EquineResearch Bone

AquaCid alters markers of bone metabolism in yearling Arabian horses

DB Nielsen, RE Cate & CI OConnor-Robison
J Equine Vet Science, 2010; 30 (8) p419-424
Skeletal injuries are a major concern in athletic horses. This study investigated if the mineral
supplement, AquaCid could alter bone metabolism and increase the mineral content of the third
metacarpel in yearling Arabians. The results showed that there were significant beneficial
differences in the markers of bone metabolism following supplementation with AquaCid.

Study Details:
14 Yearling Arabians (4 geldings, 10 fillies)
Study duration:112 days
Test AquaCid vs Limestone (Calcium Carbonate)
Mineralization of MCIII (cannon bone)
Markers of bone metabolism
Bone markers
Osteocalcin a marker of bone formation
Serum CTX-1 a marker of bone resorption
Treatments:
AquaCid: 75 g/d/horse: Provides 15 g Ca and 0.07 g P
Li
Limestone:
t
39.5
39 5 g/d/horse:
/d/h
P
Provides
id 15 g C
Ca and
d0
0.008
008 g P

Radiographic image of
bone mineral density of
the cannon bone

Results:
The AquaCid Group showed an increase in CTX-1 compared to the control group (P=0.001)
The AquaCid Group showed an increase in osteocalcin compared to control (p=0.07)
Radiographic densitometry showed a reduction in bone mineral density for the control group
Bone Marker
Osteocalcin
CTX-1

AquaCid
53.3 + 2.1 ng/ml
0.387 + 0.016 ng/ml

Control
47.1 + 2.1 ng/ml
0.293 + 0.014 ng/ml

Difference
P = 0.07
P = 0.001*

Conclusions:
C
l i
These results suggest greater bone turnover allowing for more rapid bone repair and a trend for
greater bone mineralisation in the AquaCid group as compared to the control group