By: Matthew M. Brendal
ELECTROLYTES Electrolytes are important nutritional concerns especially during hot weather and prolonged physical activity that leads to sweating. Horses that are sick or have lameness problems may also have excess electrolyte loss without heavy physical activity. Since electrolytes are quickly lost through sweat, replenish when observing your horse sweating. Some geographic locations may get so hot and humid very little exertion may cause sweat. Horse Sweat Electrolyte Percentage
|
Chloride 52 % |
Sodium 28 % |
Potassium 15 % |
Magnesium 1 % |
Others 4 % |
Research conducted by Dr. Helmet Meyer using an 1100 lbs horse determined the following electrolyte daily requirements in grams.
|
ELECTROLYTE |
REST |
LIGHT WORK |
MODERATE WORK |
INTENSE WORK |
|
Sodium (Na) |
10 |
20 |
50 |
125 |
|
Chloride (CI) |
35 |
50 |
95 |
200 |
|
Potassium (K) |
25 |
30 |
45 |
75 |
|
Magnesium (Mg) |
10 |
10 |
15 |
15 |
Sweat Loss (Liters/Day) Electrolytes in Grams
|
ELECTROLYTE |
REST |
LOSS OF 5 LITERS |
LOSS OF 10 LITERS |
LOSS OF 25 LITERS |
|
Sodium |
10 |
25 |
45 |
95 |
|
Chloride |
35 |
65 |
95 |
185 |
|
Potassium |
25 |
35 |
45 |
70 |
|
Magnesium |
10 |
11 |
12 |
15 |
* NOTE 1 LITER = 1.06 QUARTS 4 QUARTS = 1 GALLON 1 GALLON = 8.33 LBS
If a horse is allowed to lose enough electrolytes this may lead to any of the following:
Fatigue
Muscle Weakness
Cramping
Diarrhea
Metabolic Failure
Loss of electrical regulation to heart
Interruption of normal digestion
An unfit or overweight horses will sweat more and lose more electrolytes than a fit horse.
Higher levels of humidity in the air decrease the effect of sweating. This situation may require extra electrolytes when water is given to the horse.
