Page 32 - April 2017 Thoroughbred Highlight

Thoroughbred
Health & Nutrition
Highlight
What Are Electrolytes and Why Are They Important?
Byline: Kentucky Equine Research Staff
Every horseperson has seen and felt the white grit that remains on a horse’s coat long after he’s dried from sweating. But do you know what that is?
The grit is residual electrolytes that have left the body with the sweat and dried on the coat. It’s easy to see that the more the horse sweats, the greater the lost electrolytes. In fact, horse sweat is more concentrated in electrolytes than blood, which is the opposite of humans, so there is potential for extreme losses of electrolytes in exercising horses.
The major electrolytes in sweat are sodium, chloride, and potassium. Minor amounts of calcium and magnesium are also present, as are minuscule quantities of other trace minerals. Electrolytes are responsible for maintenance of acid-base balance and
osmotic regulation of body uids. Without electrolytes, the body is not capable of maintaining the right amount of uid in and around cells. Although body uid regulation is complex and involves enzymes, hormones, and proteins as well as electrolytes, the basic concept revolves around cell hydration. If
cells lose too much water, they die. It is therefore important for the body to have an adequate supply of electrolytes, which means there could be times when supplemental electrolytes should be added to the diet of the horse.
A normal diet of forage will provide some electrolytes to the horse. By feeding a commercial feed (usually containing salt) and giving access to a salt block (or loose salt), all of a horse’s electrolyte requirements will be met under normal circumstances.

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Thoroughbred Highlight - Page 32 - April 2017