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30 June 2023 Reading time 1 minutes

Pavo Podo®: scientifically proven concept for strong bones

Pavo Podo® is a unique and scientifically proven concept that reduces the chance of developing OC(D) in the first year of life by up to 50%. The concept consists of a total of 6 products for pregnant and lactating mares and the growing foal.  "For healthy bone development, it is important that foals and young horses get the right nutrients in the right amount and in the right proportion," explains Pleun Broeren, nutritionist at Pavo.  

In the last stage of gestation, from month 8, the foal grows the fastest. About 70 percent of the growth takes place during this phase. From then on, it is important to provide the mare with adapted nutrients during this period. Broeren: "The development of healthy bones and joints is crucial for the health and future performance of a horse. Bone development starts with the unborn foal and continues until the age of about five years old. Limbs continue to develop up to approximately three years of age but most of the development occurs in the first year and a half." 

Osteochondrosis (OC) in young horses 
In the first year of life is the period when the foal experiences the greatest growth, and if  the process of conversion from cartilage to bone tissue does not go well, abnormalities in the bone structures can occur, such as the bone disorders Osteochondrosis (OC) and Osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD). "These conditions are most common in the hock, followed by knee, fetlock joint, and cervical and dorsal vertebrae. Horses can be in pain and crippled. As long as the growth plates of the bones are not yet closed, damage in joints can still recover. After that, the effect is irreversible. This is at about two years of age." 

Podo® concept for strong bones 
Nutrition plays an important role in the development of healthy bones. Because the contribution of nutrition in the first years of life is crucial, Pavo has developed the Podo® concept: a unique mineral complex to optimally support the growth of the foal. The most important nutrients for healthy bone development are: 
Minerals: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium 
Trace elements: copper, zinc, manganese 
Vitamins: vitamin D, vitamin K 

Scientific research among 118 warmblood foals has shown that feeding Pavo Podo® reduces the risk of developing OC(D) in the first year of life by up to 50%. A wonderful result that shows the added value of feeding the right nutrients in the right proportions. Broeren: "Healthy bone development has everything to do with the availability of the right nutrients, and - perhaps even more importantly - the right mutual ratios between these nutrients. That's what the Podo® concept was developed for." 

With the Pavo Podo® concept, Pavo stands for a healthy start for every foal. By developing the right products for every phase of life with great care, Pavo wants to contribute to the health of every horse, for a lifetime.  

Read more about nutrition and breeding here or view the scientific publication based on the research.