Minerals

• What are minerals?


  Organic substances needed in small amounts to help regulate body function
• How many different minerals are found in a horse's body?


  About 45 different minerals
• How many minerals are considered essential for the horse's body?


  About 22 minerals
• What is the role of Calcium (Ca) in the diet?


  Needed for healthy teeth and bones
• What is the role of Phosphorus (P) in the diet?


  Needed for healthy teeth and bones
• What is the role of Magnesium (Mg) in the diet?


  Needed for nerve and muscle function
• What is the role of Potassium (K) in the diet?


  Needed for fluid balance and nerve transmission
• What is the role of Sodium (Na) in the diet?


  Needed for fluid balance and nerve transmission
• What is the role of Chloride (Cl) in the diet?


  Needed for fluid balance and acid-base balance
• What is the role of Sulphur (S) in the diet?


  Needed for protein synthesis and hair growth
• How are minerals categorized in animal nutrition?


  • Macro minerals: Required in large amounts
  • Micro minerals: Needed only in small or trace amounts
• What is the role of Calcium in metabolism?


  It is essential for muscles and helps with blood clotting
• What are the sources of Calcium?

  Limestone flour, Lucerne, clover
• What is the role of Phosphorus in the body?


  Essential to nerve functions and required for metabolism
• What are the sources of Phosphorus?


  Grains, protein meals, bran
• What is the significance of Sodium and Chloride?


  They make salt, which horses actively seek out
• What is the role of Potassium in the body?


  It works with sodium to balance body fluids
• What is the role of Magnesium in the body?


  Important for metabolism of calcium, Vitamin C, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium
• What is the role of Sulphur in the body?


  It is necessary for all basic body metabolisms
• How are macro minerals controlled in the body?


  They are hormonally controlled by the body
• What is the role of Iodine in the diet?


  It is a component of thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism and growth
• What is the role of Cobalt in the diet?


  Required for vitamin B-12 synthesis
• What is the role of Iron in the diet?


  Needed for the formation of hemoglobin
• What are the sources of Iron?


  Grass, whole grains, and enriched food supplements
• What is the role of Copper in the diet?


  Works with iron to make red blood cells