Abstract: The goal of this meta-analysis was to (i) identify any potential differences in the apparent and true digestibility, renal excretion, and retention between ponies and horses and (ii) examine the impact of work on these parameters. Additionally, the study aimed to (iii) evaluate the effects of water deficiency. This meta-analysis used data from 33 studies and plotted them in diagrams similar to the Lucas test against mineral intake. Three studies involved ponies that were later diagnosed with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID). These were compared with other data to identify quantitative differences, as they may have clinical significance. If any significant difference was observed, the data were not used for the evaluation of the aforementioned goals. Data were compared within certain intake ranges using -tests and ANOVA, followed by Holm-Sidak post hoc tests. Working equines showed significantly higher apparent and true Na digestibility and lower endogenous faecal Na losses compared to non-working ponies and horses, suggesting a rather important role of the gastrointestinal tract in the regulation of Na metabolism in equines. The true K digestibility was also significantly higher in working animals than in non-working ones, but the differences were quantitatively smaller than for Na. Retention plus sweat losses for Na, K and Cl were higher in working animals compared to equines in maintenance. Horses showed higher Na and K retention plus sweat losses compared to ponies. These effects are likely attributable to greater sweat losses in working equines, particularly horses. The apparent and true Cl digestibility was significantly higher in ponies than in horses. A clinical relevance of this observation is rather unlikely, as the digestibility remained very high in both. Water deprivation influenced serum Cl levels and increased renal K excretion, which subsequently led to reduced K retention. Compared to other animal species, no effects on blood K levels or Na metabolism were observed. The ponies diagnosed with PPID exhibited a significantly lower apparent K digestibility compared to healthy animals, which could be an important factor to consider when feeding soaked hay, due to potential electrolyte losses during soaking.
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This study is a detailed examination of how horses and ponies metabolize sodium, potassium and chloride. The research also probes into the effects of water deprivation and workload on these parameters. The conclusions could have significant implications for dietary requirements and the health and performance of these animals.
Objective and Methodology
The research emulates a meta-analysis, pooling and examining data from 33 studies with the intention of identifying potential differences in the manner horses and ponies metabolize sodium, potassium and chloride.
The research also explores the impact physical workload and water deficiency have on these parameters.
Three additional studies were conducted on ponies which were later diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID). This data was compared with the rest to ascertain if there were any significant quantitative differences that could have clinical relevance.
In order to make these comparisons, the researchers have used -tests and ANOVA followed by Holm-Sidak post hoc tests to evaluate the differences within certain intake ranges.
Findings on Apparent and True Digestibility
It was discovered that working horses exhibited significantly higher apparent and true sodium digestibility and lower endogenous faecal sodium losses when compared to non-working animals. This connotes that the gastrointestinal tract plays a significant role in the regulation of sodium metabolism in horses.
The true potassium digestibility was also notably higher in working animals than in non-working ones.
Retention Plus Sweat Losses for Sodium, Potassium and Chloride
The study revealed that the amounts of sodium, potassium and chloride lost through sweating were higher in working horses when compared to ponies. This occurrence is likely due to increased sweat loss in working horses.
However, horses showed higher levels of sodium and potassium even after accounting for sweat losses, compared to their pony counterparts.
Apparent and True Chloride Digestibility
It was found that ponies had a significantly higher apparent and true chloride digestibility compared to horses. But the researchers believe that this observation may not have clinical relevance as the digestibility remained high for both equines.
Effects of Water Deprivation
When water intake was restricted, it led to increased levels of chloride in the serum and amplified renal potassium excretion, thus reducing potassium retention.
Health implications of Findings
Interestingly, the study discovered that ponies diagnosed with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction exhibited significantly lower apparent potassium digestibility as compared to healthy animals. The implications here could be significant when feeding them soaked hay which may lead to potential electrolyte losses during soaking.
Cite This Article
APA
Maier I, Kienzle E.
(2025).
A Meta-Analysis on Quantitative Sodium, Potassium and Chloride Metabolism in Horses and Ponies.
Animals (Basel), 15(2), 191.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15020191
Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schoenleutnerstr. 8, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany.
Kienzle, Ellen
Animal Nutrition and Dietetics, Department of Veterinary Sciences, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schoenleutnerstr. 8, D-85764 Oberschleissheim, Germany.
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
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