Horse owners should consider the importance of feeding an equine electrolyte supplement in hotter temperatures, the need for electrolytes is simply based on sweat loss. In our latest blog Scientific Nutritional Products takes a look at supplementing with electrolytes and why they can be an essential part of your feeding 'kit'.
When horses and ponies exercise heat is naturally produced by the muscles and carried to the surface of the skin by the bloodstream. The evaporation of this heat is part of the body’s cooling system. Sweat loss is also part of this process. As the equine’s body temperature rises the hypothalamus communicates to sweat glands all over the body to produce sweat which is expressed through the pores and evaporated from the skin which in turn cools the body down. This is a highly effective method in reducing temperature, but there is a trade off as horses, just like humans, lose water and electrolytes in their sweat.
Equine sweat is what is known as isotonic which means it contains minerals, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. Losses of these minerals can cause our horse's to suffer from tiredness, muscle stiffness, dehydration and in severe cases colic so replacing both the water and the electrolytes is important to health and recovery.
When exercising intensely a horse can lose up to 15 litres of sweat per day so it is clear to see with such considerable losses it is vital to replenish our equines depleted stores of both water and lost body salts! This can be more on a hot sunny day
Feeding an electrolyte supplement in the diet after travelling, competing or a strenuous training session can help them naturally recover post exercise by correcting the balance of electrolytes and water within the body. Remember electrolytes should always be supplied alongside ample fresh water to drink!
Scientific Nutritional Products produces Horse Electrolytes with MSM a high grade electrolyte supplement which helps correct the balance of horse electrolytes and water within the body needed to optimise natural recovery. To find out more visit the website at www.horsesupplementsdirect.co.uk or contact a member of the team on Tel: 0800 032 7774
