By Dr Maxine Brain

Cobalt is what is known as an essential trace mineral, this means it is needed in minute amounts by the body to perform normal biological functions.  It is part of the vitamin B12 molecule which the body requires to help with blood cell formation.  Despite there being no actual scientific studies proving that cobalt has a beneficial effect on performance, its use or rather misuse, has escalated in the horse racing industry over the past few years, resulting in the racing authorities taking a hard stance against its use.

Cobalt is required by the by the body in trace amounts and is often given as a supplement as part of a routine weekly health programme, not unlike humans taking vitamin pills.  There are numerous vitamin and mineral preparations (haematinics) available for horses on the market, injectables, powders and pastes, all of which are beneficial to the horse when given at the prescribed doses.  Unfortunately like many minerals though, where a little is good, too much can be harmful and in some cases cause death.  (This is not unique to Cobalt as other essential minerals such as selenium, iodine and iron all cause serious health issues if given in excessive amounts).

Cobalt is believed to induce responses in the body, similar to those induced by the substance EPO (erythropoietin), resulting in, among other things, an increase in the number of red cells circulating in the body.  The theory is the more red cells in circulation, the more oxygen that can be carried and thus the longer the horse can perform at peak performance.   However, when given in high amounts, Cobalt can have severe adverse effects on cardiovascular (heart), haematological (blood), gastrointestinal (gut) and endocrine (hormone) functions resulting in serious illness and sometimes death. 

  The racing industries have set a threshold level in urine for Cobalt of 200 micrograms per litre to enable them to detect the abuse of Cobalt administration.  This level is considered to be very generous as most untreated horses will have levels well below 50 micrograms/litre.  Whilst administration of some vitamin and mineral supplements can cause a spike in the cobalt levels seen in the blood, these spikes usually only last for a few hours and are generally back to normal within 6 hours(12 hours maximum).    

 The vast majority of people in the horse racing industries and the veterinary profession condemn the misuse and abuse of Cobalt in the horse and support the racing authorities in their endeavours to stamp out its misuse.

READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE