The influence of calcium intake on phosphorus digestibility in mature ponies.
Abstract: Literature data show conflicting results on the effect of feeding high calcium (Ca) levels on phosphorus (P) digestibility in ponies. None of the studies reported involved a dose response as to the effect of Ca intake on apparent P digestibility while keeping P intake constant. Thus, the influence of high dietary Ca level on apparent P digestibility was studied in balance trials by feeding six mature ponies three different Ca levels against a constant P intake. The ponies received 148, 316 and 535 mg Ca/kg BW/day with the low, intermediate and high Ca diet. Phosphorus intake was approximately 125 mg P/kg BW and magnesium (Mg) intake was approximately 35 mg Mg/kg BW/day. The intermediate and high Ca level decreased apparent digestibility, renal excretion and retention of P when compared with the low Ca level. However, apparent digestibility and renal excretion of P were not different between the intermediate and high Ca level. The high Ca level resulted in a retention of 66 mg Ca/kg BW/day. The percentage apparent digestibility of Ca was lower for the intermediate and high Ca level compared with the low Ca level. Magnesium digestibility was not affected by high dietary Ca level. In practice, high absolute amounts of Ca should be prevented especially when low amounts of P are fed; P digestibility will be depressed and a negative P balance may occur.
Publication Date: 2004-12-09 PubMed ID: 15584950DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2004.00503.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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
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 investigates the effect of different levels of calcium intake on phosphorus digestibility in mature ponies. The study found that higher calcium levels can lower phosphorus digestibility and retention, a fact that could have implications for equine dietary needs.
Research Background
- The article opens by discussing previous studies that have shown conflicting results about the influence of high calcium levels on phosphorus digestibility in ponies.
- None of these previous studies involved a dose response analysis assessing the impact of different calcium intakes on phosphorus digestibility while maintaining a constant phosphorus intake.
Methodology
- The study involved feeding six mature ponies three different levels of calcium; 148 mg, 316 mg, and 535 mg per kg of bodyweight per day, against a constant phosphorus intake.
- Throughout the study, the phosphorus intake was maintained at approximately 125 mg per kg of body weight, while magnesium intake was held at around 35 mg per kg of bodyweight per day.
Findings
- The study found that the intermediate and high level of calcium intake decreased phosphorus digestibility, renal excretion, and retention in comparison to low calcium levels.
- However, phosphorus digestibility and renal excretion were not significantly different between the intermediate and high calcium levels.
- The study also found that the high level of calcium in the diet resulted in a calcium retention rate of 66 mg per kg of body weight per day.
- Moreover, the percentage of digestible calcium was lower in the intermediate and high calcium levels compared to the low calcium level.
- Surprisingly, magnesium digestibility was not impacted by the high level of calcium in the diet.
Implications
- The findings suggest that in a practical setting, high levels of calcium should be avoided in the diet of mature ponies, specifically when lower amounts of phosphorus are being fed.
- This is because higher levels of calcium intake can lower the digestibility and retention of phosphorus, potentially leading to a negative phosphorus balance.
Cite This Article
APA
van Doorn DA, van der Spek ME, Everts H, Wouterse H, Beynen AC.
(2004).
The influence of calcium intake on phosphorus digestibility in mature ponies.
J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 88(11-12), 412-418.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2004.00503.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Netherlands. david.vandoorn@vet.uu.nl
MeSH Terms
- Animal Feed
- Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Animals
- Calcium, Dietary / administration & dosage
- Calcium, Dietary / pharmacology
- Digestion
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Horses / metabolism
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Intestinal Absorption
- Kidney / metabolism
- Magnesium / administration & dosage
- Magnesium / metabolism
- Male
- Phosphorus / metabolism
- Phosphorus / pharmacokinetics
- Random Allocation
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Saastamoinen M, Särkijärvi S, Valtonen E. The Effect of Diet Composition on the Digestibility and Fecal Excretion of Phosphorus in Horses: A Potential Risk of P Leaching?. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jan 15;10(1).
- Maier I, Kienzle E. A Meta-Analysis on Quantitative Calcium, Phosphorus and Magnesium Metabolism in Horses and Ponies. Animals (Basel) 2024 Sep 25;14(19).
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
