GB1571783A - Equine diets - Google Patents

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS RELATING TO EQUINE DIETS (71) We, ASAHI CARBON COM PANY LIMITED, a Japanese Company, of No. 2, Kamomejima-machi, Niigata-shi, Niigata-kin, Japan, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement:- This invention relates to a method of raising horses and feeding compositions therefor. More particularly, it relates to a method of raising horses, especially race horses, which is effective in improving the luster of the hair of the horses [the horse's hide] and maintaining or promoting the health of the horses, and to feeding compositions useful for such purposes.

After being born, race horses grow rapidly for the first 3 months and then at decreasing rates for the succeeding 18 months, finally attaining a mature body weight at the age of 24 months. Usually, 2-year-old race horses begin to undergo race training in October and first enter a race in the next summer or thereabouts. Accordingly, the composition and quantity of their feed are modified depending on the stage of development, the degree of growth, and the amount of exercise. However, the feeds now in use for race horses consist mostly of feedstuffs which have been customarily or traditionally used for many years and this situation cannot be expected to change remarkably in the near future. For example, cereals useful as concentrate include oats, corn, barley, rye, and the like, among which oats are most commonly used.Cereal byproducts such as wheat bran, rice bran, oats bran, and barley bran; pulse; oils and fats; linseed cake; and molasses as a sugar fortifier are also in use. In addition, grass useful as roughage has a high nutritive value and serves as a vitamin source. Furthermore, calcium carbonate, oystershell, bone meal, dicalcium phosphate, defluorinated phosphoric acid, and sodium phosphate are added for the purpose of supplying minerals such as calcium and phosphorus. Above all, common salt is regarded as an indispensable mineral and given in a daily dose of about 30 to 40 g. Though it depends on the state of the weather and the amount of sweat, the standard dose of common salt is generally considered to be 1% by weight of the concentrate or 0.5% by weight of the whole feed.

Among the foregoing feedstuffs, linseed cake is known to be not only useful as a protein-rich feedstuff, but also capable of pleasing the tastes of horses, moving the bowels to regulate their evacuation, toning up the physical condition to promote better health and softening the skin and improving the luster of the hair. However, linseed cake must be given for a long period of time before the above-described effects and especially the effect of improving the luster of the hair can be detected definitely. Thus, the abovedescribed effects of linseed cake on horses are manifested very slowly.

We have sought an improved method for raising horses which can regulate bowel movement, tone up physical condition, keep the skin soft and improve the luster of the hair, and make the horses robust in a short period of time, as well as feeding compositions useful for such purposes.

We tried to raise race horses on a conventional feed having incorporated therein small quantities of Spirulina algae belonging to the blue-green algae. As a result, the effects of (a) regular bowel movement, (b) toning up the physical condition to promote better health, (c) keeping the skin soft and improved ing the luster of the hair, and (d) making the horses robust, and especially the effect described in (c), were clearly manifested in a period of about one month. Moreover, there was noted the additional effect of promoting perspiration during race training in the winter season whereby the horses withstood violent exercise in spite of an increase in body weight and showed improved physical conditions suitable for race horses.The present invention is based on these findings obtained in a process of raising and observing race horses.

To improve a horse's condition within a short period of several months, e.g. one month or so, we provide, in accordance with the invention a method of raising race horses which comprise feeding the race horse with at least one kind of algae belonging to the genus Spirulina daily and in doses of from 4 to 12 grams, on a dry weight basis, per 100 kg of horse bodyweight whereby the luster of the hair of the horse is improved in a short period of time.

Also, in accordance with the invention, we provide a feeding composition or dietary supplement for race horses which comprises at least one kind of algae belonging to the genus Spirulina as the active component for improving the luster of the horses' hair, the algae being used in amounts of from 4 to 12 grams, on a dry weight basis, per 100 kg of horse body weight.

Further details of the invention will now be given by way of non-limitative example in the following description.

