Horse Feed Research Articles

Efficacy of a pectin-lecithin complex for treatment and prevention of gastric ulcers in horses

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a commercial feed supplement containing pectin-lecithin on squamous mucosa ulceration in horses exposed to an experimental ulceration model. Five...

Taking a healthy view on show ring condition

Liz Bulbrook BSc (Hons), Director of nutrition at Baileys Horse Feeds examines why our good doers are becoming fatter

Effect of peroral copper supplementation on selected haematological indicators of horses

The purpose of our work was to assess the impact of copper on selected haematological indicators of horse. The trial was performed at the Boudky – Velké Němčice farm. The total number of 23 mares was divided into three groups that were subjected to different mineral feeding modes. The experiment duration was 14 days and the blood samples were taken 1st, 7th and 14th day of experiment.The obtained results show that the enrichment of the horse feeding ration with copper changed the monitored haematological parameters values. Assessment of the changes of haematological indicators between individual trial groups fed with copper-enriched feed with the copper coming from different sources showed the best results in the group with the intake of copper in the inorganic form. This group showed a statistically significant (P < 0.01) increase in erythrocyte count (by 0.85 T.l−1) and haematocrit value (by 0.04 l.l−1) and a statistically significant (P < 0.05) change in haemoglobin level (increasing by 8.9 g.l−1) between initial and final blood sample. Although the group taking organic form of copper showed a significant (P < 0.01) increase in erythrocyte count and haematocrit value in the second blood sample comparing with initial one, the final sample did not corroborate this highly significant correlation. The control group showed no difference between the initial and final blood samples in any of the monitored parameters.

Assessing the nutritional status of the horse

Lizzie Drury, nutritionist at Saracen Horse Feeds, continues her discussion on the varying nutritional needs of the horse

Dietary experience modifies horses' feeding behavior and selection patterns of three macronutrient rich diets1

Choice feeding is often used to investigate an animal's nutritional requirements and dietary preferences. A problem with this approach is that animals with long gut transit times, such as the horse, may find it difficult to associate a chosen food with its nutritional consequence when alternative foods are presented simultaneously. One solution is to present foods singly for a period of time before a simultaneous choice session to allow the development of learned associations. This method was used to determine if horse's voluntary intake and feeding behavior was influenced by the macronutrient composition of the diet. Seven stabled horses, maintained on a low intensity exercise regimen, were allowed, on an ad libitum basis, haylage and 3 isocaloric forage based diets that were rich in 1 of 3 macronutrients (protein, lipid, and hydrolyzable carbohydrate). Initially, diets were presented as a 3-way choice for 5 d (self-selection a [SSa]), then singly (monadic phase) with exposure to each diet for 2 separate periods of 3 d each, and finally again as a choice for 5 d (self-selection b [SSb]). The total amount of trial diet offered differed with trial phase, with 2 to 2.5% of BW during SSa and the monadic phase, increasing to ad libitum access during SSb. To control differences in the total amount of trial diet offered, 2 measurements of voluntary intake were taken at 4 and 22 h postpresentation. Daily macronutrient and energy intakes were estimated from proximate analysis of the trial diets and batches of haylage fed. Feeding behavior was observed over a single 4-h period during both self-selection phases. Horses showed no initial preference after 4 h for any 1 diet during SSa. Following the monadic phase, horses demonstrated a preference for the protein and hydrolyzable carbohydrate rich diets over the lipid rich diet (P < 0.001). Dietary experience modified foraging behavior as the total number of visits to the diets decreased during SSb (P < 0.005). Analysis of 24 -h macronutrient consumption showed that protein and hydrolyzable carbohydrate intake increased during SSb, whereas lipid intake remained constant over both self-selection phases (P < 0.001). These data indicate for perhaps the first time that horses can respond to dietary macronutrient content and that single presentations during choice studies facilitates expression of dietary preferences.

Hendra Virus and Horse Owners – Risk Perception and Management

Hendra virus is a highly pathogenic novel paramyxovirus causing sporadic fatal infection in horses and humans in Australia. Species of fruit-bats (genus Pteropus), commonly known as flying-foxes, are the natural host of the virus. We undertook a survey of horse owners in the states of Queensland and New South Wales, Australia to assess the level of adoption of recommended risk management strategies and to identify impediments to adoption. Survey questionnaires were completed by 1431 respondents from the target states, and from a spectrum of industry sectors. Hendra virus knowledge varied with sector, but was generally limited, with only 13% of respondents rating their level of knowledge as high or very high. The majority of respondents (63%) had seen their state’s Hendra virus information for horse owners, and a similar proportion found the information useful. Fifty-six percent of respondents thought it moderately, very or extremely likely that a Hendra virus case could occur in their area, yet only 37% said they would consider Hendra virus if their horse was sick. Only 13% of respondents stabled their horses overnight, although another 24% said it would be easy or very easy to do so, but hadn’t done so. Only 13% and 15% of respondents respectively had horse feed bins and water points under solid cover. Responses varied significantly with state, likely reflecting different Hendra virus history. The survey identified inconsistent awareness and/or adoption of available knowledge, confusion in relation to Hendra virus risk perception, with both over-and under-estimation of true risk, and lag in the uptake of recommended risk minimisation strategies, even when these were readily implementable. However, we also identified frustration and potential alienation by horse owners who found the recommended strategies impractical, onerous and prohibitively expensive. The insights gained from this survey have broader application to other complex risk-management scenarios.

Fit not fat, start as you mean to continue…

Simon Daniels, Eleanor Neyroud UWE Hartpury, and Jane Buchan Baileys Horse Feeds discuss the nutritional requirements of youngstock

False hyperchloraemia in a dog secondary to ingestion of horse feed supplemented with potassium bromide

A dog was presented for acute abdominal distension after inadvertent access to a large amount of dry dog food and possibly horse feed consisting of chaff, pony cubes and vitamin, mineral and yeast supplements. A marked hyperchloraemia and decreased anion gap on blood electrolyte analysis prompted a review of the patient's history for potential ingestion of bromide. It was revealed that the horse feed was supplemented with potassium bromide. The serum bromide level was 23.6 mmol/L. The dog recovered uneventfully. This case report highlights the importance of knowing common interferents of chemical analysis techniques.

Scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of iron compounds (E1) as feed additives for all species: iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, based on a dossier submitted by Zinpro Animal Nutrition Inc.

The use of iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, as source of iron is considered safe for all animal species/categories when used up to the currently authorised maximum content of total iron in complete feed, with the exception of bovines and poultry for which the maximum tolerated level is 450 mg/kg complete feed, and pets, for which the maximum tolerated level is 600 mg/kg complete feed. The FEEDAP Panel is not in the position to derive a maximum safe iron concentration in feed for horses or fish. Consumption surveys include iron-containing foodstuffs of animal origin. Since the supplementation of animal feed with iron-containing compounds has not essentially changed during the last decades, it is reasonable to assume that the iron levels in food of animal origin used in exposure scenarios originated from animals fed iron-supplemented diets. Since iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, will be used as a substitute for other iron compounds, its use in animal nutrition would not modify consumer exposure to iron. The additive should be considered as a skin, eye and respiratory irritant and, owing to its residual peptide component, as a skin/respiratory sensitiser. Considering the high background concentration of iron in soil and water, the supplementation of feed with iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, is not expected to pose an environmental risk. Iron chelate of amino acids, hydrate, is an effective source of iron for all animal species and categories. The FEEDAP Panel recommends that the maximum iron contents in complete feed be reduced as follows: bovines and poultry, 450 mg Fe/kg; and pets, 600 mg Fe/kg.

The effect of different feed delivery methods on time to consume feed and the resulting changes in postprandial metabolite concentrations in horses1

