Amino acid

Alpha-casozepine

Lactium · casein decapeptide · alpha-s1-casein hydrolysate

Mechanism

Alpha-casozepine (trade name e.g. Lactium) is a decapeptide obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis from alpha-s1-casein of cow milk. As a partial agonist it binds the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA-A receptor, mediating an anxiolytic, calming effect; animal-experimental and some clinical data (incl. dog/cat) support the mechanism. Because of this pharmacological (sedative) action, the FEI lists alpha-casozepine as Controlled Medication (sedative); use in the competition horse is therefore not permitted. Use is conceivable only outside competition, under veterinary responsibility and observing withdrawal times.

Cautions

· FEI: Controlled Medication (sedative) — not in competition, observe withdrawal time
· Validated equine PK/efficacy data lacking
· Derived from milk protein — note in case of known milk-protein sensitivity

Sources

PMID:7285003alpha-Casozepin-Peptid, anxiolytische Aktivität (PMC7285003)

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024 — alpha-casozepine Banned

PMID:19453759Violle et al. 2009 (Fundam Clin Pharmacol) — Anxiolytische Wirkung alpha-s1-Casein-Hydrolysat

Equiterna Score

76/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience8/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageDerived from companion species approx. 15–30 mg/kg BW/day; no established validated equine dose exists. Not permitted in competition (FEI Controlled Medication); observe withdrawal time. Coordinate with a vet.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusControlled (withdrawal)

Evidencemoderate

Frequently asked questions

Is Alpha-casozepine a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

Equiterna classes Alpha-casozepine as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.

Is Alpha-casozepine allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Alpha-casozepine is listed with the FEI status “Controlled (withdrawal)”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Alpha-casozepine?

Stated in the profile: Derived from companion species approx. 15–30 mg/kg BW/day; no established validated equine dose exists. Not permitted in competition (FEI Controlled Medication); observe withdrawal time. Coordinate with a vet. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Alpha-casozepine?

The profile cites: PMID:7285003, FEI EPSL 2024, and PMID:19453759.

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.

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