Information on the Spirulina algae useful in the practice of the invention can be found in numerous publications. For example, methods of growing such Spirulina algae are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Disclosure No. 64482/'75, entitled "Method of Growing Microscopic Algae and Apparatus Therefor," and Japanese Patent Publication No. 29430/'70, entitled "Method of Growing Algae and Culture Tank Therefor". According to these methods, a culture medium containing nutritive salts is inoculated with Spirulina algae, circulated either by immersing a rotator therein or by bubbling carbon dioxide-containing air therethrough, and irradiated with light, whereby the Spirulina algae can be readily grown and harvested.As is well known, two species of relatively large-sized Spirulina algae, or Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima, are now being cultivated industrially.

Their morphological features are fully described in Japanese Patent Publication No.

32996/'75, entitled "Method of Rearing Fishes". Other well-known species of Spiru- lina algae include Spirulina major, Spirulina princeps, Spirulina laxissima, Spirulina sub tillsima, Spirulina caldaria, Spirulina curta, and Spirulina spirulissima. Thus, no detailed mention is made herein of the cultivation of Spirulina algae and their morphological features. According to L. Geither, "Rabenhorts kryptagamen-Flora", Band 14 (1932), the taxonomic positions of Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima are as follows.

Phylum: Cyanophyta Class : Cyanophyceae Sacks Order . Nostocales Geitler Family: Oscillatoriaceae Kirchner Genus : Spirulina Geitler (=Arithrospira Stigenberger) Species : Spirulina platensis (Nordst) Geither '(= Arithrospira platensis (Nordst) Gomont) and Spirulina maxima (Setch. et Gardner) Geither (=Arithrospira maxima Setch. et Gardner) On the basis of the data obtained up to now, the contents of organic constituents in these two Spirulina algae are set forth in Table 1, and the contents of principal amino acids in the protein fraction are set forth in Table 2. For purposes of comparison, the data on chlorella (belonging to the green algae), soybean cake, and linseed cake are also given in Tables 1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Contents (in CO) of Organic Constituents in Various Dry Feedstuffs

Organic Soybean Linseed constituent Spirulina Chlorella cake cake Protein 64 - 72 40 - 50 46.1 30 - 35 Carbohydrate 18 - 20 10 - 25 - Crude Fat 2 - 3 10 - 30 1.0 1.0 Vitamins Provitamin Provitamin B1, B2, B6 B1, B2, A, B1, B2, A, B1, B2, Pantothenic B6, B12, B6, Nicotinic acid, Folic C, E, K acid acid, Choline Pigments Chlorophyll, Chlorophyll, Chlorophyll, Chlorophyll, None Phycocyanin, Xanthophyll, Xanthophyll, Carotene Carotene TABLE 2 Contents of Principal Amino Acids (in g/100 g protein)

Soybean Linseed Amino Acid Spirulina Cake Chlorella Cake Isoleucine 6.0 5.8 5.5 5.9 Leucine 8.0 7.6 7.7 5.8 Lysine 4.6 6.6 5.7 4.1 Phenylalanine 5.0 4.8 4.1 4.1 Methiomne 1.4 1. 1 1.5 1.0 Threonine 4.6 3.9 4.3 3.6 Tryptophan 1.4 1.2 1.1 1.5 Valine 6.5 5.2 4.9 4.9 Generally, the quantity of feed for a day is determined so that the total weight of its solid contents (about 90) ) is equal to approximately 2% of the body weight. Thus, the quantity of feed (including about 50two of concentrate) for a day is 9 kg-for 3-yearold race horses weighing 450 kg and 10 kg for 4-year-old race horses weighing 500 kg.

This quantity of feed is divided into either 3 portions which ar given in the morning, at noon, and in the evening, or 4 portions which are given in the morning, at noon, in the evening, and at night.

In the practice of the invention, it is perferable to use Spirulina maxima or Spirulina platensis, or both, which can be industrially grown and harvested. However, it is also possible to use other species of Spirulina algae which resemble them in chemical composition rather than morphological features. Though the Spirulina algae collected from the culture tank and washed with water may be used as it is, it is preferable to dry the Spirulina algae either by spray-drying at 130--1600C or by freeze-drying.

