104 President Oral Presentation Pick: Sensory analysis of horse treats: a comparison between horses and humans

Abstract

Abstract Analysis of both palatability and consumer acceptance is a critical component of product development. Though consumer sensory analysis from owners is gaining interest in companion animal species, few data are available from equine owners. The objectives of this study were to evaluate both horse preference and horse owner rating of two equine treat products. Feeding preferences of adult stock-type horses (n = 10) age 13 ± 6, body weight 539 ± 41 kg, and body condition score 5.5 ± 0.5 were assessed via paired preference test conducted in an open-frame stock with a 15 second olfaction period followed by a 3 minute consumption period. Data collected include first sniffed, first consumed, and first finished. Consumer analysis of the horse treats was conducted via hedonic rating of four attributes (appearance, size, texture, and aroma) on a 9-point Likert scale, followed by rating of purchase intent on a 5 point Likert scale. Data were analyzed using PROC FREQ and PROC TTEST in SAS version 9.4. No difference was observed for first product sniffed, consumed, or finished during the horse preference test. However, moderate positive correlations were observed between first product sniffed and consumed (P = 0.01, ф = 0.40) as well as first product consumed and finished (P < 0.01, ф = 0.48), suggesting that olfaction plays a large role in horses food choice. Consumers rated Product A lower in appearance (P < 0.01), texture (P < 0.01), and size (P < 0.01), though no difference was observed between products for aroma. Additionally, consumers rated Product A lower for purchase intent (P < 0.01), indicating aroma may not play as large of a role in product selection as visual attributes. These results indicate that both horse and consumer preference should be evaluated during product development.