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Loos C, Castelein A, Vanzant E, Adam E, McLeod KR. Nutraceutical Supplement Mitigates Insulin Resistance in Horses with a History of Insulin Dysregulation During a Challenge with a High-Starch Diet. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:3385. [PMID: 39682351 DOI: 10.3390/ani14233385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2024] [Revised: 11/19/2024] [Accepted: 11/23/2024] [Indexed: 12/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin dysregulation (ID) is associated with an increased risk of laminitis which often necessitates the need for clinical intervention. To test the contention that the prophylactic supplementation of nutraceuticals could mitigate ID in susceptible horses, 16 mature horses with a history of ID were supplemented with either the placebo (n = 8) or nutraceutical (n = 8) once daily. Horses were housed in dry lots with ad libitum access to grass hay and fed a concentrate twice daily to provide 0.5 g starch/kg BW/meal. A combined glucose-insulin tolerance test was performed on all horses before and after 4 weeks of treatment. Nutraceutical-supplemented horses had 61% greater (p = 0.05) glucose clearance rates compared to the placebo group. This resulted in a shorter time in the positive phase of glucose clearance (p = 0.03) for the nutraceutical group compared to the placebo group. Horses receiving the nutraceutical had lower (p = 0.003) insulin concentrations at 75 min and lower (p = 0.04) glucose concentrations at 45 min compared to the placebo. Prophylactic supplementation with nutraceuticals resulted in greater glucose clearance rates during a starch challenge, indicating that nutraceuticals can mitigate ID in susceptible horses consuming an excess of non-structural carbohydrate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Loos
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Annette Castelein
- Nutrition Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3584 Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Vanzant
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
| | - Emma Adam
- Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40503, USA
| | - Kyle R McLeod
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA
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Loos CMM, McLeod KR, Vanzant ES, Stratton SA, Bohannan AD, Coleman RJ, van Doorn DA, Urschel KL. Differential effect of two dietary protein sources on time course response of muscle anabolic signaling pathways in normal and insulin dysregulated horses. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:896220. [PMID: 35978710 PMCID: PMC9376591 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.896220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to characterize the temporal changes of phosphorylation patterns of mTOR signaling proteins in response to two dietary protein sources in insulin dysregulated (ID, n = 8) and non-ID (n = 8) horses. Horses were individually housed and fed timothy grass hay and 2 daily concentrate meals so that protein was the first limiting nutrient and the total diet provided 120% of daily DE requirements for maintenance. On sample days, horses randomly received 0.25 g CP/kg BW of a pelleted alfalfa (AP) or commercial protein supplement (PS). Blood samples were collected before and 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, 240, 300, 360, 420, and 480 min post feeding and analyzed for plasma glucose, insulin and amino acid (AA) concentrations. Gluteus Medius muscle samples were obtained before and 90, 180, and 300 min after feeding and analyzed for relative abundance of phosphorylated mTOR pathway components using western immunoblot analysis. There was no effect of protein source on postprandial glucose and insulin responses (P ≥ 0.14) but consumption of PS elicited a 2 times larger AUC for essential AA (EAA), greater peak concentrations of EAA and a shorter time to reach peak EAA concentrations compared to AP. Abundance of phosphorylated mTOR (P = 0.08) and rpS6 (P = 0.10) tended to be ~1.5-fold greater after consumption of PS at 90 min compared to AP. Dephosphorylation patterns differed between protein sources and was slower for AP compared to PS. ID horses had a 2 times greater (P = 0.009) AUC and 3 times higher postprandial peak concentrations (P < 0.0001) for insulin compared to non-ID horses after consumption of both treatment pellets, but EAA responses were similar between groups (P = 0.53). Insulin status did not affect rpS6 or mTOR phosphorylation after consumption of either protein source (P ≥ 0.35), but phosphorylated rpS6 abundance was twice as high in ID compared to non-ID horses (P = 0.007). These results suggest that the consumption of higher quality protein sources may result in greater postprandial activation of the mTOR pathway compared to equal amounts of a forage-based protein source. Moreover, ID does not impair postprandial activation of mTOR and rpS6 proteins in horses following a protein-rich meal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. M. Loos
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
- *Correspondence: Caroline M. M. Loos
| | - Kyle R. McLeod
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Eric S. Vanzant
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Sophie A. Stratton
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Adam D. Bohannan
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Robert J. Coleman
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | | | - Kristine L. Urschel
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
