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Marine-Derived Minerals Might Improve Equine Bone Density

August 17, 2019
Posted by Alexandra Beckstett

One researcher saw bone changes in racehorses in training who received a supplement containing marine-derived minerals.

Topics: Article, Bone & Joint Problems, Equine Science Society Symposium 2019, Horse Care, Lameness, Nutrition, Sports Medicine, Supplements, Vitamins & Minerals

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Marine-Derived Minerals Might Improve Equine Bone Density

Photo: iStock

Studies have shown that marine-derived sources of minerals can improve bone strength and density in lab animals and humans. But what effect might they have on Thoroughbred racehorses, which depend on strong bones for long-term soundness?

Joe Pagan, PhD, founder of Kentucky Equine Research (KER), in Versailles, recently conducted a study on the topic. He presented his results at the 2019 Equine Science Society Symposium, held June 3-6 in Asheville, North Carolina.

Pagan included in his study 14 Thoroughbred racehorses in training over a 12-week period. Their diets during this time consisted of free-choice timothy hay, fortified feed, electrolytes, and free-choice salt—designed to meet or exceed the nutrient requirements of horses in heavy work. Seven horses in the treatment group also received a marine-derived complex with trace minerals and vitamins (the supplement Triacton), and seven received a placebo.

“We were interested in looking at bone changes such as density and mineral content,” during the study period, he said

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Written by:

Alexandra Beckstett

Alexandra Beckstett, a native of Houston, Texas, is a lifelong horse owner who has shown successfully on the national hunter/jumper circuit and dabbled in hunter breeding. After graduating from Duke University, she joined Blood-Horse Publications as assistant editor of its book division, Eclipse Press, before joining The Horse. She was the managing editor of The Horse for nearly 14 years and is now editorial director of EquiManagement and My New Horse, sister publications of The Horse.