Cystine
AT A GLANCE:
Sulphurated amino acids and their roles:
- Muscular anabolism
- Formation of skin, hoof, coat
- Indispensable for optimal growth
- Needed for physical exercise
Sulphurated amino acids and their sources:
- Whey proteins
- Eggs
- Soya
Amongst the sulphurated amino acids, it is necessary to consider cystine and methionine.
Cystine is very important to build hard proteins such as keratin which comprises the skin, hoof and coat. The requirements for cystine are normally covered by the feed ration (hay, cereals …). The adequate intake for a horse is around 15 - 17 g per day.
The metabolic weight corresponds to the horse's weight to the power of 0.75: for example a horse of 450 kg: 450 0.75 = 98 kg of metabolic weight; such a horse will need 17.6 g of this amino acid per day.
