Magnesium Oxide
Mad Barn’s magnesium oxide powder is a macromineral supplement that supports equine mood balance, performance, muscle function and metabolic health.
Magnesium plays many roles in the horse’s body. It is involved in the formation of bone and protein synthesis, helps to maintain electrolyte balance, influences nervous system regulation and is a co-factor for a number of enzymes.
This product is commonly used as an equine calming supplement. In one study, researchers in Australia fed 10 grams of added magnesium to horses (21 g total magnesium content in the diet) and observed a sedative-like calming effect that was comparable to a 0.04mg/kg bodyweight dosage of Acepromazine.
According to the NRC, horses at maintenance require 15 mg per kg of bodyweight of magnesium per day. For a 500 kg horse, this is an intake of 7.5 grams per day. Performance horses or lactating mares require more per day.
Low magnesium levels or deficiency can contribute to nervousness, depression, abnormal behaviour, muscle tremors, lack of coordination, respiratory problems, growth failure and more.
Magnesium is an important part of insulin’s ability to act on cells. Links between magnesium deficiency and insulin resistance have been shown in humans and rodents but remain to be confirmed in horses. Magnesium supplementation may lessen abnormal fat deposits such as cresty neck which could lead to improvements in metabolic health.
