It's nothing new for owners to feed eggs to their horses. Eggs are one food that is occasionally offered to horses. It is an old custom that predates today's contemporary feeds. Back then, the owner was responsible for creating a proprietary combination of raw materials to feed his horses a well-balanced diet. Eggs were one of those ingredients since they were readily available.
Eggs may be a component of healthy nutrition for horses since they are an excellent supplier of protein and vitamins. However, it's crucial to only sometimes provide eggs to horses. Giving horses no more than a single egg every day is advised because giving them more than that might be difficult on their kidneys. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure the eggs are boiled before being given to horses since uncooked eggs may contain bacteria that might harm them.
Indeed, fresh eggs are safe for horses to consume. With all nine of the necessary amino acids present, eggs provide a complete protein supply. In addition to maintaining a horse's skin and hooves and generally giving them a lustrous coat, they are a rich source of minerals and vitamins. It's okay to sometimes treat your horse to a raw egg mixed into their meal.
Eggs
Females of a wide range of species, such as birds, amphibians, reptiles, very few mammals, and fishes, lay eggs; many of them have been consumed by humans for countless generations.
While the egg's primary function is undeniably to carry out the species' reproduction, most farmed poultry eggs—apart from those kept aside exclusively for hatching—are not fertilised and are instead sold primarily for human consumption.
Eggs from chickens are the most commonly consumed eggs. Eggs from other poultry, such as duck and quail, are also consumed.
The shell and shell membranes make up 10% of the egg's structural components, together with the albumen or white (60%) and the yolk (30%).
The entire egg is a good source of high-quality protein, defined as protein containing all the essential amino acids for normal dietary needs. It also has numerous necessary minerals, including zinc and phosphorus, and is an excellent place for all vitamins (apart from vitamin C). The yolk contains both cholesterol and all of the lipids, or fats.
The Benefits of Feeding Eggs to Horses
High-quality protein
As we already know, eggs are a good source of high-quality protein, which is the body's building block. Its primary purpose is to strengthen, build, and mend the body. A single egg has roughly 6.3 grammes of protein. Because it includes all the necessary quantities of each amino acid, it is regarded as being of good quality.
Smooth, lustrous coat
Your horse's coat will be incredibly lustrous thanks to the fat supply included in the egg yolk. Although lipids do not make up a significant portion of a wild horse's diet, they may be properly digested.
Extra calories
Eggs are a simple method for horses to increase caloric intake, maintain muscle mass, and put on weight. This is crucial for racehorses in particular.
Racehorses consume roughly 35,000 calories every day due to their continuous training. Since they are so active, these horses don't have the leisure or opportunity to spend many hours feeding in the stables. Eggs are a fantastic way for horses to quickly obtain the energy they require because of their high caloric content and naturally high protein content.
Source of vitamins
In a horse's diet, vitamins are ingested as both fat-soluble and water-soluble substances. They act as catalysts and key components for development, immunological response, metabolism, and growth. Vitamins A, D, E, K, B1, B6, B12, riboflavin, choline, folic acid, and niacin are all present in egg yolk.
Rich in mineral elements
Horses need minerals to function properly. Although they are also present in egg whites and yolks, they are most abundant in eggshells. The following minerals are essential: manganese, magnesium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium.
The Risks of Feeding Eggs to Horses
It might be risky to feed eggs to horses since they may contain deadly bacteria that will make your horse extremely ill.
Salmonella is the major bacterium associated with eggs that threatens the health of horses. The danger is there, but it's very slight. Salmonella can still be brought on by eating raw eggs, though.
Salmonella is capable of causing some health disorders in horses, which include;
Diarrhoea and vomiting
Horses may experience discomfort if they consume raw eggs because Salmonella may be present. These bacteria are present in one out of every 10,000 eggs. These bacteria typically cause symptoms including diarrhoea, cramping in the abdomen, vomiting, and fever.
Septicaemia and laminitis
The salmonella in eggs can also cause septicaemia and laminitis. This frequently occurs with uncooked eggs.
Sepsis, also known as septicaemia, is the medical term for bacterial blood poisoning. This is an incredibly strong immunological reaction to an illness. The immune system of a horse with sepsis can harm tissues and organs, which can be fatal.
Laminitis affects and inflames the tissue that lies between the hoof and the coffin bone underneath, often in horses and donkeys. Clinical symptoms include foot discomfort that progresses to immobility, elevated digital pulses, and elevated hoof temperatures.
These are some precautions you may take to lessen the likelihood of salmonella in eggs:
- Eggs should be kept in a cold, dry location, such as a refrigerator.
- Eggs that have been stored for too long should not be given to horses.
- Make sure the egg is intact and free of abrasions.
Can Horses Eat Raw Eggs?
Yes, it is acceptable to give horses raw eggs. The risk of Salmonella infection in horses is what raises concern about feeding horses raw eggs.
Even though it could be difficult to get your horse to consume a raw egg, you can combine the eggs with their food if you truly want them to. The danger of exposing your horse to Salmonella, however, increases since bacteria thrive when exposed to room temperature. The more bacteria your horse consumes, the greater the likelihood that it may become ill.
Can Horses Eat Boiled Eggs?
Yes, you may feed boiled eggs to horses. You can boil the eggs if the thought of your horse consuming raw eggs makes you uncomfortable. Boiling eggs is still another excellent choice. Eggs that have been boiled have all the same health advantages as raw eggs without any of the salmonella risks for your horse.
How Many Eggs Can You Give to Your Horse Per Day?
How many eggs are healthy for your horse to consume doesn't appear to be much of an agreement. It is advised against including them regularly in your horse's diet.
Once more, it's up to you how many eggs you decide to serve your horses. But like with anything, exercise moderation.
Concluding Words
Whether they are boiled or raw, eggs are a great and secure method to supplement a horse's diet since they are high in protein and filled with vital vitamins and minerals.
