Minerals and Trace Elements
Minerals can be divided into macro- or micro-elements (Trace Elements). The subdivision has nothing to do with the size of the element, but with the daily need for a mineral. If the need is higher than 100 ppm, we call it a macro element, below 100 ppm it is a micro element. In the Netherlands, we speak more of trace elements than micro-elements.
For horses, it is important to get the daily recommended amount of minerals, as they are essential nutrients. Therefore, it is important to know what your horse eats in roughage (fresh or dried) and in concentrate feed. A deficiency, but also an excess of minerals can cause health problems.
When we talk about macro-minerals, the following minerals are involved:
The following elements are the trace elements: