In a previous post we discussed the action of
cells called an Osteoclast on bone components. Opposite of the Osteoclast is a
cell called an Osteoblast. While the Osteoclast is responsible for the removal
of bone matrix, the Osteoblast are responsible for rebuilding and rejuvenating
bone matrix.
Ideally the body needs an abundance of minerals found within the
bones themselves to support proper bone remodeling. However, the availability
of the minerals in the system depends on a number of factors. The first factor being the absorption rate
of the nutrients, and not all minerals are created equal when it comes to
absorption. For this reason, feeding 20 grams of calcium in one form and 20
grams of calcium in another form will yield totally different results when it
comes to making it through the digestive process and becoming available in the
bloodstream. Additionally, it is the ratio of one nutrient to another that
influences final absorption. For example, if the calcium/phosphorus ratio is
"off" by too much, the availability and therefore the effectiveness
of the other will surely be affected.
Getting the nutrients absorbed is one thing, making sure that they are available to be utilized by the system is another. For instance, calcium
solubility refers to what form the calcium is showing up as in the bloodstream.
In other words, is the calcium in it's proper liquid state, or is it more solidified than it should be. If, for example, the calcium is not properly balanced in relation to other nutrients, it may be in a more
solidified state than required for absorption into the bone structure, and
therefore it is unavailable for actual inclusion into the bone matrix. So feeding it in a form that is readily available and in a ratio that allows for proper use is essential.
The final aspect in this discussion today is collagen. A horses bones are
comprised of much less collagen than that of a human, and so it is common to see excess
calcium accumulate along a fracture line. The buildup of calcium and abnormal healing may show up
to create issues moving forward.
While nothing is going to make a horse impervious to injury, dealing with injuries and lameness less often, and for shorter amounts of time, is something that is advantageous to any horseman. Horses which spend less time rehabilitating, spend more time training. If you're dealing with lameness-related issues like fractures or calcium deposits but don't know where to start to achieve proper nutritional balance, leave it to us and let EQUI-BONE do the work for you.
For more information on what you can do to support healthy bone development, see Equi-Bone by: TLC Animal Nutrition, Inc and For bone and connective tissue, see OSTEO-FUEL by TLC
Animal Nutrition, Inc.
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