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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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Demir EG, Tarakçı NG, Samancı RA, Cambaz M, Bilici Ş, Tuygan D, Çalık B, Çiftçi AS. The Effect of Teff Seed on Hematological Findings and Anthropometric Measurements. Ethiop J Health Sci 2022; 32:641-650. [PMID: 35813674 PMCID: PMC9214744 DOI: 10.4314/ejhs.v32i3.21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The low incidence of diseases such as celiac, anemia, osteoporosis, and obesity in Ethiopia has aroused interest in the study of teff. The primary objective of this study was to determine the effect of regular consumption of teff seeds on hematological findings and anthropometric measurements in overweight and obese individuals. The secondary objective was to compare these effects of teff seeds with the Mediterranean diet. Methods In our study, planned as a cohort study, 28 participants followed the teff seed-containing diet (n=14) and the Mediterranean diet (n=14) for 3 months. To determine nutritional status, a 72-h recall was taken. Anthropometric measurements and hematological findings were recorded at the beginning and end of the study. Results There was a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, LDL, and HDL levels in the teff group (p<0.05). The increase in total protein levels in the teff group was significantly higher than in the Mediterranean diet group (p=0.05). With increased intake of carbohydrates (g) in the teff group, fasting blood glucose levels decreased significantly. There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding anthropometric measurements. Conclusion It has been found that the teff seed has no predominance over anthropometric measurements, as compared to the Mediterranean diet, and that it is more effective in improving hematological findings related to obesity. There is a need for more comprehensive studies that also address physical activity, the different types of teff seeds available, and include increased participant numbers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eftal Geçgil Demir
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, 34810, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nadide Gizem Tarakçı
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, 34810, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ruken Aslınur Samancı
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, 34810, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Merve Cambaz
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Istanbul Kent University, 34433, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Şeymanur Bilici
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, 34083, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Dilara Tuygan
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, 34083, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Büşra Çalık
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, 34083, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayşe Sümeyye Çiftçi
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics School of Health Sciences, Istanbul Medipol University, 34083, Istanbul, Turkey
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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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Weinert-Nelson JR, Meyer WA, Williams CA. Diurnal Variation in Forage Nutrient Composition of Mixed Cool-Season Grass, Crabgrass, and Bermudagrass Pastures. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 110:103836. [PMID: 34921981 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Warm-season grasses (WSG) have been suggested as alternative low non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) pasture forages. The purpose of this study was to evaluate nutrient composition and diurnal changes in soluble carbohydrates for the warm-season annual 'Quick-N-Big' crabgrass [CRB; Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.] and the warm-season perennial 'Wrangler' bermudagrass [BER; Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers] in comparison to mixed cool-season grass [CSG; 'Inavale' orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata [L.]), 'Tower' tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum [Schreb.] Darbysh.), and 'Argyle' Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis [L.])]. Samples were collected at 4-h intervals over 3 d when each forage reached the boot stage of maturity. Digestible energy was greatest for CSG (2.29 ± 0.34 Mcal/kg) and lowest for BER (2.13 ± 0.34 Mcal/kg), while crude protein was lowest for CSG (16.1 ± 0.29%) and neutral detergent fiber was greatest for BER (60.0 ± 0.41; P ≤ 0.0008). Non-structural carbohydrates were greater for CSG (17.6 ± 0.26%) compared to BER (10.6 ± 0.26%) or CRB (10.9 ± 0.26%; P < 0.0001). Overall, NSC was greatest in the afternoon and evening (14.5 - 14.9 ± 0.60%) and lowest in the early morning (11.2 - 11.4 ± 0.60%; P ≤ 0.04), but diurnal variation was most pronounced in CSG vs. either WSG. Results of this study provide needed data on nutritional composition of CRB and BER and demonstrate that these grasses may serve as pasture forages for horses where NSC intake is of concern. Results also support recommendations for restricting grazing to early morning to limit NSC consumption, particularly in CSG pastures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Weinert-Nelson
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Animal Sciences, 84 Lipman Dr., New Brunswick, NJ 08901.
