Magnesium Metabolism in the Horse

Abstract

IN the course of previously reported studies of calcium, phosphorus and protein metabolism of the horse, data concerning Mg metabolism were obtained from 72 balance studies. The relationship of retention to intake indicated that horses require about 13 mg of Mg/kg of body weight/day for maintenance. Other studies demonstrated that the primary site of Mg absorption was the small intestine. The magnesium in diets in which the primary protein source was milk products was more available than in diets in which the primary protein source was linseed meal. Magnesium absorption was decreased in diets containing high levels of phosphorus. The levels of Mg used in these trials did not appear to affect digestibility. Copyright © 1972. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1972 by American Society of Animal Science.