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Leishman EM, Sahar M, Cieslar S, Darani P, Ellis JL. What the hay: predicting equine voluntary forage intake using a meta-analysis approach. Animal 2024; 18:101266. [PMID: 39216152 DOI: 10.1016/j.animal.2024.101266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
To properly formulate diets, the ability to accurately estimate feed intake is critical as the amount of feed consumed will influence the amount of nutrients delivered to the animal. Inaccurate intake estimates may lead to under- or over-feeding of nutrients to the animal. Individual differences in equine forage intake are well-known, but predictive equations based on animal and nutritional factors are not comprehensive. The objective of the present study was to consolidate the current body of knowledge in the published literature on voluntary forage DM intake (VFDMI) in equines and conduct a meta-analysis to identify driving factors, sources of heterogeneity, and develop predictive equations. Therefore, a systematic literature search was applied and identified 61 publications which met the inclusion criteria. From each study, the outcomes of interest (e.g., forage intake), diet composition (e.g., forage information, nutrient composition), and animal factors (e.g., sex, age, breed, BW, exercise level) were extracted. Forage intake was analyzed as two different outcome variables: (1) VFDMI in kg/d and (2) VFDMI in g/kg BW. Linear mixed model analysis treating study as a random effect was applied, using a backward-stepping approach to identifying potential driving variables for VFDMI (both units) where all terms have P < 0.1. The best fitting models for VFDMI included similar factors (also across kg/d and g/kg BW) such as forage quality (i.e., neutral detergent fiber or CP content), forage type (i.e., grass, legume, or mixed), the animals' size category (i.e., horses vs ponies), and some management factors (i.e., pasture access). As anticipated, forage intake increased when higher quality forages were fed (i.e., lower neutral detergent fiber or higher CP), potentially due to improved digestibility. Additionally, VFDMI increased as BW increased but ponies increased their VFDMI more per every kg increase in BW compared to horses. Lastly, pasture access (i.e., grazing) may influence VFDMI such that pastured animals consume less than stalled animals, possibly due to the time it takes to graze forage. In conclusion, equations to predict equine VFDMI with high accuracy and precision (concordance correlation coefficient = 0.82 - 0.95; root mean squared error RMSE = 0.82-5.49) were developed which could be applied in practice by equine nutritionists or owners and managers. The results of this meta-analysis confirm that animal traits and forage quality have a significant impact on the VFDMI of equines and should be accounted for when formulating diets to ensure nutritional requirements are met.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Leishman
- Centre for Nutrition Modelling, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - M Sahar
- Centre for Nutrition Modelling, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - S Cieslar
- Mad Barn Inc., Kitchener, Ontario N2R 1H2, Canada
| | - P Darani
- Mad Barn Inc., Kitchener, Ontario N2R 1H2, Canada
| | - J L Ellis
- Centre for Nutrition Modelling, Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
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Karasu GK, Rogers CW. Analysis of current equine feeding practices in the Netherlands and identification of potential nutrient leaching and environmental contamination factors. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 137:105071. [PMID: 38688400 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the potential for nutrient leaching based on current feeding practices of horses in the Netherlands. An online survey of horse owners collected data on the demographics of the horses (n = 274) and feeding practices. The median age was 8 years, the majority being warmblood and geldings with a mean bodyweight of 542.4 ± 101.9 kg. Most horses (85 %) had access to a limited area of pasture (<200m2 per horse), with a median grazing time of 10 hours. Grass hay was the predominant conserved forage offered (77 %) within diets. Concentrate feeds were provided to most horses (93.8 %) as well as the dietary supplements (80 %). The majority of the horses were offered high levels of metabolizable energy (ME) (90 %), starch (mean 2.4 ± 0.8 g/kg bw) and sugar intake (mean 1.4 ± 1.2 g/kg bw) compared to NRC recommendations. The estimated potential nitrogen excretion per horse per day was 228 ± 134 g, or 8.47 kg of nitrogen per ton of manure. Consequently, the estimated daily fecal excretion rates of microminerals for each horse were as follows: Copper (Cu) at 141.0 ± 151.3 mg, Zinc (Zn) at 593.1 ± 504.4 mg, Manganese (Mn) at 957 ± 541.2 mg, and Cobalt (Co) at 2.3 ± 3.5 mg. The analysis indicated that many equine diets in the Netherlands offered excess ME, CP and the minerals Cu, Zn, Mn and Co. To mitigate these concerns, it is crucial to promote sustainable feeding practices and better educate horse owners.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chris W Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, New Zealand
