Calcium, Phosphorous, and Vitamin D as Nutrients for Horses
  by Robert N. Oglesby DVM

Calcium and phosphorous comprise 70% of the body's minerals, 40% of the minerals in milk. The vast majority is tied up in the bones. Though everyone knows that calcium and phosphorous are important for bones they are also critical in many of the body's biochemical reactions. Phosphorous is critical for energy and necessary as a ph. buffer. Calcium is essential for nerve conduction, muscle contraction, clotting, temperature regulation, glandular activity and dozens of other functions. When discussing the dietary needs of these two minerals not only is the absolute amount important but also the ratio of the two minerals must fall within certain limits for optimal health and to prevent disease. No discussion on calcium and phosphorous would be complete without discussing vitamin D. This article discusses requirements, sources, and diseases caused by excess and deficiencies of these two closely interrelated minerals.

You have just read the introduction to one of our nearly 800 articles on horse care, diseases, and training. It includes a description of the contents of the unabridged version. As a guest you can access this article two different ways: either purchase the article or become a member and take advantage of all the benefits Horseadvice.com has to offer. Check out our Membership Drive Discount below but hurry. This is for a limited time!