Management techniques that reduce the insulin response to feeding in horses have application in preventing insulin resistance (IR) and potential associations (e.g., laminitis). Eight mature idle horses of BCS between 5 and 6.5 and with no previous indication of IR were fed a meal of concentrate under 4 feed delivery treatments in a repeated Latin Square design. Treatments were all based on a bucket of equal dimensions. The treatments included a control (CON) and 3 treatments hypothesized to increase time to consume feed (TCF): mobile obstacles above the feed (BALL), stationary obstacles below the feed (WAFF), and feed with water added (WTR). Jugular venous blood samples were taken at feed delivery, every 10 min for the first hour, and then every 30 min until 300 min after feed delivery. The TCF was different across treatment and was greater (P < 0.05) for BALL and WAFF when compared with CON and WTR. Glucose and insulin concentrations increased after feeding (P < 0.05) and tended to differ among treatments (P < 0.10). Peak insulin and glucose concentrations were affected by treatment as were the time to peak insulin and the area under the curve of insulin (P < 0.05). Therefore, feed delivery methods that include obstacles effectively increase TCF and attenuate postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations. A second experiment was designed to determine if the TCF changes associated with BALL and WAFF in Exp. 1 remain effective over a 4-d period. Four horses with no recent or regular history of consuming concentrates were fed concentrate meals for 4 consecutive d using the same treatments described in Exp. 1 and a Latin square design. Horses were subject to a 4-d adaptation period and were randomly assigned to 4-d treatment periods using the 4 previously described treatments. During adaptation, TCF decreased over time (P = 0.02). After adaptation, WAFF had greater TCF when compared with CON and WTR (P < 0.05) whereas WTR had the lowest TCF overall. Using obstacles to increase TCF on a daily basis may be an effective method to reduce postprandial glucose and insulin concentrations, thereby decreasing the risk of IR development in horses.

Wide-scope analysis of veterinary drug and pesticide residues in animal feed by liquid chromatography coupled to quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry

A fast and generic method has been developed for the simultaneous monitoring of >250 pesticides and veterinary drugs (VDs) in animal feed. A 'dilute-and-shoot' extraction with water and acetonitrile (1% formic acid) followed by a clean-up step with Florisil cartridges was applied. The extracts were analysed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid analyser quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry using both positive and negative electrospray ionisation. The detection of the residues was accomplished by retention time and accurate mass using an in-house database. The identification of the detected compounds was carried out by searching of fragment ions for each compound and isotopic pattern. The optimised method was validated and recoveries ranged from 60% to 120% at three concentrations (10, 50 and 100 μg kg(-1)) for 30%, 68% and 80% of compounds, respectively, included in the database (364) in chicken feed. Document SANCO 12495/2011 and Directive 2002/657/CE were used as guidelines for method validation. Intra-day and inter-day precisions, expressed as relative standard deviations, were lower than 20% for more than 90% of compounds. The limits of quantification ranged from 4 to 200 μg kg(-1) for most analytes, which are sufficient to verify compliance of products with legal tolerances. The applicability of the procedure was further tested on different types of feed (chicken, hen, rabbit and horse feed), evaluating recoveries and repeatability. Finally, the method was applied to the analysis of 18 feed samples, detecting some VDs (sulfadiazine, trimethoprim, robenidin and monensin Na) and only one pesticide (chlorpyrifos).

Single Genotype ofAnaplasma phagocytophilumIdentified from Ticks, Camargue, France

Single Genotype of<i>Anaplasma phagocytophilum</i>Identified from Ticks, Camargue, France

Effect of dietary phosphorus concentration and phytate-phosphorus on environmentally-relevant phosphorus excretion in horses

Effect of dietary phosphorus concentration and phytate-phosphorus on environmentally-relevant phosphorus excretion in horses

All tied up

Jane Buchan of Baileys Horse Feeds discusses the feeding and management of horses with polysaccharide storage myopathy

Socio-economic status of horse owners vis-a-vis horse feeding and management in Rajasthan

