Geophagia in horses: a short note on 13 cases

Recorded in several species including humans, geophagia or soil eating has been observed in both wild and domesticated horses and has generally been regarded as an indication of nutritional deficiency or "boredom". Studies of soils consumed by different species have led to several theories as to the identity of soil constituents that stimulate geophagia. In this study, geochemical analysis of 13 equine geophagic sites from different parts of Australia was undertaken. Significantly larger concentrations of iron and copper were found in soil samples from geophagic sites when compared to paired control samples, suggesting that these elements provide the stimulus for geophagia.