Calcium The advice and information platform for all horse and dog enthusiasts.

Calcium in Horses

1.5% of the horse's body consists of calcium (15 grams of calcium per kg of body weight). Calcium is therefore the most abundantly present of all elements in mammals. In a fetus/newborn foal, there can even be about 20 grams of calcium per kg of body weight present.

Scientific name:

Type:

Mineral

Function of calcium in horses:

Formation of material that can hold a lot of weight
Ca homeostasis

Absorption and excretion of calcium

Excretion of calcium takes place through saliva and partly through the stomach. Especially the calcium in saliva helps neutralize the stomach acid. It is also excreted via pancreatic juice and bile.

Calcium absorption takes place in the small intestine through a Ca2+ to Ca connection (Calbindin). Just under 45% of the calcium consumed by the horse is actually absorbed by the body.

Excess calcium is captured by the kidneys and excreted through urine. In cases of prolonged, excessive calcium feeding, kidney stones can form.

Calcium for bones

Almost 99% of all the calcium in the body is stored in the bones and gives them the strength needed to support all other tissues and absorb forces. Studies show that stalled horses lose minerals from their bones, even if they are adequately provided through diet. This emphasizes the importance of allowing horses to move freely.

Other functions of calcium

In addition to being an important building block for bones, calcium is also involved in:

Blood clotting
Muscle contractions
Energy metabolism
Digestive processes
Transmission of nerve impulses

Calcium : Phosphorus ratio

Research shows that the calcium: phosphorus ratio has no impact on the absorption of calcium. Other factors may affect calcium uptake:

Excessive calcium feeding (more than 4 times the recommended amount)
A diet high in fat may affect calcium absorption

Daily calcium requirements

Daily requirements are expressed as grams per kilogram of dry matter. The requirement depends on the "work" performed by the horse:

Maintenance and intensive work: 1.61 grams of calcium/kg of dry matter
Growth (young horses): 3.60 grams of calcium/kg of dry matter
Lactating mares: 3.39 grams of calcium/kg of dry matter