<p><strong><strong><img src="images-joomla/guides/minus.png" alt="minus" style="vertical-align: middle;" />&nbsp; Too little V</strong>itamin D</strong></p>
<p>Vitamin D is a precursor for hormones which regulate calcium metabolism in the body. Vitamin D deficiency leads to abnormal development of the skeleton (rickets), poorly mineralized bones and reduced appetite and muscle strength.</p>
<p><strong>Solutions</strong>: Vitamin D is produced in the skin when horses are exposed to sunlight. Sun-cured hay, cod liver oil and most concentrate and vitamin/mineral mixes are good sources of vitamin D.&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong><strong><img src="images-joomla/guides/plus.png" alt="plus" style="vertical-align: middle;" />&nbsp; Too much V</strong>itamin D</strong></p>
<p>Over feeding for prolonged periods vitamin D will lead to intoxication characterized by abnormal bone development (hypermineralization), calcium deposition in blood vessels and heart and kidney, and other organs damage.</p>
<p>Stiff gait, loss of appetite and a generally poor condition may be symptoms. Blood samples show abnormally high calcium levels in plasma. Some plants contain vitamin D analogs which may lead to vitamin D toxicity.</p>
<p><strong>Solutions</strong>: Provide less vitamin D rich vitamin/mineral mixtures. Substitute commercial (vitamin-fortified) concentrates with grain. Be careful of giving more than one vitamin/mineral mix as many will contain vitamin D.</p>
<p>Do not give cod liver oil if the ration already contains a lot of vitamin D.</p>
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