Vitamin B12

Cobalamin

Mechanism

Cobalamin acts as methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin as coenzyme of methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase and is thus involved in blood formation, amino-acid and fatty-acid metabolism as well as in the normal function of the nervous system. In the horse an external supply is nutritionally hardly necessary, because the hindgut flora synthesises cobalamin itself (hindgut fermentation) and subsequently absorbs it. A precondition for this is an adequate cobalt supply of the ration, since the central cobalt atom of the molecule is incorporated by the microorganisms; a cobalt deficiency can therefore indirectly limit B12 synthesis. Plant feedstuffs contain practically no vitamin B12, which is why the microbial endogenous synthesis represents the decisive supply pathway. Supplementation is mainly a subject of discussion in case of cobalt deficiency, disturbed gut flora, high performance or pregnancy.

Cautions

· Microbial endogenous synthesis in the hindgut usually meets requirements with healthy digestion — the main lever is the cobalt supply
· Plant feed provides practically no B12; in case of disturbed gut flora or cobalt deficiency check the supply
· Parenteral high-dose applications fall within the veterinary domain, not within complementary feed

Sources

NRC 2007NRC, Nutrient Requirements of Horses 2007

GfE 2014GfE, Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden

Equiterna Score

78/100

high overall

Science7.3/10

Practical experience9/10

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.

DosageControl via the cobalt supply of the ration (GfE cobalt requirement approx. 0.05–0.1 mg/kg dry matter); direct B12 administration only in case of special need, mind the requirement relation.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

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 study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.