feeding calcium

[madgeymoo]

i was just wondering when feeding calicum could this cause tying up as in normal muscle function, calcium is cycled within the cell. To contract the muscle, calcium is released in response to electrical stimulus from the nervous system. To relax the muscle, the mitochondria (the energy-producing centers in the cells) return the calcium to the small bodies where it is stored. When the mitochondria lose their ability to recycle the calcium, it begins to build up, leading to constant contraction.

would this cause a TB horse to tie up when he is normally fed one teaspoon a day

 

[YasandCrystal]

I have no answer for you, but I am interested in this thread as I feed my horses carob kibble or locust bean which is rich in calcium, which I was told is great for gut health. I know alfalfa is also calcium rich. The only thing I was warned of was to watch feeding when the grass is rich as any excess calcium may cause unwanted tooth growth. I have been feeding carob for 18 months and as yet experienced no problems with my horses. Why do you feed calcium as a supplement out of interest?

 

[Mike007]

Calcium levels in the blood are very carefully controlled, Excess Calcium is stored or excreted. The big problem with Calcium suplementation is that continual over supply inhibits the production of the hormone required to mobilise Calcium from bone deposits. Thus when a temporary shortage occurs the body is unable to maintain the Calcium level even though in theory the animal is getting a more than adequate supply.