Author: L.A. Lawrence, Extension Animal Scientist, Horses, Virginia Tech
Publication Number 406-473, July 1996
Table 6.
Other Minerals and Vitamins for Horses and Ponies (Dry Matter Basis)
Adequate Concentrations in Total Rations
Pregnant & Maximum
Lactating Growing Working Tolerance
Maintenance Mares Horses Horses Levels
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Minerals
Magnesium (%) 0.09 0.11 0.08 0.09
Potassium (%) 0.30 0.42 0.30 0.43
Sodium (%) 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.30 3*
Sulfur (%) 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.15 1.25
Iron (mg/kg) 40 50 50 40 1,000
Manganese (mg/kg) 40 40 40 40 1,000
Copper (mg/kg) 10 10 10 10 800
Zinc (mg/kg) 40 40 40 40 500
Selenium (mg/kg) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 2.0
Iodine (mg/kg) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 5.0
Cobalt (mg/kg) 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 10
Vitamins
Vitamin A (IU/kg) 2,000 3,000 2,000 2,000 16,000
Vitamin D (IU/kg)** 300 600 800 300 2,200
Vitamin E (IU/kg) 50 80 80 80 1,000
Vitamin K (mg/kg)***
Thiamin (mg/kg) 3 3 3 5 3,000
Riboflavin (mg/kg) 2 2 2 2
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* As sodium chloride.
** Recommendations for horses not exposed to sunlight or to artificial light with an
emission spectrum of 280-315 nm.
*** Blank space indicates that data are insufficient to determine a requirement or
maximum tolerable level.
Return to the Table of Contents section of Nutrient Requirements and Balancing Rations for Horses.