Several factors influence the need for salt in horses and workhorses: age, physiological condition, intensity of physical activity, diet. But, in any case, the benefits of salt for horses cannot be overestimated. Its deficiency leads to loss of appetite and provokes disruption of the body's thermoregulation processes. Let's talk in more detail about how to give it to pets correctly.
Why do horses love to lick salt?
In almost every stall, a caring owner ties up a block of salt. To make briquettes accessible to several horses, salted “cobbles” are placed in pastures (hung on a fence or secured next to water troughs).Horses especially love to lick briquettes when grazing, since when kept on pasture, the grass diet is characterized by a lack of sodium and an excess of potassium. A large amount of such bland green food can cause digestive upset.
Young animals during the growth period and lactating mares also like to feast on salt. It is not recommended to put grains into the feeder, because the animal may eat more grain than normal. Or the horse may refuse to eat salty 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 too high. In stalls of horses, briquettes must be secured during periods of active physical activity.
Benefits and harms
Sodium and chlorine are the main components of the product, which have a positive effect on the animal’s body:
- the distribution of water in the body is regulated;
- sodium helps preserve microelements in the blood;
- in hot weather it prevents heat and solar shock;
- Chlorine regulates the acid-base balance of the blood and accelerates the absorption of glucose.
When adding a product to a horse’s diet, you need to remember the dangers of excess. “Salty” cons:
- water retention in the body;
- renal dysfunction;
- imbalance of microelements, causing the occurrence of diseases.
Naturally, salt, like any edible substance, exhibits both positive and negative qualities. Therefore, it is important to control the consumption rate of animals.
What salt to choose, how and how much to give it to horses?
Since excess consumption is fraught with negative consequences, you need to monitor the amount of product consumed by animals of different ages.
Daily norms:
- adult animals – 40 g;
- young animals (1-3 years) – 30-35 g;
- foals – 20 years
Most animals prefer to lick Himalayan salt, which is rich in minerals and trace elements (magnesium, iron, calcium, potassium, copper). The product is well absorbed by the body, helps remove harmful substances, promotes muscle growth and strengthens bones. Sold in the form of pink briquettes.
You can also use plain white bulk feed (sodium chloride without additives). In the summer, licks with iodized salt can be hung on pastures. If special feed is used in winter, then the iodized product is not given to horses in order to eliminate excess iodine.
When choosing a product, you need to take into account the animal's preferences. To find a suitable option, briquettes of different types are hung on supports and the taste desires of the 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.
