Acid-base balance
The acid-base balance is one of the most important regulatory systems in the body. The aim is to maintain a constant pH value, e.g. in blood or urine. Feeding is one of the factors that influences this. This influence can be estimated by calculating the cation-anion balance (KAB). Concentrate-rich rations, for example, have an acidifying effect on the horse. Rations rich in pasture/hay, for example, have an alkalising effect.
See also Cation-anion balance, Acid, Base (alkali), Buffer, pH value