Side effects of using EGGS in feed

[Maudee]

Approximately 18 months - 2 years ago there was a discussion regarding best feed additives for coat conditioning of ponies/horses. There was a concern regarding feeding too many eggs. I cannot remember fully what and how it effected the feet, something to do with biotin.

Would the member who offered the information be kind enough to advise what the actual side effects are and how it effects the feet. My farrier is interested to know and I unfortunately didnt print or copy the detail.

Thankyou for any information...Maudee

[Bellingara Stud]

Hi Maudee,

I wasn't involved in the original discussion, but curious about your question, so did some research and found some advice offered by the FeedXL nutritionist Nerida Richards. Apparently eggs contain a protein called Avidin in the egg white which binds biotin and stops the horse from absorbing it. She also says
"While I think you would have to feed a lot of raw eggs to a horse to produce a biotin deficiency my usual response to whether or not horses should be fed raw eggs is that they provide little benefit (an egg being so small and a horse being SO big) and will reduce biotin absorption to some extent, so it probably isn't a good idea. Depending on why you are feeding them (ie was it for the oils, the protein or the energy?) you will be able to find an equally effective plant source to fill those gaps."

[Maudee]

Hi Bellingara, Thankyou for the research notes you have found. I was feeding eggs as I had excess at the time and the oldtimers thoughts that they put a sheen on the coat. Shiny coat isnt a lot of good if you end up with damaged hooves. Your time is appreciated.