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Calcium is the fundamental element for proper teeth and skeleton formation and, together with phosphorus, is the most copious mineral in a horse’s body (70%).
This macromineral has several functions and is essential for:
Muscle tone decreases in case of hypercalcaemia (high level of calcium in the blood) and increases in case of hypocalcaemia (low level of calcium in the blood).
In order to meet the subject’s needs, which change according to life phases (breeding, pregnancy, lactation etc.), diet has to provide the proper amount of all nutrients, including minerals. Another fundamental factor is the bioavailability of the elemental mineral contained in the related salt. For example, the main sources of calcium salts are:
Calcium salts from shells powder or seeweeds (lithotamnio) can be used too.
On the contrary, the following calcium sources should be avoided:
Phosphorus is essential:
By “Ca:P ratio” we refer to the ratio between calcium and phosphorus in a specific product or diet: in adult horses it can range from 1:1 to 4:1, while in growing horses this ratio normally ranges from 1:1 to 3:1. In adult horses, the Ca:P ratio must be higher than 1:1 and lower than 4:1.
Generally, the Ca:P ratio in feeds and protein concentrates is quite low. In our feeds for adult horses (Unika Endurance and Unika Sport) this ratio is 3, while in Unika Foals (growth) and Unika Mares (pregnancy) it equals 2.
If the level of phosphorus in the body is too high, calcium will not be properly absorbed; on the other hand, an excessive amount of calcium does not influence the absorption of phosphorus. Calcium is absorbed by the small intestine: the eventual excessive amount of this mineral is eliminated via urine and, therefore, does not influence phosphorus absorption, which takes place in the large intestine.
Calcium and phosphorus are crucial for horses: a Ca:P ratio imbalance, due to inadequate levels of one or both of these minerals, can lead to skeletal alterations. In order to prevent an excessive tendency to fractures, the Ca:P ratio must be higher than 1.
Calcium and/or phosphorus inadequate levels (excess or deficiency) result in mineral deposits and mobilizations in bones, thus causing skeletal conditions. Luckily, thanks to the action of some specific enzymes, these minerals’ concentrations in plasma is constant. Therefore, non-skeletal function is not compromised.
Therefore, properly planning your horses’ diets with the help of a nutritionist is fundamental to avoid an imbalanced ratio between calcium and phosphorus.
Here we are at our second meeting with our Unika Blog Naturopathy section. I am Sara Maiani, specialized in Natural Medicine, Clinical Phytotherapy and Naturopathy.
Born in 1995, Mirko began to practice the discipline of “combined driving” at only 6 years old, spurred by his family’s passion for the equestrian world, he began to approach national and international competitions at 17 years old
Dear readers we are pleased to celebrate the new year, on our blog, with a wonderful interview together with Nicolò Tallone, Unika Ambassador and Endurance rider, Piedmontese DOC, class of 1991 who in life has chosen to dedicate himself to a trade as ancient as fascinating, that of the blacksmith.
This year we feel a bit like “Willy Wonka” and so we decided to create our own Golden Ticket, The Golden Uniko!
Quante volte ci siamo chiesti se esiste un modo naturale per fronteggiare le malattie dei nostri amati cavalli, perché no, prevenirle?
One of the problems that most often lead owners to turn to Unika specialists is the thinness of their horses and the consequent need to increase their weight and improve their physical condition.
