Product Code: MMLSBD Vitamin D Top-Up Supplement to Promote Strong Healthy Bones Formulated with broad spectrum macro and trace minerals plus additional calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, MegaMin Bone Defender helps horses maintain bone strength and stay healthy and sound while grazing high-oxalate subtropical pastures. Left unsupplemented on such pastures, horses are at risk of developing severe bone demineralisation or bighead disease. A scientifically balanced calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and vitamin D supplement to help promote strong healthy bones. Incorporates multiple sources of calcium, including chelated calcium. Assists in maintaining/balancing the calcium to oxalate ratio for horses grazing subtropical pastures (setaria, buffel, kikuyu, couch etc.) where an imbalance in the calcium to oxalate ratio can lead to bighead disease. Feeding Guide The below feeding rates are for horses on pasture who are not receiving any significant amounts (less than 1 kg/day) of supplementary hay or hard feed.  MegaMin Bone Defender should be fed with the recommended dose of MegaMin Equine Enhancer or as part of a balanced diet. Typical Pastures Average Body Weight 400kg 500kg 600kg Weanlings, Yearlings and 2YOs 140 180 220 Moderate Work 160 200 240 Heavy Work 180 220 260 Pregnant Mares 140 180 220 Lactating Mares 190 230 270 Aged Horses 140 180 220   Grazing Setaria If your Setaria is the Kazungula variety please contact us for advice and dosage rates. Average Body Weight 400kg 500kg 600kg Weanlings, Yearlings and 2YOs 420 540 660 Moderate Work 480 600 720 Heavy Work 540 660 780 Pregnant Mares 420 540 660 Lactating Mares 570 690 810 Aged Horses 420 540 660   Feed Reduction Guide For horses given supplementary hay or hard feed, reduce MegaMin Bone Defender by the following amounts.  Amounts to reduce MegaMin Bone Defender by For every 1kg of Lucerne Hay 70g/day For every 1kg of Grass Hay (Low Oxalate) 25g/day For every 1kg of Complete Feed* 50g/day *Fortified with 8.5g/kg of calcium at minimum.  1x heaped scoop (in bucket) = approx 100g of MegaMin Bone Defender. Directions: Mix well into feed and dampen. Ensure an adequate supply of fresh, clean drinking water and free choice plain salt are available at all times. Slowly introduce into horseís diet over 7-10 days. Dosage/Administration: 1 heaped scoop (in bucket) = approx 100g of MegaMin Bone Defender What makes MegaMin Bone Defender so important for horses grazing high oxalate pastures? MegaMin Bone Defender is formulated to provide enough high quality and bioavailable calcium, phosphorus and magnesium to allow horses to maintain bone strength and to stay healthy and sound when grazing high oxalate subtropical pastures.  Left unsupplemented on these pastures, horses are at risk of severe bone demineralization and Bighead Disease.   What are the causes of Bighead? Bighead in horses can arise from an incorrect calcium to phosphorus ratio with more phosphorus in the diet than calcium and from grazing pastures containing high levels of oxalate that block calcium absorption. What are some signs of Bighead? Clinical signs of Bighead are not always the 'bighead' appearance as this is more common in young horses.  Signs can include, but are not limited to the following: Shifting lameness, sore bones and joints Ligament and tendon injuries Noisy breathing, ill-thrift and a harsh coat Enlarged/swollen facial bones Ridge over nasal bone Early tiring and a low tolerance for work.  What are some common grasses that contain high oxalate? Buffel Grass, Setaria, Kikuyu, Para Grass, Purple Pigeon, Green Panic, Pangola Grass and Signal Grass.
