Mineral

Phosphorus

Mechanism

After calcium, phosphorus is the second most important mineral in the skeleton and at the same time a constituent of energy-rich phosphates (ATP), of nucleic acids and of cell-membrane phospholipids. Both the skeleton and energy metabolism therefore depend equally on a needs-based supply. Cereals and bran are rich in phosphorus, but their phosphorus is partly present as the less available phytate. Cereal-heavy rations can lead to a phosphorus excess relative to calcium — an inverted Ca:P ratio disturbs calcium utilisation and is undesirable in skeletal development.

Cautions

· Phosphorus excess from cereals/bran can invert the Ca:P ratio and disturb calcium utilisation
· Phytate-bound phosphorus (cereals) is less available than inorganic phosphorus
· With one-sided bran feeding, compensate deliberately with calcium

Sources

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

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

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. 28–30 mg/kg BW/day (maintenance); balance the ration so that Ca:P stays at 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.

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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.