| | - William A Meyer
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Plant Biology, 59 Dudley Rd., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
| | - Carey A Williams
- Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Department of Animal Sciences, 84 Lipman Dr., New Brunswick, NJ 08901
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Weinert-Nelson JR, Meyer WA, Williams CA. Yield, nutrient composition, and horse condition in integrated crabgrass and cool-season grass rotational grazing pasture systems. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab208. [PMID: 34859200 PMCID: PMC8633121 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Integration of warm-season grasses into traditional cool-season pastures can increase summer forage for grazing cattle. The aim of this study was to determine impacts of this practice on yield and nutrient composition of equine rotational pasture systems as well as horse body condition. Two 1.5 ha rotational systems (6 to 0.25 ha sections/system) were evaluated: a control system (CON) (all sections mixed cool-season grass [CSG-CON]) and an integrated rotational grazing system (IRS) (three CSG sections [CSG-IRS] and three Quick-N-Big crabgrass [Digitaria sanguinalis (L.) Scop.; CRB-IRS]). Three horses per system grazed in three periods: EARLY (mid-May to mid-July), SLUMP (mid-July to mid-September), and LATE (mid-September to mid-November). Herbage mass (HM) was measured prior to each rotation and samples were collected (0800 to 1000 h) for nutrient analysis. Grazing days were tracked to calculate carrying capacity (CC). Horse condition measures were assessed monthly. Over the full grazing season, 9,125 kg of forage was available for grazing in IRS versus 6,335 kg in CON. The CC was 390 horse d for IRS, while only 276 horse d for CON. Total HM/section did not differ during EARLY when CRB was not available (CSG-IRS: 2,537 ± 605; CSG-CON: 3,783 ± 856 kg/ha), but CC was greater in CSG-IRS (220 ± 37 horse d/ha) than CSG-CON (92 ± 26 horse d/ha; P = 0.03). In SLUMP, both HM and CC were greater in CRB-IRS (HM: 4,758 ± 698 kg/ha; CC: 196 ± 31 horse d/ha) than CSG-IRS (HM: 1,086 ± 698 kg/ha; CC: 32 ± 31 horse d/ha) or CON (HM: 970 ± 493 kg/ha; CC: 46 ± 22 horse d/ha; P < 0.02). While HM did not differ by section type in LATE (1,284 ± 158 kg/ha), CC was greater in CSG-CON (84 ± 9 horse d/ha) versus CRB-IRS (32 ± 13 horse d/ha; P = 0.03) and CSG-IRS (40 ± 13 horse d/ha; P = 0.06). During SLUMP, water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) were lower in CRB-IRS (4.46% ± 0.80%) than CSG-CON (7.92% ± 0.90%; P < 0.04), but not CSG-IRS (5.93% ± 1.04%); however, non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) did not differ (7.05% ± 0.62%). There were no differences in WSC (6.46% ± 0.54%) or NSC (7.65% ± 0.54%) by section type in LATE. Horses in IRS maintained a body condition score (BCS) of 5.78 ± 0.48, but BCS did not differ by system (CON: 6.11 ± 0.48). Thus, integrated grazing increased summer pasture yield and provided adequate nutrition to maintain horse condition, but further research is needed to improve late-season production. Integrated grazing may not, however, provide an advantage in limiting dietary NSC, as NSC remained low for all pasture sections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Weinert-Nelson
- Department of Animal Sciences, 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, 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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Richards N, Nielsen BD, Finno CJ. Nutritional and Non-nutritional Aspects of Forage. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:43-61. [PMID: 33820609 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Many forage types are available, typically divided into cool or warm season grasses and legumes, which can be fed as fresh pasture or after preservation. Testing for nutrient content confirms what should be supplemented to make up shortfalls. Although testing is recommended, it is not always practical. Typical values for the forage type are available; however, they cannot be relied on for actual content. Non-nutritional aspects must also be taken into account. The provision of complementary feeds to ensure adequate vitamin and mineral intake is recommended. Additional supplementary high-quality protein may be required to meet essential amino acid requirements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nerida Richards
- Equilize Horse Nutrition Pty Ltd, PO Box 11034, Tamworth, New South Wales 2340, Australia.