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Dai F, Dalla Costa E, Minero M, Briant C. Does housing system affect horse welfare? The AWIN welfare assessment protocol applied to horses kept in an outdoor group-housing system: The 'parcours'. Anim Welf 2023; 32:e22. [PMID: 38487418 PMCID: PMC10936357 DOI: 10.1017/awf.2023.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Outdoor group housing is generally reported as being beneficial to the welfare of horses compared to single boxes, being considered to show greater similarities with the living conditions of feral horses, allowing full expression of behaviours such as grazing, social interactions and free movement. However, concerns persist regarding the ability to maintain a good nutritional state and the possibility of acquiring injury. No data reporting a comprehensive assessment of welfare for horses in outdoor group-housing systems are currently available. The present study aimed at applying a scientifically valid welfare assessment protocol to group-housed outdoor horses in 'parcours', a particular management system used in the south of France. 'Parcours' are semi-natural areas, grazed by domestic herbivores located in lowland, mountain, or marsh. One hundred and seventy-one horses older than a year pertaining to six farms and kept on 'parcours' were evaluated by a trained veterinarian using a modified version of the second level Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) welfare assessment protocol for horses. No major welfare issues were detected. Horses in 'parcours' displayed few abnormal behaviours, they could move freely for most of the day and interact with conspecifics, maintaining a healthy state of nutrition and a good relationship with humans. The main welfare concerns were related to the presence of superficial integument alterations such as alopecia, difficulty in reaching quality controlled water sources and a lack of shelter. As the number of facilities involved in this study is relatively limited, further harmonised data collection should aim to enlarge the sample size and allow comparison with different outdoor group-housing conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Dai
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, e Scienze Animali, via dell’Università 6, 26900Lodi, Italy
| | - Emanuela Dalla Costa
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, e Scienze Animali, via dell’Università 6, 26900Lodi, Italy
| | - Michela Minero
- Università degli Studi di Milano, Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, e Scienze Animali, via dell’Università 6, 26900Lodi, Italy
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Molle G, Cannas A, Gregorini P. A review on the effects of part-time grazing herbaceous pastures on feeding behaviour and intake of cattle, sheep and horses. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Weinert-Nelson JR, Meyer WA, Williams CA. Crabgrass as an equine pasture forage: impact of establishment method on yield, nutrient composition, and horse preference. Transl Anim Sci 2022; 6:txac050. [PMID: 35663614 PMCID: PMC9154325 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txac050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Warm-season grasses (WSG) incorporated into traditional cool-season rotational grazing systems to increase summer yields are typically established in monoculture in separate pasture areas. Few studies have evaluated alternative interseeded establishment of WSG, despite potential benefits for improving biodiversity and land-use efficiency. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of establishment method (monoculture vs. interseeded) on crabgrass pasture forage yield, nutritive value, and preference under equine grazing. Three adult standardbred mares grazed two main plots on two consecutive days (8 hr/d) for three grazing events in 2019: Jul 28/29 (GRAZE 1), Aug 20/30 (GRAZE 2), Oct 1/2 (GRAZE 3). Each main plot contained four replicates of three treatments: mixed cool-season grass (CSG); Quick-N-Big crabgrass (CRB) [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] interseeded into existing cool-season grass (INT), and CRB established as a monoculture (MON). The cool-season grass mix included Inavale orchardgrass [Dactylis glomerata (L.)], Tower tall fescue [Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.], and Argyle Kentucky bluegrass [Poa pratensis (L.)]