced as part of
the mutual working contract between the horse and his microflora
by the bacteria of the hind gut. Any shortfalls in B vitamin
production are supplemented through the diet by way of pasture
and hay, provided there is ample supply. Vitamin B12 is the only
B vitamin not produced in plants, and therefore the horse must
rely on the supply from the hindgut bacteria. Why feed it?
Little research is available on the subject of vitamin B
requirements in horses and what proportion