The Spirulina algae obtained in the form of powder may be fed to race horses in any suitable manner. More specifically, (a) it may be given as it is; (b) it may be formed into granules; (c) it may be sprayed on, mixed in, or blended with concentrate and roughage; (d) it may be previously incorporated into pellets of complete mixed feed; (e) is may be added to and kneaded with a garlic-containing feed commonly called "garlic-miso paste"; and the like. The daily dose of the Spirulina algae should be, on a dry weight basis, from 4 to 12 g and preferably from about 6 to about 8 g per 100 kg of the body weight of the horse. If the daily dose is less than 4 g per 100 kg of the body weight, the desired effects will not be clearly manifested.

If the daily dose is between 4 g and 6 g per 100 kg of the body weight, the expected effects will be satisfactorily achieved in a period of time ranging from about 30 to about 45 days. If the daily dose is greater than 12 g per 100 kg of the body weight, the feeding composition will still please the taste of horses, but will provide no additional benefit and undesirably tend to degrade the physical condition of the horse to a slight degree.

Since such a tendency is not seen at daily doses not greater than 12 g per 100 kg of the body weight, the upper limit of the body dose should be about 12 g per 100 kg of the body weight. Accordingly, for race horses weighing 450 kg, the upper limit of the daily dose is about 54 g. However, the daily dose of rhe Spirulina algae is more preferably limited to about 36 g.

Race horses are usually fed with a tonic feed, or feed for the promotion of health, commonly called "garlic-miso paste". This garlic-miso paste is prepared by mixing garlic, sesame, miso, brown sugar, and honey (used in the autumn and winter seasons), with or without addition of ginseng, and then kneading the mixture into a paste. In accordance with the invention, a predetermined quantity of the Spirulina algae may be mixed in such garlic-miso paste to prepare a tonic feed for race horses. The inclusion of the Spirulina algae never spoils the taste of the garlic-miso paste. Similarly, a predetermined quantity of the Spirulina algae may be mixed with common salt and/or calcium-containing feed stuffs such as oystershell.In brief, feeding compositions of the invention can be prepared by providing the Spirulina algae in any suitable form, such as powder, paste, or aqueous suspension, and incorporating it into a vareity of conventional feeds. So long as the intended purpose is accomplished, the Spirulina algae may be mixed with, immersed in, sprayed on, poured into, dispersed in, or attached to the conventional feeds. Moreover, the Spirulina algae may be formed into pellets or tablets which serve as a solid feed for race horses. Furthermore, the Spirulina algae may preferably be incorporated into a complete mixed feed which is then pelletized. In any caste, the quantity of Spirulina algae added should be properly controlled so that the whole quantity of feed for a day contains the above-defined daily dose of Spirulina algae.

In raising race horses on a feeding composition of the invention, care should be taken to feed the horses continuously with the abovedefined daily dose of Spirulina algae. If the Spirulina algae are given intermittently, it is impossible to achieve the desired effects in a short period of time. For example, if the Spirulina algae are given every two or three days or once a week, no effect will be produced even after a long period of time has elapsed.

Where race horses are raised on a conventional feed alone, the hair usually grows longer over autumn and winter, becomes thick and loses its luster and falls off in spring. Thus, the winter hair which grows during autumn and winter is replaced by summer hair in spring. If race horses are raised on a feeding composition of the invention, the summer hair tends to last well into the period of growth of winter hair and the moult from summer hair to winter hair or from winter hair to summer hair tends to be very rapid. It is well-known that these effects are noted only when the horse is in a healthy state, or in a well-nourished, sound state. It will be understood, therefore, that the feeding compositions of the invention are effective in keeping race horses in a healthy state. Furthermore, the luster of the hair and the softness of the skin are considered to be indicators of the health of race horses. It may also be said from this point of view that the feeding compositions of the invention provide a means for main taining the good health of race horses very easily.

