Minerals

Macro Minerals: Ca, P, Na, K, S

Calcium (Ca) and Phosphorus (P)
Calcium and Phosphorus are important for proper bone growth, development and maintenance. Calcium is needed for muscle contraction, temperature regulation, enzyme activity regulation, glandular secretions and cell membrane integrity. Phosphorus is needed for energy metabolism and cellular functions. They need to be provided in the right ratio so that adequate amounts of both can be utilized. The ratio of calcium to phosphorus should be maintained between ratios of 1:1 up to 6:1 in the horse's total ration.

Sodium (Na)
Sodium is normally eaten in the form of sodium chloride or salt. Sodium is considered an electrolyte and is involved in balancing the water contained in the tissues of the horse, proper pH balance, muscle contraction and nerve function.

Potassium (K)
Hay generally supplies the potassium needs of the horse. Grains tend to contain low to moderate levels of potassium. Potassium is also considered an electrolyte and is used by the horse for balancing water contained in its tissues, proper pH balance, muscle contraction and nerve function.

Sulfur (S)
Adequate sulfur is supplied through the protein the horse digests in hays and grains. Sulfur is a component of protein building blocks, the vitamins biotin and thiamine and insulin and chondroitin sulfate. Sulfate also helps act as the "glue" between components of cellular tissue.

Trace Minerals: Cu, Zn, I, Se, Cr, Fe

Copper (Cu)
Copper may or may not be supplied well enough by the horse's feed. Copper can be supplemented in a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement, if needed. Copper is important for mobilizing stored iron so red blood cells can form and assist in immune response, reproduction and the synthesis of skin pigment, while preventing anemia.

Zinc (Zn)
Forages and grains do not provide enough zinc for the horse and needs to be supplemented with a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement. Copper can affect zinc absorption, so proper balance is very important. Zinc is important for energy and protein metabolism, immune response, reproduction, Vitamin A absorption and activation, bone and joint integrity (especially in foals and growing horses) and normal function of sensory nerves.

Iodine (I)
Iodine is needed for proper thyroid function, which controls energy metabolism, growth and muscle contraction speed. The Great Lakes Region is known as the Goiter Belt because the soils are naturally low in iodine. In this region, iodine may need to be supplemented. Iodine is contained in most processed grain mixes and balanced vitamin and mineral supplements. Iodine can be supplemented with a trace mineral salt in feed or by a free choice trace mineral salt block.

Selenium (Se)
The Great Lakes region's soils are deficient in selenium, so most grain mixes have extra selenium added. Un-fortified grain mixes need to be fed with a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement containing selenium. Selenium is an antioxidant and works in conjunction with Vitamin E to prevent tissue damage. Selenium is also needed for immune function and reproduction.

Chromium (Cr)
Chromium increases energy metabolism and immune response.

Iron (Fe)
Iron levels in grains and forages vary. Iron deficiency leads to anemia. Foals are more susceptible to iron toxicity. Iron is needed for supplying oxygen to the body in the horse's blood for energy metabolism and immune response.

Reference: Building the Equine Hoof. "Nutritional Building Blocks." David M. Hood, DVM, Ph. D. Connie K. Swenson, Ph.D. A. Bruce Johnson, Ph.D. Zinpro Corporation 2002.