Thursday, April 15, 2010

Kelp the Biologically Balanced Source of Minerals



KELP, THE NATURAL MINERAL SUPPLEMENT
Kelp is a natural mineral supplement prized for its iodine content, for which can be used for thyroid problems in horses and is useful in addressing insulin resistance. Iodine is essential to normal thyroid function. It is used to increase the metabolic rate and strengthen connective tissues, keratin, collagen production ,including the hoof tissue and joints. It is also important for normal adrenal function. Kelp's iodine is absorbed much more slowly and therefore more safely, than chemical iodine
Kelp has also been used as a blood purifier and may be useful in the treatment of arthritis. It assists in these conditions by absorbing toxins from the bowel. It is especially effective at absorbing the metabolic products produced by yeasts making it an ideal supplement to help address the effects of mycotoxins.
It is the presence of a viscous fiber called algin which is responsible for absorbing these toxins from the digestive tract. This results in fewer toxins entering the circulatory system
Kelp contains mucilaginous compounds that enhance the detoxifying and eliminative functions of the digestive system. These compounds absorb toxins from the bowel and provide bulk to the stool.
Kelp is not only an excellent herbal source of calcium, magnesium, sodium and iodine, it also contains the full spectrum of biologically available minerals
Elements Present in Kelp.
Aluminum Antimony
Arsenic Barium
Beryllium Bismuth
Boron Cadmium
Cesium Calcium
Chromium Cobalt
Copper Iodine
Lithium Magnesium
Manganese Mercury
Molybdenum Nickel
Phosphorus Potassium
Rubidium Selenium
Silver Sodium
Strontium Sulphur
Thallium Tin
Uranium Vanadium
Zinc

Go to our web site at http://www.hiralabs.co.nz/for sources of natural kelp.

Recommended daily dose for the average sized horse between 5 and 10 grams

Warning: Do not exceed the recommended daily consumption

Arsenic is quite high in kelp, but this is normal for seaweed and other seafoods. The
form in which the arsenic is in an organic form, which is non-toxic. It is the inorganic
form that is very toxic.. The US FDA have assumed 10% of the arsenic in kelp is inorganic.
Based on this figure then 70.2 g of kelp would have to be consumed to reach the
maximum tolerable daily intake (assuming a 450 kg horse).
We sprinkle a few tablespoons of kelp into the worm farm to boost the levels of mineral in the leachate which we apply as a foliar spray to plants.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Scours in Horses




Scours is a potentially life threatening condition sometimes caused by a bacterial infection like salmonella or possibly ulceration. Long term stress and the action of adrenaline can alter the pH of the stomach predisposing the horse to scours.

The picture is of Agrinomy one of the most effective herbs to help with scours.

Immediate Action:
Call the vet as soon as scours is suspected.



  • Administer Rescue Remedy every half hour

  • Give 60ml of strained Chamomile tea given every half hour.

  • Probiotics like natural yoghurt feed two tablespoons mixed with manuka honey Syringe into mouth x3 day.

  • Give a small medicinal feed 3-4 x daily see recipe below.

Alternative Preventative and Herbal Treatment.
Horses prone to scours should be kept on a diet that excludes excessive amounts of protein rich foods, lucerne and lush grass. It is advisable to mix your own feeds avoiding for a time premixed feeds.



  • Feed medicinal feed 2-3 x daily

  • Administer Chamomile Calm 3ml daily

  • feed 3-4 tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseeds to bulk up stools and absorb excess fluid in the bowel.

  • Routine feeding of liver and digestive stimulants. Hira Conditioning Feed Boost has liver stimulants and is a digestive aid.

  • Ensure that the horse has healthy gut flora. This can be restored by providing acidophyllus powder and or probiotics. (this is very important)

  • Every two weeks Echinacae extract 3ml daily week on week off

  • Medicinal Feed recipe
    1scoop meadow chaff
    1 cup boiled barley and linseeds
    1 tablespoon dolomite
    1 tablespoon bentonite ( a clay to bind stools)
    1 tablespoon slippery elm
    Fresh dandelion leaves
    1 tablespoon of kelp (restores electrolytes)
    I leaf of comfrey (discontinue after a week)
    1 tsp of garlic granules or raw garlic (better)1 tablespoon of Agronomy leaves (this is astringent and will help firm