Calcium-phosphorous ratio
The calcium-phosphorus ratio is abbreviated as the Ca:P ratio. A balanced supply of calcium (Ca) and phosphorous (P) to horses is important, for example for bone mineralisation, as a component of energy carriers and for nerve impulse transmission in muscles, among other functions.
The phosphorous intake must always be considered in relation to the calcium supply. A good calcium-phosphorus ratio in the total ration is approximately 2:1 for adult horses, approximately 1.5:1 for foals up to 3 years of age (as young horses utilise feed phosphorous less efficiently), and somewhat lower at 1.4:1 for heavily pregnant and heavily lactating mares.
To adjust the Ca:P ratio of the ration to these levels, the feed supplement or mineral feed must balance the Ca and P content of the staple feed. The Ca and P content is often already in a favourable ratio, but there are differences, for example with calcium-poor, young pasture grass, very straw-rich, late-mown, calcium-poor first-cut hay, or with larger amounts of calcium-rich alfalfa. Depending on the staple feed, calcium or phosphorous must be supplemented in the ration. The calcium supply from staple feed is often insufficient, particularly for mares and foals.
In addition to mineral feed and feed supplements, calcium can be added to the ration via second-cut hay or alfalfa. For phosphorous supplementation, grain, grain bran, or inorganic phosphorous compounds in mineral feed, such as monocalcium phosphate, are best used.
Product recommendations
