Voluntary Intake of Loose Versus Block Salt and Its Effects on Water Intake in Mature Idle Thoroughbreds

Kennedy, M.A.P., P. Entrekin, P.A. Harris and J.D. Pagan. 2001. Voluntary intake of loose versus block salt and its effects on water intake on mature idle Thoroughbreds. In: J.D. Pagan and R.J. Geor (Ed.) Advances in Equine Nutrition II. pp. 147-149. Nottingham University Press. Nottingham, United Kingdom.

The purpose of this study was to measure the voluntary intake of loose vs. block salt over time and evaluate how salt intake affects water consumption.

Four mature Thoroughbred horses were used in the eight-week switchback design. Daily water consumption was measured, and salt intake from either loose or block sources was measured weekly.

Horses with free-choice access to loose salt drank significantly more water than when offered block salt. Salt intake was more consistent from week to week when offered in block form.

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