Electrolytes
Electrolytes are widely
recognized as being an essential component of the working horse's
diet. Heavy work in high temperatures and humidity put demands on
athletes, both human and equine, which are difficult to successfully
meet. But it is not only stressful environments that produce increased
demands for nutrients. Any high level of competition will dramatically
increase the requirements for many different nutrients. Almost all
of these increased demands must be met from the horse's diet.
Electrolytes play an important role in muscle function, fluid balance
and metabolism. They are rapidly lost during heavy exercise in the
sweat. For example, an endurance horse can lose up to 60 litres of
sweat on a given day!
Electrolytes are electrically charged particles called ions. Most
are mineral elements. Those that carry a positive charge, such as
sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are called cations and those with a
negative charge, such as chloride (Cl) are called anions. In the diet
of the horse they are usually found in neutral form as salts (e.g.
sodium chloride - NaCl - common salt). Once these compounds enter
an aqueous medium (e.g. water or the fluids of the stomach and intestines)
they separate and carry their respective charges. The other important
electrolytes in the horse are calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg).
When a muscle cell contracts it uses energy. Part of this energy is
lost as heat. All excess heat must be conveyed away from the muscle
cells by the blood and eliminated from the body. The principal means
of heat loss from the body of the working horse is by sweating. Sweating
means water loss and water loss means electrolyte loss. Estimates
of sweat loss in the vigorously exercising horse range from 10-15
litres per hour, up to 60 litres in an endurance horse. Higher rates
are a result of more intense work and/or higher temperatures and humidity.
The electrolytes lost in sweat are sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium,
and magnesium. Good quality diets will normally provide sufficient
electrolytes for horses working at low or moderate levels. For horses
in daily training or intense competition where prolonged sweating
regularly occurs, electrolyte supplementation may be necessary.
Work at a number of research sites in Canada, the United States and
Europe indicates that the problems associated with adequate heat loss
from the body of the working horse are greatly aggravated under conditions
of elevated temperatures and humidity. In these conditions sweat and
electrolyte losses may be very high.
There are a few good management rules to follow to minimize the loss
of electrolytes:1) Make sure your horse is receiving a well-balanced
diet on a daily basis, with free access to a clean salt block. 2)
Supply adequate forage to your horse. Roughage in the hind gut helps
to retain water and electrolyte balance. 3) If you are going to be
participating in an endurance event, you may want to dose your horse
1-2 hours before the event, to build up storage in the gut. This storage
is only short term, as unneeded electrolytes are excreted by the body.
(Note: Do not give a dehydrated horse electrolytes, as this could
make the condition worse. Always call your vet for advice if you suspect
dehydration)
Add extra fluids to your feed by mixing a sloppy mash. It is important
that a horse be receiving adequate amounts of water, especially if
supplemental electrolytes are being administered.
The provision of supplemental fluids containing electrolytes before,
during, and after competitions, if at all possible, should be considered.
A number of satisfactory commercial products are available, or advice
on a mixture of readily available ingredients to be mixed at home
can be sought. Paying close attention to electrolyte status can pay
health and performance dividends for your horse.
By feeding your horse a balanced diet, you can minimize the need for
supplements and ease the blow on your pocketbook. On the other hand,
using a supplement when it is called for can improve your horse's
general well being and performance. One word of caution - check the
labels carefully. Not all products are created equal, with some containing
fillers and additives. If you are unsure, contact the manufacture
for information, or talk to your veterinarian.
GAGs?|MSM?|Herbals?|Vitamins and Minerals?|Electrolytes?|
Other articles on nutrition |Forages|
Other Horseman articles
Archives
