MSM™ - suitable for all Herbivores

MSM™ - suitable for all Herbivores

Discovery of MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane) results from a 25 year research effort on Sulphur nutrition, proving MSM to be nature’s way of providing the body with free Sulphur. Without knowing why, breeders, trainers and farmers have long since recognised the nutritional value of fresh forage for the maintenance of good health in their animals.

MSM is present only in fresh feedstuffs and is the prime source of bioavailable
Sulphur. It is volatile and is readily driven out during drying, processing or refining, so it follows that animals fed cubes, grain and dried hay are apt to be Sulphur deficient. Sulphur deficiency can result in lack of condition and stamina. Sulphur is incorporated into proteins (e.g. mucopolysaccharides) of the skin and also in connective tissue and mucous membranes e.g. joints, muscle and respiratory system. Sulphur can also occur in lipoates, certain enzymes, hormones and steroids - in fact it is true to say that Sulphur is a component of all cells, but concentrates in skin, hair and hoof.

STALLED ANIMALS may be prone to Sulphur deficiency, simply because they may not be receiving adequate supplies via fresh, newly grown forage. Similarly, for animals grazing in winter or during drought, the same conditions can apply.

PARTURITION Although the dam’s milk is normally rich in sulphur for the offspring, many animals are prone to Sulphur deficiency. Recent trials have shown that foals are susceptible to FPT (Failure of Passive Transfer of Immunity). Sulphur is incorporated into immunoglobulin (antibodies) which is provided in colostrum and by de novo synthesis in the newborn. In the case of the in-foal mare, the foetus and its support membranes requires bioavailable Sulphur well above levels needed by the mare alone.

HOOF & HAIR are constructed of keratin filaments which utilise the Sulphur
containing amino-acid cystine. A matrix of uncharacterised Sulphur-rich proteins
support these filaments, showing that Sulphur is essential for hoof and hair growth. Zinc is also essential for keratinisaton and domesticated rations, especially when dried, may well be deficient in both Sulphur in the form of MSM and Zinc.

FEED SUPPLEMENTS MSM™ is a product which until relatively recently has never been incorporated into any of the plethora of otherwise excellent broad spectrum vitamin/mineral mixtures of feed supplements marketed. Elemental Sulphur or its salts, biotin or even methionine cannot in any way substitute for MSM’s Sulphur bioavailability. Regular administration of MSM as a dietary supplement is suggested for both animals at risk and those with special requirements. In the latter instance, it is therefore ideally suited to e.g. Angora goats, where a dose of 2mg per Kg bodyweight will assist inmmaintaining fleece production and quality and at the same time help in keeping hooves in good condition.