It was once thought that the quantity of iron lost in sweat was very small.
It has now been reported that iron lost in sweat is considerable and the exercising of racing horses at time of increased temperature and high humidity results in a considerable loss of iron in sweat.
Besides iron, considerable quantities of other important electrolyte minerals such as potassium and magnesium are lost in sweat.
In an article in the Australian Equine Veterinary Journal (Volume16, No. 3, 1998)it was estimated that the concentration
of iron lost in sweat may be as much as 21 mg/litre.
Horses in intensive exercise may lose as much as 25-30 litres of sweat per day and this sweat loss would therefore represent a net iron loss of 500 mg/day.
With these sweat losses and the possibility of greater synthesis of haemoglobin and myoglobin the athletic horse obviously has a greater requirement for iron than previously thought.
Inside this issue we look at electrolyte therapy but owners of performance horses also need to be aware of iron requirements.
Generations of scientists have claimed iron is overused in horses but trainers have always claimed response from iron supplementation.
It now seems the horsemen were right all along!
Maree Tomkinson - a two time Garryowen winner and leading Australian competitor in hacking and dressage relies on Kelato Animal Health products to help present her horses in peak condition.
The Horse’s Mouth is a free newsletter produced and edited by the radio vet, Dr Dennis Scott BVSc MACVSc for the benefit of all people associated with the welfare of the performance horse.
This publication is sponsored by providers of quality equine products Ethical Agents Ltd and Kelato Animal Health as well Radio Pacific, the racing radio station and host of The Animal Show with Dr Denny.
Inside This Issue |
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| Blood, Sweat and Iron | 1 |
| Making sense of electrolytes | 2 |
| Choosing an electrolyte replacer | 3 |
| Halter Breaking | 3 |
| Energy | 4 |
