One of the main consequences of physical exercise for horses is the loss of fluids and electrolytes. These losses during exercise can limit the horse's performance and, in extreme cases, compromise its health.
How important are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are mineral compounds that play an important role in the body's homeostasis. In horses (like other mammals), fluids and electrolytes are distributed in the intracellular and extracellular compartments, whose volume and composition are essential for the various metabolic processes that are fundamental to life to take place.
Electrolytes, as they are ionized molecules, are responsible for osmoregulation. They are also fundamental in acid-base balance, in the transmission of nerve impulses and in muscle contraction.
Are electrolyte losses due to sweating significant?
Yes, there is a potential for significant electrolyte and fluid losses during physical activity, particularly when it is intense, prolonged and/or performed in challenging atmospheric conditions (high temperatures and relative humidity).
Sweating is the main means of active heat dissipation in horses. Thus, the heat generated by muscular activity stimulates the thermoregulation mechanisms, increasing sweating, which results in significant losses of chlorine, sodium and potassium and smaller losses of calcium and magnesium (among other minerals that can be identified in sweat and undergo minimal losses).
So when should I add electrolytes to my horse's diet?
A horse that performs light physical activity and has an adequate diet, which includes good quality forage in the necessary quantity, as well as a balanced concentrated feed, already receives some electrolytes through its diet. The horse's needs for potassium, calcium and magnesium should already be met. However, the sodium and chlorine provided by the diet may not be sufficient to meet the horse's needs for these minerals.
In general, concentrated feeds contain minimal amounts of sodium chloride (in order to help preserve these feeds). For this reason, a salt rock should be made available for free access, allowing the horse to ensure the necessary supply of sodium chloride.
It should also be noted that the food present in the large intestine acts as an important reservoir of electrolytes for a healthy horse. However, whenever there are significant losses due to sweating, this reservoir may not be sufficient to replace the losses.
Therefore, supplementation with electrolyte formulations is necessary in horses subjected to more significant physical activity and during long transports, particularly in adverse weather conditions.
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