Aim: To study the socio-economic status, horse feeding and management adopted by horse owners of Rajasthan. Materials and Methods: Primary data was collected through specially structured proforma by personal interview method from the horse owners of Hanumangarh (50), Churu (42), Jhunjhunu (30) and Jalore (40) districts of Rajasthan, India. Results: The district (Churu and Jhunjhunu) is mostly rain fed, Hanumangarh is canal-irrigated whereas Jalore is tube well irrigated. Majority of respondents engaged in horse rearing were of other backward class (OBC) & general category. Literacy (%) among the horse owners was more than 80% in Hanumangarh and Jhunjhunu districts, whereas it was less than 50% in Churu and Jalore districts. Majority of the respondents were maintaining other livestock along with the horses. The average dry roughages provided were 4.82±0.22, 8.143±0.348, 5.267±0.69 and 6.105±0.196kg per horse in Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu and Jalore, respectively. The average concentrate offered was 2.81±0.138, 2.452±0.145, 2.933±0.160 and 1.950±0.200kg per horse in Hanumangarh, Churu, Jhunjhunu and Jalore, respectively. It was observed that horse owners were providing green fodder, dry roughages and concentrate depending up on the availability/production of these items in that region. Majority of horse owners were allowing covering of estrus mares between 3rd and 5th day of estrus. Paucity of quality stallions for covering the mares was observed throughout the area surveyed. The respondents had to pay between Rs. 1100/- to 5100/- as covering fee with no guarantee of conception. Most of mares were rebred during foal heat and majority of the respondents were not aware about the symptoms of estrus mare. Vaccination, insurance and use of disinfectants were not adopted in the study indicating the least awareness among the horse owners about the importance of vaccination, insurance and disinfectants. Conclusion: Horses were being maintained for ceremonial purposes and breeding, their feeding in terms of fodder (green & dry) and concentrate were observed area specific and were fulfilling the minimum nutrient requirements. There was paucity of true to breed stallions in the areas studied.

Palatability of Horse Diets Containing Citrus Pulp (Citrus Sinensis) through the Preference Test

The aim of this study was to evaluate the acceptance of concentrates containing increasing levels of citrus pulp (7, 14, 21 and 28%) and the most preferred level of inclusion, observing the first action and the palatability using the preference test. Ten healthy mares, averaging 500 kg live weigh (LW), were housed in individual pens, where the four experimental concentrates were offered simultaneously, in a linear and continuous feeder for horses, for a period of 15 min. During this period, the first action (smelling or eating), the first choice (first concentrate effectively ingested) and the intake ratio (intake of each concentrate in relation to the total concentrate intake) were observed. Effect of inclusion on first action was observed (P<0.01), once 80% of animals fed promptly the concentrate and only 20% smelled it before the choice. The concentrate with 7% of citrus pulp presented the highest intake ratio (0.4425; P<0.01). For the first choice variable, there was no difference (P>0.05), however the concentrate with 7% was the most preferred (36.67%). Citrus pulp can be used as concentrate feed for horses. Therefore, low levels of inclusion in the concentrate, close to 7%, are recommended when the concentrate is based on corn, wheat bran, soybean meal, with no flavour agents like molasses.

Digestibilidade aparente total e resposta glicêmica de dietas para equinos contendo milho submetido a diferentes processamentos

Para avaliar o efeito do processamento do milho em dietas para equinos, sobre a digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra solúvel em detergente ácido, fibra solúvel em detergente neutro e amido, e a resposta plasmática glicêmica, foram utilizadas quatro éguas adultas, sem raça definida, com peso de 450 ± 51,15 kg e idade de 36 ± 5 meses, em delineamento quadrado latino (4 x 4), durante 44 dias. Os animais foram alimentados com quatro dietas isocalóricas, cuja única diferença consistiu no tipo de processamento do milho: trituração, laminação, floculação e extrusão. Diferenças significativas (p &lt; 0,05) foram encontradas na digestibilidade aparente da matéria orgânica e fibra insolúvel em detergente ácido, sendo que a dieta que continha milho floculado apresentou melhor digestibilidade destes nutrientes que as dietas contendo milho laminado e milho triturado. O tratamento contendo milho extrusado apresentou resposta glicêmica e área abaixo da curva superiores as dos outros tratamentos, enquanto que a inclusão de milho triturado resultou em resposta glicêmica e área abaixo da curva inferiores as dos outros tratamentos. A extrusão e a floculação do milho constituem importante ferramenta na alimentação de equinos com alta exigência energética, por propiciarem um balanço energético maior, cujo uso deve ser criterioso para evitar os problemas associados a taxas de glicemia pós-prandial elevadas.

