Effects of Mineral Supplements on Weight Gain and Muscle Development in Weaned Thoroughbred Foals

Thoroughbred foals during the post-weaning period are susceptible to trace mineral deficiencies due to their rapid skeletal and muscular growth, while increasing concentrate intake to compensate for energy requirements may elevate the risk of digestive disorders. This study was designed to evaluate the effect of targeted mineral supplementation on growth performance, weight gain, and muscular development during this critical phase. For this purpose, ۱۰ Thoroughbred foals were randomly assigned to two groups: a control group (receiving a basal diet consisting of alfalfa and concentrate formulated according to NRC standards) and a treatment group (receiving the same basal diet supplemented with ۲% organic-form minerals including Zn, Cu, Mn, Se, and Mg). The ۶۰-day trial period included initial and final body weight assessments using the Carroll and Huntington formula. Results demonstrated that the supplemented group experienced significantly greater weight gain (۸.۶ kg vs. ۵.۳ kg in the control group) and showed marked improvement in muscular indices, without any adverse effects on general health or feed intake. These findings emphasize that correcting potential mineral deficiencies in the basal diet can play a pivotal role in optimizing growth quality and preventing skeletal-muscular disorders during this critical developmental stage. Therefore, targeted nutritional strategies that account for mineral requirements and basal feed quality are essential to ensure healthy and sustainable growth.

کلیدواژه ها:

Minerals ، Body Condition ، Weaned Foal ، Muscle Growth ، Thoroughbred Breed