. Herbage mass (HM) and sward height (SH) were measured prior to each grazing event and samples were collected (0800-1000 h) for chemical composition analysis. Observed grazing time (GT) in each sub-plot as determined by 5-min scan sampling was utilized as marker of horse preference. Forage HM was greater in MON (8043 ± 1220 kg/ha) than CSG (5001 ± 1308 kg/ha; P = 0.003), with a trend for greater total HM in MON vs. INT (6582 ± 1220 kg/ha: P = 0.06), but HM did not differ between INT and CSG. The SH was also greatest for MON (28 ± 1.11; INT: 23.6 ± 1.11; CSG: 19.7 ± 1.37 cm; P < 0.003). Forage nutrients (digestible energy and crude protein) were largely similar across treatments and met requirements of horses at maintenance. Horse GT was lower in MON (22.6 ± 3.77 min/sub-plot) than in INT (31.9 ± 3.79 min/sub-plot; P = 0.003) and there was a trend for lower GT in MON vs. CSG (29.9 ± 4.17 min/sub-plot: P = 0.07). These results indicate interseeding CRB would not effectively increase yields of traditional cool-season grass equine rotational grazing systems and would not supply similar levels of summer forage provided by monoculture establishment. Results of this study also suggest horses may prefer cool-season grass pasture forage over warm-season crabgrass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Weinert-Nelson
- Department of Animal Sciences Rutgers, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - William A Meyer
- Department of Plant Biology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
| | - Carey A Williams
- Department of Animal Sciences Rutgers, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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Abstract
Equine obesity is common, reducing quality of life and requiring dietary energy restriction. Equine obesity is identified using subjective body condition scoring. Considerations are given for life stage and health status when managing obese equines. Every effort should be made to maximize feeding duration, and minimize time spent without feed while meeting all essential nutrient requirements. Limiting total daily dry matter intake to 2% of current bodyweight per day of a low caloric, forage-based diet may result in adequate body weight loss. Weight loss and weight management plans should be monitored for success and potential gastrointestinal, metabolic, and/or behavioral complications.
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Suagee-Bedore JK, Shen Y, Porr S, Girard ID, Bennett-Wimbush K, Wagner AL. Impacts of DigestaWell NRG Supplementation on Post Exercise Muscle Soreness in Unconditioned Horses, a Pilot Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 101:103455. [PMID: 33993938 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Exercising horses are commonly plagued by muscle fatigue and soreness, which can result in reduced performance ability. In the present study, ten unconditioned horses were fed 200g per day DigestaWell NRG, a commercial dietary supplement containing Yucca schidigera and Trigonella foenum-graecum, two herbs shown in other species to reduce post-exercise muscle pain and soreness. A control, unsupplemented group contained ten horses of similar age, breed, and gender. Horses completed a 50 minutes, ridden standardized exercise test of moderate intensity immediately prior to (Period1) and after 28 days of supplementation (Period2). Muscle soreness and tightness were evaluated 24 hours prior to and after each exercise test and used to determine the percent increase in post-exercise muscle soreness and tightness. Blood samples were collected before, and at 10 and 30 minutes, and 1, 4, and 24 hours post exercise. Plasma was analyzed for glucose, lactate, non-esterified fatty acid, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β concentrations. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA using SAS Enterprise Guide v. 7.1. No changes in plasma parameters were indicated between periods for unsupplemented horses (P > 0.1) during Period2, excepting glucose, which was greater during Period2 (P = 0.018). Supplemented horses had lesser concentrations of tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.016) and lactate (P = 0.058) during Period2 than during Period1. During Period2, supplemented horses experienced a smaller percent increase in post exercise muscle soreness (P = 0.031). DigestaWell NRG supplementation may benefit unconditioned horses undergoing moderate intensity exercise through reducing lactate production and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shea Porr
- Murray State University, Murray, KY.