The mechanism of action of the Spirulina algae included in the feeding compositions of the invention as the active component for improving the luster of the hair is as yet unknown. It is imagined, however, that the viscous matter contained in the Spirulina algae lubricates the intestinal walls to move the bowels and regulate their evacuation ànd thereby improve the appearance of excrements). Nevertheless, when compared with linseed cake which is known to exert a similar action, the Spirulina algae produces much better effects at smaller doses, which seems to suggest a great contribution of unknown components. After all, there is nothing for it but to understand that the Spirulina algae has a unique mechanism of action.

The Spirulina algae used in the examples given below were grown under the following conditions. In a nutrient mixing tank, a culture medium was prepared from NaHCO,, Na2COs, Na2SO4, NaCI, KNO,, NaNO3, K2SON, K2HPO4, MgSO4 . 7H2O, FeSO4 . 7H20, CaCI2,. 2H2O, and EDTA-2NA as well as microelement solutions A, and B6 [Holm- Hansen, O., Gerloff, G. C., Skoog, F; Physiol.

Plantarum vol. 7, page 665 [1954)]. This culture medium was transferred to a culture tank, in which Spirulina algae were inoculated and grown under natural or artificial light.

More particularly, a culture medium was prepared by dissolving 12 g of NaHCO,, 6 g of Na,CO,, 6.2 g of Na2SO,, 1.3 g of Nail, 1.9 g of KNO,, 0.7 g of K,SO4, 1.9 g of K,HPO,, 0.1 g of MgSo,.7H20, 0.01 g of FeSO4.

7H2O, 0.05 g of CaCl, . 2H,O, and 0.1 g of EDTA-2 Na in 1 1 of tap water and then adding 1 ml each of microelement solutions A, and B. The pH of this culture medium was about 9.7 Tlie culture medium was placed in a transparent container made of glass. Then, Spirulina algae were inoculated so as to provide an optical density of 0.1-0.3 and grown under natural or artificial light.

The present invention is further illustrated by the following examples.

Example 1.

We requested horse breeders to feed Spirulina algae (Spirulina maxima) to race horses weighing 450 to 500 kg. The Spirulina algae were mixed in a conventional feed in daisy doses of 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 16 g per 100 kg of the body weight and given to 2 race horses per dose. The race horses raised on the aforesaid Spirulina-containing composition and 5 race horses raised on the conventional feed alone were observed and compared by 10 horse breeders, with respect to the luster of the hair, the physical condition and the appearance of excrements. The amount of exercise imposed on each horse and the manner of care of its body were as usual.

On the 45th day after starting to feed the horses on the Spirulina-containing composition, the luster of the hair was rated by a single effort on the following basis: As compared with the horses raised on the conventional feed alone, better=2; slightly better =1; no difference=0; slightly worse = -1; and worse = - 2. The physical condition and the appearance of excrements were observed every fifth day and, after 45 days had elapsed, rated synthetically on the same basis. The results of these rating tests are summarized in Tables 3, 4, and 5. It can be seen from these tables that, when given in daily doses equal to or higher than 4 g per 100 kg of the body weight, the Spirulina algae were significantly effective.However, when the daily dose exceeded 12 g, the appearance of excrements was rated as "slightly worse" in some horses and physical conditions were found to have declining tendencies.

TABLE 3 Luster of Hair

Daily Dose of Spirulina Horse Breeder 2g 4g 6g 8g 10g 12g 16g A 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 B O 1 1 2 2 2 2 C O 1 2 2 2 1 1 D O 1 1 2 1 1 0 E 0 1 2 2 2 2 2 F 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 G O 1 2 2 2 2 2 J 0 0 1 2 2 2 Rating 3 11 16 20 18 17 15 TABLE 4 Physical Condition