| | - Brian D Nielsen
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, 1287D Anthony Hall, 474 S. Shaw Lane, East Lansing, MI 48824-1225, USA
| | - Carrie J Finno
- Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
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DeBoer M, Konop A, Fisher B, Martinson K. Dry Matter Intake, Body Weight, and Body Condition Scores of Blanketed and Nonblanketed Horses in the Upper Midwest. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 94:103239. [PMID: 33077081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Thermoregulation is an energy-expensive process, which can be mitigated by blanketing horses in cold climates, potentially preventing weight loss or leading to decreased feed intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate feed intake, body weight (BW), and body condition scores (BCSs) in blanketed and nonblanketed horses. In October 2019, 16 mature adult horses were blocked by breed and BCS and randomly assigned to a blanketed (n = 8) or nonblanketed (n = 8) treatment; blankets were placed. Data were collected in December 2019 and January 2020 in River Falls, Wisconsin. During the study, horses were housed in dry lots and fed grass-legume mixed round bales. At the start of each trial period, BW and BCSs of horses were taken, hay cores were taken for nutritive analysis, and hay bales were weighed. Hay waste was collected daily, and when hay could no longer be consumed ad libitum, the remaining hay was removed from both pens (orts) and new bales were fed. Hay waste and orts were dried and daily dry matter intake was estimated as the difference between hay provided minus hay waste and orts during the trial period divided by the total BW of the pen. The average bale weight, forage nutritive value, BW, and BCS did not differ across treatment groups (P ≥ .05). However, the daily dry matter intake differed (P ≤ .05) at 2.31% BW for blanketed horses and 2.51% BW for nonblanketed horses. These results suggest blanketed horses conserve energy leading to decreased feed intake.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle DeBoer
- Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI.
| | - Alexandra Konop
- Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI
| | - Bailey Fisher
- Department of Animal and Food Science, University of Wisconsin-River Falls, River Falls, WI
| | - Krishona Martinson
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, St. Paul, MN
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Weinert JR, Werner J, Williams CA. Validation and Implementation of an Automated Chew Sensor-Based Remote Monitoring Device as Tool for Equine Grazing Research. J Equine Vet Sci 2020; 88:102971. [PMID: 32303328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Field studies characterizing equine grazing activity primarily rely on observational protocols, limiting the quantity and accuracy of collected data. The objectives of this study were to validate an automated chew sensor technology, the EquiWatch System (EWS), for detecting grazing behaviors and to demonstrate potential applications of the EWS in equine grazing research. Eight mature standardbred mares were used in this study. EquiWatch System validation was completed in two phases: grazing time was evaluated in experiment 1 and chew counts in experiment 2. The correlation between visual observations and system-recorded grazing time was high (concordance correlation coefficient [CCC] = 0.997). There was also a high agreement between the sum of manually counted bites and chews and total chew counts reported by the EWS (CCC = 0.979). Following validation, a pilot study was conducted using the EWS to assess feeding behaviors of horses with unrestricted pasture access (PAS) versus horses offered ad libitum hay (HAY). Horses spent more time engaged in feeding behavior on PAS (14.79 ± 0.48 hr/d) than HAY (11.98 ± 0.48 hr/d; P < .0001). Chewing rate also differed by forage (PAS 83.92 ± 1.61; HAY 68.50 ± 1.61 chews/min; P < .0001). However, although the magnitude of these behavioral parameters was influenced by treatment, the underlying 24-hour patterns were largely preserved regardless of forage type. These results demonstrate that the EWS can generate data necessary for characterizing feeding behavior in horses. Future studies implementing this tool could provide a greater understanding of biological, environmental, and nutritive factors driving grazing behavior in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Weinert
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ.