| | - Ivan D Girard
- Probiotech International, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
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Grazing Seasons and Stocking Rates Affects the Relationship between Herbage Traits of Alpine Meadow and Grazing Behaviors of Tibetan Sheep in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10030488. [PMID: 32183452 PMCID: PMC7143134 DOI: 10.3390/ani10030488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The relationship between vegetation and grazing behavior of Tibetan sheep on the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP) remains a major concern for pursuing the sustainable grazing management of grassland. Grazing behavior is the daily activity of grazing livestock, which can reflect the growth status of the pasture and the level of grassland health in the local pasture, as well as the nutritional needs of Tibetan sheep. We studied the relationship between the grazing behaviors of Tibetan sheep and the quantity and quality of forage in different seasons and different stocking rates. Our results showed that the grazing behavior of Tibetan sheep was greatly affected by the quantity and nutritional quality of the forage. These results may be helpful for local herders to evaluate the nutritional status of forage and condition of grassland degradation, so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect local pastures in advance. Abstract Under the combined effect of stocking rate and grazing season, it is very significant to ascertain whether there is a quantitative relationship between plant community characteristics, chemical composition of forage, and grazing behaviors of Tibetan sheep to better utilize native pasture in the northeast region of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau (QTP). The two consecutive year observation experiments on Tibetan sheep’s grazing behavior were conducted to evaluate the above-stated relationships between stocking rates of 8 sheep/ha and 16 sheep/ha stocking rates in the both the warm and cold seasons. The results demonstrated that at 8 sheep/ha or in the warm season, due to better forage quality, Tibetan sheep had higher herbage mass, forage crude protein (CP) concentration, CP intake, dry matter intake (DMI), and interval between feed boluses and total number of steps, as well as lower fiber concentration than that at 16 sheep/ha or in the cold season. Diurnal intake rate and walking velocity while intaking increased as both average daylight ambient temperature and relative humidity rose. Using the CP concentration, acid detergent fiber (ADF) concentration, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, and forage metabolic energy (ME) to predict grazing behavior yielded the best fit equation for Tibetan sheep. For local herdsmen to sustainably use the alpine meadow, 8 sheep/ha in the warm season should be considered as the better grazing condition for preventing grassland degradation.
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Horse Welfare and Natural Values on Semi-Natural and Extensive Pastures in Finland: Synergies and Trade-Offs. LAND 2017. [DOI: 10.3390/land6040069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Martinson KL, Siciliano PD, Sheaffer CC, McIntosh BJ, Swinker AM, Williams CA. A Review of Equine Grazing Research Methodologies. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Longland AC, Barfoot C, Harris PA. Effects of Grazing Muzzles on Intakes of Dry Matter and Water-Soluble Carbohydrates by Ponies Grazing Spring, Summer, and Autumn Swards, as well as Autumn Swards of Different Heights. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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Gill JC, Pratt-Phillips SE, Mansmann R, Siciliano PD. Weight Loss Management in Client-Owned Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Glunk EC, Hathaway MR, Weber WJ, Sheaffer CC, Martinson KL. The Effect of Hay Net Design on Rate of Forage Consumption When Feeding Adult Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Chavez SJ, Siciliano PD, Huntington GB. Intake estimation of horses grazing tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) or fed tall fescue hay. J Anim Sci 2014; 92:2304-8. [DOI: 10.2527/jas.2013-7119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- S. J. Chavez
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7621
| | - P. D. Siciliano
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7621
| | - G. B. Huntington
- Department of Animal Science, North Carolina State University, Raleigh 27695-7621
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Glunk EC, Pratt-Phillips SE, Siciliano PD. Effect of Restricted Pasture Access on Pasture Dry Matter Intake Rate, Dietary Energy Intake, and Fecal pH in Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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