Daily Dose of Spirulina Horse Breeder 2g 4g 6g 8g 10g 12g 16g A O 0 0 1 2 2 2 B O 1 1 2 2 2 1 C O 0 1 1 2 2 1 D 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 E 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 F 0 2 2 2 3 1 0 G 1 2 2 2 2 1 1 H 0 1 2 2 2 2 2 I 1 1 2 2 2 2 1 J 0 1 2 2 2 2 2 Rating 3 12 16 18 20 18 14 TABLE 5 Appearance of Excrements

Daily Dose of Spirulina Horse Breeder 2g 4g 6g 8g 10g 12g 16g A 0 1 2 2 2 2 -1 B 0 1 2 2 2 2 0 C 1 1 1 2 2 2 0 D 0 1 2 2 2 2 2 E 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 F 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 G 0 1 2 2 2 2 2 H 0 0 1 2 2 2 2 I 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 J I 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 Rating 5 13 18 20 20 20 12 Control 1.

Using a conventional feed having 40 g of linseed cake added thereto, two race horses weighing about 450 kg were raised in the same manner as described in Example 1. After 2 months, the softness of the skin and the luster of the hair were improved only to a slight degree. These results were far worse than those obtained in Example 1 by giving the Spirulina algae in a daily dose of 4 g per 100 kg of the body weight.

At present, it is a common practice to evaluate the body of a race horse by means of visual observation. As for its constitution, the standard criteria are that the hair is lustrous, the skin is soft, and the frame is weil-knit. Accordingly, the softness of the skin and the luster of the hair are considered to be very important factors in improving the constitution of a race horse.

Control 2.

Two race horses weighing about 450 kg were raised alternately on a Spirulina-contain ing composition (in a daily dose of 6 g per 100 kg of the body weight) and a conven tional feed. Each feeding cycle was such that the Spi*uhna-contuining composition was given for 3 consecutive days and followed by the conventional feed on the 4th day. However, the luster of the hair of these horses was hardly improved as compared with the horses raised on the conventional feed alone.

Example 2.

A feeding composition was prepared from the following ingredients and kneaded into a paste.

Garlic 10 bulbs Sesame 180 ml Brown sugar 1.9 kg Miso 1.9 kg Spirulina algae About 600 g (Spirulina maxima) The resulting garlic-miso paste, which was enough for about one month, was stored in a glass container. Two race horses weighing about 450 kg were raised on a conventional feed combined with 2 tablespoonfuls of this garlic-miso paste at each feeding. The results were similar to those obtained in Example 1 by giving the Spirulina algae in a daily dose of 4 g per 100 kg of the body weight.

Moreover, an improvement in endurance to exercise was noted.

Control 3.

A feeding composition similar to that of Example 2 was prepared, except that the Spirulina algae were replaced by chlorella.

Using the resuming garlic-miso paste, race horses were raised in the same manner as described in Example 2. The luster of the hair of these horses was hardly improved.

Example 3.

A feeding composition was prepared from the following ingredients.

Oats 5.5 kg Wheat bran 0.5 kg Dry grass 3.0 kg Common salt 45 g Oystershell 30 g Vitamins Small quantity Carrots 0.5 kg Water Small quantity Spirulina algae 27 g (Spirulina maxima) Using this feeding composition, five race horses weighing about 450 kg were raised for the period extending from September, 1976 to February, 1977. As a result, the luster of the hair was markedly improved and the skin was softened. Some of the horses passed the winter without moulting, so that their summer hair continued to exist till March. Furthermore, when exercise was imposed in the winter season, the degree of perspiration and the endurance to the cold were found to be improved, indicating that the physical condition was toned up. At the same time, some race horses were raised on a linseed cakecontaining feed as described in Control 1.

When the appearance of the hair and the degree of perspiration was observed, none of the effects achievable with the aforesaid feeding composition were noted.

Example 4.

Dry powder of Spirulina algae was formed into tablets by means of a tableting machine.

Race horses weighing about 500 kg were raised on a conventional feed combined with a daily dose of about 30 g of the aforesaid tablets. As a result, substantially the same effects as achieved in Example 1 with the feeding composition of the invention were manifested. In addition, the Spirulina algae could be more suitably fed because its scattered loss was decreased as compared with the case in which its dry powder was used directly.

