A new study has suggested that boron supplementation may help support growth and bone development in young horses, with the most noticeable benefits seen at higher supplementation levels.
Published in the journal Biological Trace Element Research, the study investigated the effects of boron on 32 Purebred Arabian foals over a 90-day period. Researchers divided the foals into four groups, receiving either no boron or 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg of elemental boron per day.
While feed intake remained similar across all groups, the foals receiving 15 mg per day showed the greatest improvements in live weight gain, daily growth and feed conversion efficiency.
The researchers also explored how boron affected bone and mineral metabolism. Foals receiving higher boron levels showed increased blood concentrations of calcium, calcitonin and osteocalcin, markers associated with bone development and mineral regulation. Although overall bone measurements did not differ significantly between groups, the study found evidence that boron supplementation influenced skeletal development over time.
Boron is already known to play roles in mineral metabolism, immune function and hormone regulation in other species, but research in horses, particularly growing foals, has been limited.
The authors concluded that boron supplementation “positively influenced growth performance and bone and mineral metabolism” in the Arabian foals studied, with 15 mg/day producing the strongest effects. However, they also stressed that further long-term studies are needed before firm recommendations can be made for wider equine use.
The findings may be of interest to breeders, nutritionists and horse owners looking at nutritional strategies to support healthy growth and development in young horses.
