A Marine Mineral Supplement Alters Markers of Bone Metabolism in Yearling Arabians

Abstract This study tested whether the supplement (Aquacid), high in calcium and other minerals, can alter markers of bone metabolism and mineralization of the equine third metacarpus bone. Radiographs were taken of the left third metacarpus of 14 yearlings. Radiographic bone aluminum equivalence (RBAE) of each cortex was calculated to estimate mineral content. Blood samples were also taken at this time. Horses were ranked according to RBAE and gender, were pair-matched, and randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Each group was provided one of two mineral supplements in addition to their normal diet. The treated group (Aq) received 75 g Aquacid/horse/d, which provided an additional 15 g of calcium. The control group (Co) received 39.5 g of limestone to provide similar amounts of calcium. The study lasted for 112 days, with blood being taken every 28 days. At day 56 and 112, additional radiographs was taken to track changes in RBAE. Blood was analyzed for osteocalcin (a bone formation marker) and serum C-telopeptide crosslaps of type I collagen (a bone resorption marker) to detect alterations in bone metabolism. Using day 0 values as a covariate for bone markers, there was a trend (P = .07) for osteocalcin concentrations to be greater in Aq horses than in Co. Likewise, C-telopeptide crosslaps of type I collagen concentrations were greater (P

[1]  M. Orth,et al.  Bone Metabolism Markers in Arabian Horses During the First Two Years of Life , 2002 .

[2]  F. Nielsen.  Is boron nutritionally relevant? , 2008, Nutrition reviews.

[3]  M. Orth,et al.  Comparison of bone mineral content and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in stall- vs. pasture-reared horses. , 2010, Equine veterinary journal. Supplement.

[4]  C. I. O'connor,et al.  Mineral balance in horses fed two supplemental silicon sources. , 2008, Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition.

[5]  E. Bass,et al.  Multivitamin/mineral supplements and prevention of chronic disease. , 2006, Evidence report/technology assessment.

[6]  T. Uysal,et al.  Stimulation of bone formation by dietary boron in an orthopedically expanded suture in rabbits. , 2009, The Angle orthodontist.

[7]  M. Orth,et al.  Daily access to pasture turnout prevents loss of mineral in the third metacarpus of Arabian weanlings. , 2001, Journal of animal science.

[8]  D. Rosenstein,et al.  Short-duration exercise and confinement alters bone mineral content and shape in weanling horses. , 2004, Journal of animal science.

[9]  B. Nielsen.  Training distance to failure and density of the third metacarpal in young racing Quarter Horses fed sodium zeolite A , 1992 .

[10]  Brian D. Nielsen,et al.  Small changes in exercise, not nutrition, often result in measurable changes in bone , 2008 .

[11]  H. Clayton,et al.  Influence of trotting and supplemental weight on metacarpal bone development. , 2010, Equine veterinary journal. Supplement.

[12]  F. Nielsen.  The justification for providing dietary guidance for the nutritional intake of boron , 2007, Biological Trace Element Research.

[13]  A. Goodship,et al.  The effect of early training and the adaptation and conditioning of skeletal tissues. , 2008, The Veterinary clinics of North America. Equine practice.

[14]  M. Orth,et al.  Supplemental silicon increases plasma and milk silicon concentrations in horses. , 2001, Journal of animal science.

[15]  L A Lawrence,et al.  Deconditioning reduces mineral content of the third metacarpal bone in horses. , 1998, Journal of animal science.

[16]  P. Harris.  Nutrient requirements of horses: National Research Council Chichester: John Wiley/Washington: National Academy Press. 1990. 5th edition. 100 pp. £15.35/US $17.95 (paper) , 1991 .

[17]  E. Ott,et al.  Estimation of mineral content of the equine third metacarpal by radiographic photometry. , 1981, Journal of animal science.

[18]  F. Nielsen,et al.  Boron and fish oil have different beneficial effects on strength and trabecular microarchitecture of bone. , 2009, Journal of trace elements in medicine and biology : organ of the Society for Minerals and Trace Elements.

[19]  L. W. Greene,et al.  Response of young horses in training to varying concentrations of dietary calcium and phosphorus , 1998 .

[20]  T. W. Odom,et al.  Training distance to failure in young racing quarter horses fed sodium zeolite A , 1993 .

[21]  M. Orth,et al.  Sodium Zeolite A Supplementation and Its Impact on the Skeleton of Dairy Calves , 2008, Biological Trace Element Research.

[22]  Doering Pl,et al.  Efficacy of nutritional supplements used by athletes , 1993 .

[23]  T. Lybbert.  Gastric ulcer syndrome in exercising horses fed different types of hay , 2009 .