| | - Jessica Werner
- Animal Nutrition and Rangeland Management in the Tropics and Subtropics, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Carey A Williams
- Department of Animal Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
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12
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Williams CA, Kenny LB, Burk AO. Effects of grazing system, season, and forage carbohydrates on glucose and insulin dynamics of the grazing horse. J Anim Sci 2019; 97:2541-2554. [PMID: 30911753 PMCID: PMC6541809 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skz103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rotational grazing is a recommended practice for grazing livestock, but little is known about its benefits with respect to grazing horses. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of continuous (CON) and rotational (ROT) grazing on forage nutrient composition and whether those concentrations influenced circulating glucose and insulin concentrations in the grazing horse. Twelve mature Standardbred mares were paired by age and weight and randomly assigned to 1 replicate of either a 1.5 ha cool-season grass CON or ROT system for a total of 3 mares in each system. Mares on CON were allowed to graze the entire system at all times, whereas mares on ROT were given access to a 0.4 ha pasture section and stress lot where they were confined during inclement weather and slow forage growth. Blood and feces from horses and forage from each system were sampled over one 24-h period in June, August, and October. Blood was assessed for plasma glucose (GLU) and serum insulin (INS), feces for pH, and forage for nutritional composition. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measures with significance set at P < 0.05. There were no treatment differences for water and ethanol soluble carbohydrates (WSC and ESC, respectively), starch, ADF, and NDF, but CP was lower in ROT compared to CON (P = 0.04). With respect to month, WSC were highest in June compared to August and October, whereas ESC were highest in June compared to only August. Starch was lower in October than in June and August. Concentrations of ADF and NDF were lowest in October compared to June and August. Crude protein was higher in October than June and August. Plasma GLU and serum INS were affected by season and time of day but not grazing system. For all horses, GLU was highest in August (105.6 ± 1.3 mg/dL), whereas INS was highest in October (0.21 ± 0.02 μg/L; P < 0.0001). Fecal pH only varied by season and was highest in August (7.06; P < 0.0001). Few consistent correlations between grazing systems were found with the exception of INS with ESC (R = 0.32 to 0.39; P < 0.04) and INS and GLU with ADF and NDF in August and October (R = -0.31 to -0.48; P < 0.04). In conclusion, grazing system did not affect the forage carbohydrate concentrations or GLU or INS in horses; however, season did have an effect on both forage nutrient content and glucose metabolism in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carey A Williams
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Laura B Kenny
- Department of Animal Science, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ
| | - Amy O Burk
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD
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Glucose and Insulin Response of Aged Horses Grazing Alfalfa, Perennial Cool-Season Grass, and Teff During the Spring and Late Fall. J Equine Vet Sci 2018; 72:108-111. [PMID: 30929773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.10.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Spring and late fall grazing can lead to metabolic problems in horses (Equus caballus L.) as a result of elevated nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) in pastures. Therefore, the objectives were to determine the impact of different forage species on blood glucose and insulin concentrations of horses during the spring and late fall. Research was conducted in May (spring) and October (late fall) in St. Paul, MN. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and mixed perennial cool-season grasses (CSG) were grazed in spring, and CSG and teff (Eragrostis tef [Zucc.] Trotter) were grazed in late fall by six adult horses randomly assigned to a forage in a cross-over design. Jugular catheters were inserted 1 hour before the start of grazing, and horses had access to pasture from 8 AM to 4 PM in the spring and 8 AM to 12 PM in the late fall. Jugular venous blood samples were collected from each horse before being turned out (0 hours) and then at 2 hours intervals after turnout. Plasma and serum samples were collected and analyzed for glucose and insulin, respectively. Corresponding forage samples were taken by hand harvest. Seasons were analyzed separately, and data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure in SAS with P ≤ .05. Teff had lower NSC compared with CSG in the late fall (P ≤ .05) with subsequently lower average glucose, average insulin, and peak insulin in horses grazing teff compared with CSG (P ≤ .05). These results suggest grazing teff could lower the glucose and insulin response of horses during late fall.
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