Developmental regulation of the activation of translation initiation factors of skeletal muscle in response to feeding in horses

To determine whether feeding-induced activation of translation initiation factors, specifically protein kinase B, ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K1), ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6), and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1, in horses is affected by age. 6 yearlings, six 2-year-old horses, and 6 mature horses. After an 18-hour period of feed withholding, horses consumed a high-protein meal (2 g/kg) at time 0 and 30 minutes (postprandial state) or continued to have feed withheld (postabsorptive state). Blood samples were collected for the duration of the experimental procedures and used to determine plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, and amino acids. At 90 minutes, biopsy specimens were collected from a gluteal muscle and used to measure phosphorylation of translation initiation factors. Plasma glucose, insulin, and amino acid concentrations were elevated for the postprandial state, compared with results for the postabsorptive state, regardless of age. Phosphorylation of protein kinase B, S6K1, rpS6, and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 was increased for the postprandial state. There was an effect of age with increased phosphorylation of S6K1 at Thr(389) and rpS6 at Ser(235/236) in the yearlings and mature horses, compared with results for the 2-year-old horses. Food consumption resulted in an increase in the activation of translation initiation factors, with the highest degree of responsiveness in the yearlings. This indicated that increased muscle accretion seen during growth could be a result of increased rates of muscle protein synthesis in response to a meal stimulus.

Cribbing behavior of horses consuming ad libitum concentrate feed

Previous research indicates equine cribbing behavior increases around concentrate meals. Ten cribbing geldings were used to investigate effects of ad libitum (AL) concentrate feeding on cribbing behavior. Horses were randomly assigned to AL (n = 5) or control (n = 5) groups and received a baseline ration of 1.8 kg of pelleted concentrate delivered 2 times per day at the start of the study (d 0). Control horses remained on this diet throughout the study. Concentrate feed for AL horses was increased to 3.6 kg per horse 4 times per day (d 1 to 102), then reduced to 0.9 kg per horse 4 times per day (d 103 to 136) and finally returned to baseline (d 137 to 176). Numbers of crib bites and bouts and duration of crib bouts were recorded for all horses during six 24-h observation periods (d 0, 28, 66, 102, 136, and 170). Data were analyzed as a repeated measures design, which revealed a significant (P < 0.01) observation date × treatment interaction for crib bites, bouts, and bout duration. Preplanned contrasts showed controls performed more (P < 0.01) crib bites (2012 ± 495) and bouts (3.9 ± 1.6) and spent 233.13 ± 48.7 min more time cribbing than AL horses during the AL feeding period. When AL horses received smaller feed amounts 4 times daily or returned to baseline feed levels, their cribbing behavior was not different from controls. Ad libitum feeding of concentrate cannot be considered a viable method to reduce cribbing behavior in all cribbing horses because of possible negative effects on horse health and usefulness. However, results do indicate cribbing behavior can be modified by concentrate feed amounts.

A survey on the feeding of eventing horses during competition

This study aims at the comparison of the actual feeding of horses with the recommendations from the literature, and it studies the effects of feeding and exercise on several blood metabolic parameters before and after exercise. Blood samples were collected from 25 horses during one-star eventing competitions and evaluated for blood glucose, insulin, lactate, free fatty acids and triglyceride levels. Questionnaires on the feeding practices of the horses were evaluated. The questionnaires revealed that during training, and on tournament days, horses received on average 4.3 kg of concentrate per day (min. 1.54 kg, max. 8 kg). The statistical analysis showed no significant effect of the amount of concentrate fed before exercise on the measured blood values. Oil was supplied as a supplementary energy source to 30% of the horses, but most of them only received very small quantities (0.02-0.4 l/day). Five horses (20%) had no access to salt supplements at all, and eleven horses (45%) had no access to salt on tournament days. Fifteen horses (60%) were supplied with mineral feed. Twenty-one horses (84%) had daily access to pasture during the training period. During competition, 55% of the horses received roughage ad libitum, compared with 37% during training. The majority of the horses received less roughage on days before the cross-country competition. It could not be ascertained whether feeding a large amounts of roughage had a beneficial effect on performance, because only a few horses in this study were fed with very restrictive roughage. Feeding of most of the horses was in agreement with the recommendations from the literature, except the need for sodium and chloride. The sodium and chloride need for sport horses may be overestimated in literature and needs to be re-evaluated.