S alt for horses: benefits and harms, how to give a lick and which one to choose
Several factors affect the need for s alt in horses and workhorses: age, physiological state, intensity of exercise, diet. But, in any case, the benefits of s alt for horses cannot be overestimated. Its deficiency leads to loss of appetite, provokes a violation of the processes of thermoregulation of the body. How to give it to pets - let's talk in more detail.
Why do horses like to lick s alt
Almost in every stall, a caring owner ties up a bar of s alt. To make the briquettes available to several horses, s alted "pebbles" are placed on pastures (hung from a fence or fixed next to drinkers).Especially horses like to lick briquettes on pastures, because when grazing, the herbal diet is characterized by a lack of sodium and an excess of potassium. A large amount of such unleavened green food can provoke indigestion.
They also love to feast on s alt during the growth period, feeding mares. It is not recommended to put grains into the feeder, because the animal can eat more than the norm of the bulk product. Or the horse may refuse to eat s alty food.
It is recommended to place the briquettes at a certain level - so that the horse does not have to lower his muzzle too much or raise it high. In the stalls of horses, briquettes must be fixed during periods of active physical exertion.
Benefits and harms
Sodium and chlorine are the main components of the product that have a positive effect on the animal's body:
- regulates the distribution of water in the body;
- sodium contributes to the preservation of trace elements in the blood;
- in hot weather is the prevention of heat and solar strokes;
- chlorine regulates the acid-base balance of the blood, accelerates the absorption of glucose.
When adding a product to the diet of horses, you need to remember the dangers of excess. "S alty" cons:
- water retention in the body;
- impaired kidney function;
- imbalance of trace elements, provoking the occurrence of diseases.
Naturally, s alt, like any edible substance, exhibits both positive and negative qualities. Therefore, it is important to control the rate of consumption of animals.
Which s alt to choose, how and how much to give it to horses?
Because excessive consumption is fraught with negative consequences, you need to monitor the amount of product consumed by animals of different ages.
Daily Values:
- adult animals - 40g;
- young animals (1-3 years old) - 30-35 g;
- foals - 20
Most animals prefer to lick Himalayan s alt, which is rich in minerals and trace elements (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper). The product is well absorbed by the body, helps to remove harmful substances, promotes muscle growth and strengthens bones. It is sold in the form of briquettes of pink color.
It is convenient to hang a licker on supports or a fence so that the horse licks the required amount of s alt. Usually a small briquette is enough for 7-8 weeks. Depending on the number of animals, briquettes weighing from 2 to 8 kg can be hung.
You can also use a plain white bulk feed product (sodium chloride without additives). In the summer, licks with iodized s alt can be hung on pastures. If special feeds are used in winter, then the iodized product is not given to horses in order to exclude excess iodine.
When choosing a product, you need to take into account the preferences of the animal. To find a suitable option, briquettes of various types are hung on supports and the taste desires of horses are observed. It is also important to control the quality of the product. It is advisable to place the briquettes in a dry place protected from dust.
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