PG . 48
HORSE HEALTH
ARTICLE BY : DR JENNIFER STEWART - EQUINE VETERINARIAN AND CONSULTANT NUTRITIONIST
CALMITIVES for HORSES
REACTIVITY and restlessness are common behavioural problems in horses . Among the many causes are a flaw in the horse ’ s temperament , subclinical pain , a medical condition , allergy and high starch diets . Other causes include sensitive skin , vitamin and mineral imbalances , vision problems and hormonal swings . Subclinical pain can increase tension and spookiness and a veterinary examination is important .
Hot behaviour and anxiety are also common in horses and the possibility that natural oral supplements might be useful , is very attractive . Let ’ s have a look at the recent research . Certainly , anecdotal reports on the benefits of oral magnesium ( Mg ) are numerous - with many owners and vets describing reduced skin sensitivity , ‘ hot ’ behaviour , tying-up , irritability , muscular cramping , weakness , insulin-resistance , cresty necks and stiffness - when horses receive a Mg supplement . Recently some great research has confirmed the anecdotes and observations .
Conducted in Australia , a recently published study compared the effect of Mg to the sedative acetylpromazine ( ACE ) in horses undertaking a reaction speed test . This test measures the time taken for a horse to cover 2 m after being startled . Before the test , the horses travelled at 5.3m / sec , after receiving ACE they reduced their speed to 3.5m / sec and when they received 10g of Mg per day for 7 days , their speed reduced
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