How Much Calcium Should I Give My Horse?

The National Research Council’s Nutrient Requirements of Horses (NRC, 2007) recommends that a mature idle horse weighing 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds) consume 20 grams of Ca daily. This requirement increases to 30 to 40 grams per day for the same horse in light to heavy exercise.

How much calcium is too much for horses?

The ratio of Ca and P is always important when looking at horse rations. A ratio of two parts Ca: one part P is ideal, with a range of 1:1 to 6:1 being acceptable. Because phosphorous competes with Ca for absorption in the gut, total diets that are less than 1:1 or contain more P than Ca should be avoided.

Do horses need extra calcium?

Mature horses that do not get enough calcium in the diet will have a weakened skeleton and are susceptible to lameness. A mature, 500 kg horse that is not working, pregnant or lactating requires approximately 20 grams of calcium.

How do you give a horse calcium supplement?

Legumes such as alfalfa and clover are rich in calcium, and grass hays, such as timothy and orchard grass, also contain calcium, but at lower levels than in legume hays. The phosphorus in hay is more readily available to the horse than that found in cereal grains.

What does a calcium deficiency in horses cause?

Horses with a calcium deficiency can show lameness, weak bones, and low quality growth and performance. A phosphorus deficiency can show up as muscle weakness and trembling. If too much calcium or phosphorus is in the diet, several problems can occur.

What happens when a horse gets too much calcium?

In this case, calcium oxalate crystals are formed in the kidney tubules and interfere with kidney function. Affected horses may have muscle tremors and a staggering gait. They may appear lethargic and stop eating. Twitching of the muscles of the face may be seen, and death may occur if signs go unnoticed.

What is the daily allowance for calcium?

The average adult needs 1,000 mg of calcium per day. The amount increases to 1,200 mg per day for women over the age of 50 and men over the age of 71. “It’s best for your calcium intake to come from your diet, which is very achievable since it’s a mineral found in many foods,” says Dr. Brown.

Is Timothy hay high in calcium?

Timothy Hay is fibre rich, low in calcium and perfect for small animals. Timothy Hay may sound like an enchanting character from Peter Rabbit, but it is actually the name of one of the most popular foods to feed rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals.

What is the most important nutrient for horses?

Water
Water is the MOST IMPORTANT nutrient; horses can’t live long without it! Always make sure there is an adequate, clean supply of water. Horses generally drink about 2 quarts of water for every pound of hay they consume.

Does horse manure have calcium?

The major fertilizer nutrients of horse manure compost are nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, horse manure compost also contains the secondary nutrients magnesium, calcium, and sodium as well as micronutrients.

How do you increase bone density in horses?

Copper, zinc and boron are trace minerals that play an important part in bone development. Studies have shown that copper supplementation of mares and foals can play an important part in skeletal development. Zinc is essential for bone and cartilage formation.

How much supplement should I give my horse?

Horses are able to consume about 1.5 to 2% of their body weight in dry feed (feed that is 90% dry matter) each day. As a rule of thumb, allow 1.5 to 2 kg of feed per 100 kg of the horse’s body weight. However, it is safer to use 1.7% of body weight (or 1.7 kg per 100 kg of body weight) to calculate a feed budget.

Where is calcium absorbed in horses?

small intestine
Horses are generally very efficient at digesting and absorbing calcium. The upper half of the small intestine is the major site of calcium absorption.

What are the signs of deficiency of calcium?

Severe symptoms of hypocalcemia include:

• confusion or memory loss.
• muscle spasms.
• numbness and tingling in the hands, feet, and face.
• depression.
• hallucinations.
• muscle cramps.
• weak and brittle nails.
• easy fracturing of the bones.

Is alfalfa high in calcium?

Alfalfa is high in calcium and protein—both of which have a buffering effect on the acid in the stomach. Adding a little alfalfa, especially prior to exercise, really helps buffer the stomach acid.

What are the signs and symptoms of deficiency of calcium?

11 Signs & Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency (Hypocalcemia)

• 1) Muscle Cramps & Spasms.
• 2) Numbness and Tingling.
• 3) Fatigue.
• 4) Abnormal Heart Rhythm.
• 5) Seizures.
• 6) Osteopenia & Osteoporosis.
• 7) Dry skin.
• 8) Confusion and Memory Loss.

Is grass high in calcium?

Grass has abundant calcium, especially in limestone country. It is one reason humans also eat leafy vegetables and salads.

Can you over supplement a horse?

Overfeeding certain supplements can be dangerous to your horse. Some supplements, when overfed, just result in a loss in money to the owner. Horses do not utilize excessive nutrients and excrete them out in their urine and feces.

What is White horse Syndrome?

Quick facts. OLWS is a genetic mutation that affects horses with white markings and can lead to death in foals. Foals with two copies of this gene are born white with blue eyes and have intestines that don’t fully develop. There is no treatment for OLWS.

What are the negative effects of too much calcium?

What are the symptoms of a high calcium level?

• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation and abdominal (belly) pain.
• The need to drink more fluids and urinate more.
• Tiredness, weakness, or muscle pain.
• Confusion, disorientation, and difficulty thinking.
• Headaches.
• Depression.

Is 3000 mg of calcium too much?

Up to 2,500 to 3,000 mg a day of calcium from dietary sources and supplements appears to be safe for children and adolescents, and 2,000 to 2,500 mg a day appears to be safe for adults.