Mineral

Zinc

Zinc chelate · Zn

Mechanism

Zink ist Bestandteil zahlreicher Metalloenzyme und an Keratinbildung, Wundheilung und Immunfunktion beteiligt. In der Pferdefütterung wird es häufig zusammen mit Kupfer in einem definierten Verhältnis ergänzt, da beide um die Resorption konkurrieren. Entscheidend ist deshalb das Verhältnis, nicht die Einzelmenge: eine hohe Zinkgabe bei ohnehin knappem Kupfer kann die Versorgungslage verschlechtern statt verbessern. Ein weiterer, oft übersehener Punkt sind Bindemittel wie Zeolith, Bentonit und Kieselgur — sie binden auch Spurenelemente und scheiden sie mit aus.

Cautions

· Excess inhibits copper absorption

Sources

GfE 2014GfE — Spurenelemente Pferd

PMID:21075965Wagner et al. 2011 (J Anim Sci) — Cu-/Zn-Bilanz bei trainierten Pferden

PMID:32705007Millican et al. 2020 (Transl Anim Sci) — Spurenelemente (Zn/Mn/Cu) bei jungen Pferden

Equiterna Score

83/100

high overall

Science7.7/10

Practical experience9/10

Safety8.4/10

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.

Dosageapprox. 0.7–1.0 mg/kg BW/day; mind Zn:Cu ratio ~3–4:1

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencemoderate

Knowledge connections

Related conditions

Sweet Itch (Summer Eczema) →cofactor for skin/keratin metabolism

Weak Hoof Horn (brittle horn) →cofactor of keratin synthesis

Mud Fever / Pastern Dermatitis →cofactor for skin/keratin metabolism and wound healing

Ringworm (Dermatophytosis) →cofactor for skin/keratin metabolism

Equine Sarcoids →cofactor for skin/keratin metabolism

Rain Rot (Dermatophilosis) →cofactor for skin/keratin metabolism and wound healing

Mange / Mites (Chorioptes/Sarcoptes) →cofactor for skin/keratin metabolism and regeneration

Mineral Imbalances →cofactor for skin/keratin and immune metabolism (in ratio to copper)

Cryptopyrroluria (KPU) — a debated topic →cofactor in skin/metabolism — only with proven need, no KPU proof

Coat Change Disorders →cofactor for skin/keratin and coat metabolism

Tendon & Ligament Injury (Tendinitis / Desmitis) →cofactor for tissue and repair metabolism

Hoof Abscess →cofactor of keratin synthesis for more stable horn (long-term)

Thrush →cofactor of keratin synthesis (long-term horn quality)

HWSD (Hoof Wall Separation Disease, SERPINB11) →building block of horn formation

Journal articles on this compound

Sommerekzem — warum die Haut selten der Ausgangspunkt ist →Wenn das Fell flüstert — was der Fellwechsel über den Stoffwechsel verrät →Biotin und das Hufhorn — was die Studien zeigen, und was nicht →Sommerekzem verstehen — der Mechanismus hinter dem Juckreiz →Mauke verstehen — warum das Fesselekzem viele Ursachen hat →Warum fast jede Heuration ein Mineralfutter braucht →Fohlenwachstum und Mineralstoffe — gleichmäßig schlägt schnell →

All sources in the study library →

Frequently asked questions

Is Zinc a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?

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

Is Zinc allowed at FEI competitions?

In the profile, Zinc is listed with the FEI status “Not listed”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.

Which dosage do the sources give for Zinc?

Stated in the profile: approx. 0.7–1.0 mg/kg BW/day; mind Zn:Cu ratio ~3–4:1. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.

Which sources are there for Zinc?

The profile cites: GfE 2014, PMID:21075965, and PMID:32705007.

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.