Thousands of Horses at Risk of Founder Due to Fears Regarding Chromium
Released on = March 24, 2006, 8:01 am
Press Release Author = Virginia Equine Research
Industry = Agriculture
Press Release Summary = Every spring, many horses are at risk of \'founder\' from rich grasses. Chromium supplementation can help prevent founder. However, the questions regarding the safety of Chromium Picolinate (TM) have made horse owners wary of using the supplement. Other forms are available, however.
Press Release Body = Thousands of horses are at risk of founder, due to fears surrounding Chromium PicolinateT - an ingredient in many equine supplements.
Every spring, when nighttime temperatures are 37-41 degrees and daytime highs exceed 58 degrees, the sugar content of pasture grasses reaches levels dangerous to many horses.
Research has shown that chromium, as a supplement, can protect these horses by stabilizing blood sugar levels. This helps prevents the crippling and often fatal condition known as "insulin shock founder".
However, since the controversy profiled in a national news magazine surrounding the safety of Chromium Picolinate T, many horse owners have been wary of using chromium supplementation. This is "truly unfortunate," according to Karl Donaghy of Virginia Equine Research. "We would strongly encourage owners of founder prone horses to do their homework regarding chromium. The natural form of chromium is shown to be safe. Owners simply need to track it down in desirable combinations. They can make all the difference in the world to the quality of life of these horses."
Horses at risk from rich spring grass are often confined to their stall or a small dirt lot, just to keep them from being destroyed by their own pasture. Donaghy asserts that many of these horses can now live a much more normal life, including time out on pasture. The relief this gives owners from the guilt of keeping their companions locked in unnatural conditions is often priceless.
2012
