Hair as an Indicator of the Calcium and Phosphorus Status of Ponies

    A. A. Wysocki, R. H. Klett
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    TLDR Hair analysis can't determine ponies' calcium and phosphorus levels; use soil and feed tests instead.
    The study concluded that the levels of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in a pony's diet did not correlate with the amounts found in their hair, making hair analysis ineffective for determining their nutritional status. Instead, soil and feed analyses were recommended for ensuring adequate Ca and P supply. A seasonal trend was observed, with Ca and P concentrations in hair peaking in spring and fall and dipping in winter, corresponding with periods of active hair growth.
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