CALPHORMIN Trial Results
CALPHORMIN is a unique feed supplement that contains a balanced combination of macro-minerals, trace minerals and amino acids, as well as a scientifically proven source of bioavailable silicon in the form of sodium zeolite.
Every breeder is concerned whether their new born foal will develop into a top athlete, able to withstand the rigours of training, go on to race, or compete in other disciplines. In racing an immature two-year-old is expected to gallop at speeds approaching 35 miles an hour, despite their skeleton not yet being fully developed. In other disciplines, such as dressage and showjumping different, but equally challenging forces, are placed upon the skeleton from a young age.
The prevalence of developmental orthopaedic disease (DOD), including osteochondrosis dessicans and physics, can be high in foals and a recent epidemiological study reported an overall prevalence of DOD of 60% amongst Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds and Warmbloods (Lepeule et al. 2008). Warmblood Breeds exhibited the highest prevalence of DOD (80%) compared to Standardbreds (63%) and Thoroughbreds (60%). Whilst the underlying risk factors for DOD are complex, nutrition, in terms of mineral availability and balance, is known to be critically important (Mcllwraith 2005).
The foundations for a horses’ skeletal health and future athletic success can be established before it is even born. Ensuring broodmares have an appropriate intake and balance of macro-minerals, trace minerals, and amino acids in the diet to pass on to the foal, both in utero and following birth via the milk, is critical. CALPHORMIN gives young horses the best start they can get, initially through supplementation of the mare, and latterly by feeding directly to foals and youngstock. Continuing to feed young, rapidly growing horses CALPHORMIN helps to maintain optimum growth and bone development.
CALPHORMIN helps to balance the diet with nutrients known to be critical to proper skeletal development.
TRIAL RESULTS IN HORSES
CALPHORMIN has undergone significant trailing in broodmares to validate the efficiency of the formula. 38 foals from 5 different stud farms were x-rayed to establish the incidence of growth related problems in their hocks and patella (right and left) and fetlocks (right and left, front and back). The subsequent pregnancy of the mares of the same foals was monitored, but on this occasion CALPHORMIN was fed in addition to their normal diet (which remained unchanged). Consideration had also been given to the choice of stallions to ensure no genetic effect could compromise the results of the study.
At a similar time of year the siblings of the first control group of foals, born to the same dam, were also X-rayed according to the same protocol. The results showed a statistically significant and marked reduction in the prevalence of joint lesions (p<0.05), Fig 1 below.
SUMMARY
Nutritional imbalances have been recognised as one potential factor in the development of DOD in young, growing horses. CALPHORMIN helps to balance the diet with nutrients known to be critical to proper skeletal development. In developing horses, the major nutrients of concern are protein, energy, calcium, phosphorus, copper, zinc and lysine. Minimum requirements in horses for each of these nutrients have been published by the National Research Council (NRC, 1989); however, in some instances the optimum intake to sustain normal growth may be significantly higher.
CALPHORMIN provides a supplemental source of all of these nutrients in a carefully balanced and palatable formulation which provides for the likely elevated requirements of these essential nutrients for optimum skeletal development, and production of sound and robust athletic horses.
