Equine Nutrition/Minerals
Equine Nutrition by Jo-Anne Murray
Minerals
edit• Required for various functions
– Growth – Co‐factors to enzymes – Involved in transport of energy
• Mineral digestion:
– Majority absorbed in Small Intestine – Majority of Phosphorus absorbed in Large Intestine
• Two categories of minerals:
– Macro‐minerals – Micro minerals/Trace minerals
• Macro‐minerals:
– Required in relatively large quantities (g/day)
• Micro‐minerals:
– Needed in very small quantities (mg/day)
• Amounts are important as well as the ratios of minerals are important (e.g. ca:p ratio)
• Two categories of minerals:
| Macro‐minerals: Required in g/day | Micro‐minerals: Required in mg/day |
|---|---|
| Calcium (Ca) 20 | Cobalt (Co) 0.5 |
| Phosphorus (P) 14 | Copper (Cu) 100.0 |
| Sodium (Na) 10.0 | Molybdenum (Mo) |
| Potassium (K) 25.0 | Zinc (Zn) 400.0 |
| Magnesium (Mg) 7.50 | Maganese (Mn) 400.0 |
| Sulphur (S) 15.0 | Iron (Fe) 400.0 |
| Chloride (Cl) 40.0 | Chromium (Cr) |
| Floride (F) | |
| Iodine (I) 3.5 | |
| Selenium (Se) 1.00 |
The NRC recommended a mature 500 kg. horse at maintenance receive the above daily mineral amounts;Remember that the requirements will vary based on horse's age, weight, and use. http://nrc88.nas.edu/nrh/