Response of young horses in training to varying concentrations of dietary calcium and phosphorus

Abstract

Summary This experiment was conducted to determine if additional mineral supplementation during early training would increase mineral retention and improve the strength of bone as indicated by the mineral content of the third metacarpal. Twelve previously untrained Quarter Horse geldings were randomly divided into two groups, broke to ride, trained to gallop on the track and maintained in training for four 28-day periods. One group of four horses served as controls and was fed a ration averaging 28.3 g of Ca/day and 21.9 g P/day while in training. Eight other horses were fed a ration averaging 34.9 g Ca/day and 26.4 g P/day while in training. Feed, feces and urine were analyzed to determine mineral balance. Radiographs were taken of the left front leg to examine bone density as indicated by radiographic bone aluminum equivalence (RBAE). The high mineral treatment group retained more Ca than controls (P