Salt consumption and the effect of salt on mineral metabolism in horses.
Abstract: The voluntary salt consumption of mature unexercised horses was measured weekly for up to 45 weeks. Voluntary intake among horses was quite variable ranging from 19 to 143 g of salt per day and was inversely related to total salt intake (salt in feeds plus voluntary intake). Mean daily voluntary salt consumption was 53 g. Season of the year did not influence voluntary intake. In preference tests which evaluated every two choice combination of 0.2% and 4% NaCl in test diets fed daily for four days, ponies generally preferred diets containing the lower amount of salt. In similar preference studies which used NaHCO3 as a sodium source, ponies always preferred the diet containing the lower level of NaHCO3. Metabolism studies employing diets containing 1, 3 or 5% NaCl showed that urinary excretion was the major excretory pathway for sodium and chloride. Fecal excretion, intestinal absorption and retention of sodium were not affected by level of salt intake. Urinary calcium excretion was unaffected by salt intake but calcium and phosphorus absorption and retention were enhanced when ponies were fed diets containing 3 or 5% sodium chloride. Magnesium and copper metabolism were unaffected by salt intake. Horses voluntarily consume relatively large amounts of sodium chloride but it is likely that not all voluntary consumption is related to the salt requirement of the horse. Habit and taste preference could also be involved. Salt consumption at the levels used in these studies does not appear to be detrimental to the metabolism of other minerals in the horse.
Publication Date: 1987-04-01 PubMed ID: 3568683
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.
The research article focuses on studying the voluntary salt consumption in horses and how it influences their mineral metabolism. The study observes that while there is variability in the amount of salt intake, it does not significantly affect the horses’ metabolism of other minerals.
Focus of the Research
- The primary focus of the study is to understand the voluntary salt consumption tendencies of unexercised horses over a period of 45 weeks.
- The researchers also aim to study the effect this salt intake has on the animal’s mineral metabolism.
Salt Consumption Patterns
- The study observed that salt intake among horses varied significantly, ranging from 19 to 143 grams per day.
- The average salt consumption was found to be 53 grams daily.
- The total salt intake of the horses, including what was present in their feeds along with the voluntary consumption, showed an inverse relation to voluntary intake.
- The study noticed no significant influence of the season on the voluntary intake of salt.
Diet Preference Tests
- The researchers conducted preference tests, wherein they observed that the horses generally leaned towards diets containing a lower amount of sodium chloride (NaCl).
- Similar patterns were seen when sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) was used as a source of sodium. Horses preferred diets with lower levels of this compound.
Findings on Mineral Metabolism
- The researchers observed that major excretion of sodium and chloride happened through urine.
- Fecal excretion, intestinal absorption, and the body’s retention of sodium were not affected by the level of salt intake.
- Urinary calcium excretion remained unaffected by salt intake, while calcium and phosphorus absorption increased when horses were fed diets containing high level (3% or 5%) of sodium chloride.
- No significant impact of salt intake on magnesium and copper metabolism was noticed.
Conclusions
- The research concluded that horses naturally consume significant amounts of sodium chloride, but not all consumption could be linked to their salt requirement.
- Factors such as habit and taste preference could also influence salt intake.
- The study noted that high levels of salt consumption, as used in the study, were not detrimental to the metabolism of other minerals in the horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Schryver HF, Parker MT, Daniluk PD, Pagan KI, Williams J, Soderholm LV, Hintz HF.
(1987).
Salt consumption and the effect of salt on mineral metabolism in horses.
Cornell Vet, 77(2), 122-131.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Calcium / metabolism
- Chlorides / metabolism
- Copper / metabolism
- Female
- Horses / metabolism
- Magnesium / metabolism
- Male
- Minerals / metabolism
- Phosphorus / metabolism
- Sodium / metabolism
- Sodium Chloride / pharmacology
Citations
This article has been cited 4 times.- Bustamante CC, de Paula VB, Rabelo IP, Fernandes CC, Kishi LT, Canola PA, Lemos EGM, Valadão CAA. Effects of Starch Overload and Cecal Buffering on Fecal Microbiota of Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Dec 6;12(23).
- Pitel MO, McKenzie EC, Johns JL, Stuart RL. Influence of specific management practices on blood selenium, vitamin E, and beta-carotene concentrations in horses and risk of nutritional deficiency.. J Vet Intern Med 2020 Sep;34(5):2132-2141.
- Chittavong M, Jansson A, Lindberg JE. Effects of high dietary sodium chloride content on performance and sodium and potassium balance in growing pigs.. Trop Anim Health Prod 2013 Oct;45(7):1477-83.
- Macbeth BJ. Obstructive urolithiasis, unilateral hydronephrosis, and probable nephrolithiasis in a 12-year-old Clydesdale gelding.. Can Vet J 2008 Mar;49(3):287-90.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
