While all minerals are essential for young growing horses, calcium, phosphorus, copper and zinc are most important for bone growth. Calcium and phosphorus are the two most abundant minerals found in the skeleton. Deficiencies in either of these or incorrect ratios will result in decreased bone density and bone demineralization. Copper is important for bone collagen stabilization. Zinc functions in many enzymes associated with protein and carbohydrate metabolism. Excessive zinc however is known to interfere with calcium absorption and copper utilization – both of which can predispose a young horse to developmental orthopedic disease (DOD).
