Mineral

Calcium

Mechanism

Calcium is quantitatively the most important mineral in the skeleton, where it is present mainly as hydroxyapatite. In metabolism it regulates muscle contraction, neuromuscular conduction and blood clotting. The decisive factor is not the single value but the calcium-phosphorus ratio of the overall ration: it should be roughly 1.5–2:1 and must not fall below 1:1. Lucerne (alfalfa) and mineral feeds are rich calcium sources, whereas cereal-heavy rations can shift the ratio in favour of phosphorus. A balanced supply is particularly relevant for growing horses and pregnant or lactating mares.

Cautions

· Always balance in relation to phosphorus — Ca:P not below 1:1
· Excess calcium can impair the absorption of phosphorus, magnesium and zinc
· Increased need during growth, pregnancy (from month 9) and lactation

Sources

NRC 2007NRC — Nutrient Requirements of Horses: Calcium, Ca:P-Verhältnis

GfE 2014GfE — Empfehlungen zur Energie- und Nährstoffversorgung von Pferden: Calcium

Equiterna Score

86/100

high overall

Science9.3/10

Practical experience9/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

Dosageapprox. 40 mg/kg BW/day (maintenance); ration Ca:P ratio 1.5–2:1 (NRC 2007 / GfE 2014)

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusNot listed

SafetyVery safe

Evidencestrong

Usage note

This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.

“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.