Example 5.

A small quantity of water and 30 g of dry powder of Spirulina algae were added to and mixed with 30 g of oystershell. Then, a feeding composition similar to that of Example 3 was prepared, except that the oystershell and Spirulina algae were replaced by the aforesaid mixture. As a result, the scattered loss of the Spirulina algae could be decreased.

In all of the foregoing examples, the Spirulina algae were Spirulina maxima. However, exactly the same effects were achieved when Spirulina platensis was substituted.

Moreover, race horses weighing 250-400 kg or over 500 kg were raised on a feeding composition of the invention so that the Spirulina algae were given in the above defined daily dose. As a result, substantially the same effects as described in the foregoing examples were manifested.

When raised on a feeding composition of the invention, even 3 to 4-year-old horses had a well-knit frame in spite of an increase in body weight, tended to maintain good physical condition and developed well-dried skin and hair which served to maintain the luster of the hair.

Furthermore, on the basis of the results obtained in the foregoing examples, the feed ing compositions of the invention improved the appearance of excrements even in those horses which were apt to have a loose passage or diarrhea. In the winter season, the horses raised on the feeding compositions of the invention not only endured the cold but also remained healthy, probably because of an improvement in resistance to a cold.

It may also happen that, in the winter season, race horses must be restrained from exercise due to the occurrence of cracks in the hooves. When they were raised on a feeding composition of the invention, such injuries were prevented from occurring. Moreover, in those horses which were apt to develop cracks in the hooves, the feeding composition of the invention was found to not only cure such injuries rapidly but also produce stronger hooves.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A method of raising race horses which comprises feeding the race horse with at least one kind of algae belonging to the genus Spirulina daily and in doses of from 4 to 12 grams, on a dry weight basis, per 100 kg of horse body weight whereby the luster of the hair of the horse is improved in a short period of time.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the Spirulina algae are selected from the group consisting of Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the Spirulina algae are fed in admixture with a garlic-containing feed for the promotion of the health of horses.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (18)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. Moreover, an improvement in endurance to exercise was noted. Control 3. A feeding composition similar to that of Example 2 was prepared, except that the Spirulina algae were replaced by chlorella. Using the resuming garlic-miso paste, race horses were raised in the same manner as described in Example 2. The luster of the hair of these horses was hardly improved. Example 3. A feeding composition was prepared from the following ingredients. Oats 5.5 kg Wheat bran 0.5 kg Dry grass 3.0 kg Common salt 45 g Oystershell 30 g Vitamins Small quantity Carrots 0.5 kg Water Small quantity Spirulina algae 27 g (Spirulina maxima) Using this feeding composition, five race horses weighing about 450 kg were raised for the period extending from September, 1976 to February, 1977. As a result, the luster of the hair was markedly improved and the skin was softened. Some of the horses passed the winter without moulting, so that their summer hair continued to exist till March. Furthermore, when exercise was imposed in the winter season, the degree of perspiration and the endurance to the cold were found to be improved, indicating that the physical condition was toned up. At the same time, some race horses were raised on a linseed cakecontaining feed as described in Control 1. When the appearance of the hair and the degree of perspiration was observed, none of the effects achievable with the aforesaid feeding composition were noted. Example 4. Dry powder of Spirulina algae was formed into tablets by means of a tableting machine. Race horses weighing about 500 kg were raised on a conventional feed combined with a daily dose of about 30 g of the aforesaid tablets. As a result, substantially the same effects as achieved in Example 1 with the feeding composition of the invention were manifested. In addition, the Spirulina algae could be more suitably fed because its scattered loss was decreased as compared with the case in which its dry powder was used directly. Example 5. A small quantity of water and 30 g of dry powder of Spirulina algae were added to and mixed with 30 g of oystershell. Then, a feeding composition similar to that of Example 3 was prepared, except that the oystershell and Spirulina algae were replaced by the aforesaid mixture. As a result, the scattered loss of the Spirulina algae could be decreased. In all of the foregoing examples, the Spirulina algae were Spirulina maxima. However, exactly the same effects were achieved when Spirulina platensis was substituted. Moreover, race horses weighing 250-400 kg or over 500 kg were raised on a feeding composition of the invention so that the Spirulina algae were given in the above defined daily dose. As a result, substantially the same effects as described in the foregoing examples were manifested. When raised on a feeding composition of the invention, even 3 to 4-year-old horses had a well-knit frame in spite of an increase in body weight, tended to maintain good physical condition and developed well-dried skin and hair which served to maintain the luster of the hair. Furthermore, on the basis of the results obtained in the foregoing examples, the feed ing compositions of the invention improved the appearance of excrements even in those horses which were apt to have a loose passage or diarrhea. In the winter season, the horses raised on the feeding compositions of the invention not only endured the cold but also remained healthy, probably because of an improvement in resistance to a cold. It may also happen that, in the winter season, race horses must be restrained from exercise due to the occurrence of cracks in the hooves. When they were raised on a feeding composition of the invention, such injuries were prevented from occurring. Moreover, in those horses which were apt to develop cracks in the hooves, the feeding composition of the invention was found to not only cure such injuries rapidly but also produce stronger hooves. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method of raising race horses which comprises feeding the race horse with at least one kind of algae belonging to the genus Spirulina daily and in doses of from 4 to 12 grams, on a dry weight basis, per 100 kg of horse body weight whereby the luster of the hair of the horse is improved in a short period of time.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 wherein the Spirulina algae are selected from the group consisting of Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the Spirulina algae are fed in admixture with a garlic-containing feed for the promotion of the health of horses.

4. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein

the feed for the promotion of the health of horses comprises sesame, miso, brown sugar, and garlic.

5. A method as claimed in claim 3 wherein the feed for the promotion of the health of horses comprises honey, sesame, miso, brown sugar, garlic, and ginseng.

6. A feeding composition or dietary supplement for race horses which comprises at least one kind of algae belonging to the genus Spirulina as the active component for improving the luster of horses' hair, the algae being used in amounts of from 4 to 12 grams, on a dry weight basis, per 100 kg of horse body weight.

7. A feeding composition or dietary supplement as claimed in claim 6, wherein the Spirulina algae are selected from the group consisting of Spirulina platensis and Spirulina maxima.

8. A feeding composition or dietary supplement as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7 in a garlic-containing mixture for the promotion of the health of horses.

9. A feeding composition or dietary supplement as claimed in claim 6, 7 or 8, wherein the Spirulina algae are mixed with at least one member selected from the group consisting of common salt and oystershell.

10. A feeding composition as claimed in claim 6, 7, 8 or 9, wherein the feed for horses includes oats, wheat bran, dry grass, common salt, oystershell, vitamins, carrots and water.

11. A feeding composition or dietary supplement as claimed in claim 6, 7, 8, or 9, wherein the Spirulina algae is formed into granules.

12. A feeding composition or dietary supplement as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mixture comprises sesame, miso, brown sugar and garlic.

13. A feeding composition or dietary supplement as claimed in claim 8, wherein the mixture comprises honey, sesame, miso, brown sugar, garlic, and ginseng.

14. A feeding composition as claimed in any of claims 6 to 13, wherein the Spirulina algae is incorporated in pellets of complete mixed feed for horses.

15. A feeding composition or dietary supplement for horses formulated to contain sufficient Spirulina algae to provide from 4 to 12 gms thereof on a dry weight basis per 100 kg body weight per day.

16. Spirulina algae containing feeding compositions or dietary supplements substantially as hereinbefore described.

17. Spirulina algae containing feeding compositions or dietary supplements in accordance with Examples 1 to 5 hereinbefore given.

18. Spirulina algae regimens or method for raising horses such as race horses, substantially as herein described.