MINERAL BALANCE IN RESTING AND EXERCISED MINIATURE HORSES

摘要

Four mature Miniature Horse geldings were used in a study to measure mineral losses from exercising horses. Mineral balance trials were conducted at rest and following workbouts after a four-week conditioning period. During the second mineral balance trial, the extent of mineral loss in the sweat of the exercising horses was quantified. Minerals lost in the sweat amounted to 1.8 g sodium, 3.9 g chloride, 5.9 g potassium, 8.5 mg calcium, and 10.7 mg phosphorus per Meal DE consumed for work above maintenance. Dietary concentrations of calcium and phosphorus were adequate to meet the needs of the exercising horses, but a need for sodium, potassium and chloride supplementation of the diet was indicated. In this study, dietary requirements for Na, K and Cl during exercise were increased over basal dietary supply by threefold, sevenfold, and sixfold, respectively.