The Role of Manganese in a Horses Diet - Horse Supplements

Manganese is well known for its role in bone and cartilage formation. It is essential for the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides and chondroitin sulphate, the latter itself being needed for cartilage synthesis. It is also essential for a healthy central nervous system, including the brain. Manganese is a vital enzyme co-factor for carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. It also activates enzymes with an anti-oxidant function, notably superoxide dismutase which helps to neutralise damage caused by free radicals.

The main source of manganese is forage, and this applies to most UK soils. Requirements for manganese are increased during growth and development. Deficiency symptoms have not been noted in horses, possibly partly attributable in the UK to high forage levels.

Toxicity has never been recorded in the horse, not surprisingly manganese is considered the least toxic of the trace-elements. Once again it is all about balance, in this case of total dietary manganese to copper and zinc, which is important.