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How do you select herbs and extracts for equine feed? Assess identity, specifications, legal status, batch quality and risks relevant to sport horses.
Two offers bearing the same plant name may not describe interchangeable formulation materials. Differences can involve the plant part, processing, extraction solvent, carrier and chemical composition. These details should precede price comparison when developing equine blends.
A sound botanical formula starts with a defined role for each component and documentation that allows the correct material to be purchased consistently.
Milling plant material is not the same as extraction. Reducing particle size and selectively transferring constituents into an extract produce different materials, even when the botanical source is identical.
Require the botanical name, plant part, process description and identity parameters in the specification. For an extract, also request the solvent, carrier content and the basis on which assayed constituents are reported.
An unexplained “10:1” statement is insufficient to replace a specified weight of dried herb. Establish what the ratio refers to and whether it describes the native extract or the commercial product containing a carrier. It does not automatically indicate a tenfold greater effect.
Consider three hypothetical offers: dried root, root powder and a dry extract with a carrier. All may be sold under the same common plant name. Price per kilogram alone is not a sufficient basis for selection.
First compare identity and process, then specification and documentation. Only then evaluate the amount required in the proposed serving, technical feasibility and cost. If the offered material cannot be linked to the research through adequate data, it should not be presented as equivalent.
Standardisation to a marker may help with batch control, but it does not itself demonstrate efficacy of the blend. A marker can serve quality control while the proposed effect requires separate substantiation.
The Catalogue of feed materials established by Regulation (EU) No 68/2013 is an important reference for identifying and describing materials. It is not blanket permission for every derivative of a listed plant.
Where the product is a feed additive, assessment must consider Regulation (EC) No 1831/2003 and the relevant authorisation conditions. Natural origin or use in human products does not establish feed status.
Resolve ambiguity before purchasing the material and approving the formula. Replacing an extract during manufacturing can require renewed assessment of composition and communication.
Developing a botanical blend for horses? Contact FoodUP at team@foodup.com.pl. We help compare supplier documentation, assess materials and prepare the product specification.
Connect the testing plan with origin, processing and material characteristics. Consider botanical identity, microbiological parameters, undesirable substances and process-related residues rather than applying an identical panel to every material.
Directive 2002/32/EC and its amendments establish rules on undesirable substances in feed. Identify the applicable requirements and limits for the particular substance and material category. This article does not replace that assessment.
For the blend, also assess homogeneity and particle segregation. A visually uniform mixture is not sufficient evidence that all components are distributed evenly.
Feed-law compliance and compliance with sporting rules are separate questions. FEI highlights the risk of supplement contamination. Botanical products are also relevant; “natural” does not guarantee the absence of prohibited substances.
For competition horses, consider ingredient review against the current rules of the relevant organisation, supplier controls, cross-contamination risks and batch traceability. A negative result within a specified analytical scope does not provide an unconditional guarantee for every batch in sport.
Statements should reflect composition, serving and evidence under Regulation (EC) No 767/2009. Traditional plant use does not automatically permit a feed blend to be advertised as treating disease.
Before completing development, review pet food and feed claims. This helps identify messages that exceed the documentation supporting the selected material and finished product.
No. Suitability depends on purpose, composition, documentation, legal status and technical properties.
Not without a definition of the ratio and composition data. It also does not demonstrate equivalent or stronger activity.
No. Its status and conditions of use in animal nutrition require independent assessment.
No. Composition and contamination risks must be assessed against current sporting rules.
Regulation (EU) No 68/2013: Catalogue of feed materials.
Directive 2002/32/EC: undesirable substances in feed; act and amendments.
FEI Warning Regarding the Administration of Supplements to Horses.
Checklists of health labels and claims — how not to waste weeks on corrections
