WWYD - magensium levels?

[soloequestrian]

I've realised, via an unplanned experiment, that my mare is quite sensitive to mineral levels on a day to day basis. She didn't get her dose of minerals for about a week and she was awful to ride - ridiculously spooky and inattentive. Now back on her normal level and she is much better but still more reactive than I'd like. My instructor recommended phytolean (thank you to the HHOer who pointed me in right direction for spelling!) and I've looked at it but it seems to be mainly for horses with metabolic syndrome issues. I'm wondering if it's worth trying just upping the Mg levels before I try the more expensive supplement. Currently she gets Progressive Earth Pro-Mineral which gives around 9g of Mg per day. NRC say 7.5g is correct but I've also read about people routinely supplementing more, up to 25g/day.
Interested in views!

 

[brighteyes]

Pure mag ox is readily available. Start there?

 

[Pinkvboots]

I would just buy mag ox and add a bit more mine get a fairly big heaped scoop in spring through to autumn, I get mine from intra labs.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I seem to have to keep mine on 2 scoops per day of Vetrocalm as every time I try and reduce it we get some silly behaviour. He took off with me out hacking today and yesterday had a big spook at nothing- not like him of recent so perhaps I need to keep him on what's essentially a double dose year round?

 

[PapaverFollis]

Worth doing a forage analysis?

 

[Maisie53]

I seem to have to keep mine on 2 scoops per day of Vetrocalm as every time I try and reduce it we get some silly behaviour. He took off with me out hacking today and yesterday had a big spook at nothing- not like him of recent so perhaps I need to keep him on what's essentially a double dose year round?

Just looked at vetrocalm. It looks shockingly expensive size for magnesium salt and mint might be worth buying ingredients separately.

 

[soloequestrian]

I already balance minerals using a forage analysis and the NRC recommendations. I suspect this horse needs more Mg though, hence the question - my instructor has recommended a specific supplement but I'm wondering about just adding some extra Mg in the first instance. It's just for one horse, the other two are fine on the current recipe.

 

[PapaverFollis]

OK that wasn't clear in your post.

I would just try her on more Mg as a starting point. It's a cheap fix if it helps!

 

[GinaGeo]

My understanding is that if they have too much Magnesium they will get a bit loose, so you can feed it to that point and then reduce.

Mine are on Pro Hoof and are getting an additional 10ml of Mag Ox a day. One didn’t tolerate that quantity when he wasn’t on good grass. But does now ?

 

[Goldenstar]

I would just try magnesium oxide I have only had one who was became calmer we gave him 35g a day through summer less in winter .
He was 16.1 Clydesdale cross so quite a big horse .

 

[Sossigpoker]

Just looked at vetrocalm. It looks shockingly expensive size for magnesium salt and mint might be worth buying ingredients separately.

Yes it is rather pricey ! Where could I buy just the magnesium on its own?

 

[Sossigpoker]

Vetrocalm contains magnesium chelate which is better absorbed than magnesium oxide. I understand the oxide is cheaper as it isn't that well absorbed?

 

[soloequestrian]

35g a day through summer less in winter .
He was 16.1 Clydesdale cross so quite a big horse .

Crumbs, that's more than I was thinking of! Good to know, mine is about that size too.

 

[SEL]

I have mag ox from forage plus - if I forget to add it to the Appy's feed her crest comes up quickly.

 

[soloequestrian]

I have mag ox from forage plus - if I forget to add it to the Appy's feed her crest comes up quickly.

How much do you feed? One of my others is looking a bit cresty, maybe he needs some extra too. I'll probably get from Progressive Earth, I get their Pro-mineral and have always been happy with it.

 

[Maisie53]

Yes it is rather pricey ! Where could I buy just the magnesium on its own?

I've bought it from forage plus and from ebay. I think if you buy it in a different form a d have to feed a slightly bigger amount you would still save alot of money.

 

[Sossigpoker]

I've bought it from forage plus and from ebay. I think if you buy it in a different form a d have to feed a slightly bigger amount you would still save alot of money.

Thanks I'll have a look. My boy seems to be sensitive to changes in the magnesium level so as much as i want to save money I'm a bit nervous of changing it....but definitely will look into it. Thanks.