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Hart R, Bailey A, Farmer J, Duberstein K. Chewing analysis of horses consuming bermudagrass hay in different styles of slow feeders as compared to loose hay. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 140:105133. [PMID: 38908808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105133] [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: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Mastication is the initial phase of digestion and is crucial to equine health due to its role in saliva production and food particle reduction. Hay nets have been promoted to slow the rate of hay consumption, with many styles of slow feeders available. Limited research has shown that nets may slow consumption, but no research has examined their effect on the horse's chewing frequency and patterns. The objective of this study was to compare chew frequency (CF, total number of chews/kg consumed) and chew duration (CD, total minutes chewed/kg consumed), as well as distribution of chews over a feeding period, of horses eating bermudagrass hay in three styles of hay nets [large mesh (LM), small mesh (SM), bottom hole (BH)] as compared to a control of loose hay (CTL). Treatments were assigned in a replicated Latin square 4 × 4 using eight horses. Horses were given a 24-hr acclimation period prior to recording their chewing patterns over a 24-hr period using an automated halter fit with a pressure-sensor noseband. Results indicate that CF was not influenced by treatment. However, SM resulted in longer CD as compared to CTL (P = 0.007). Additionally, BH resulted in a higher percentage of chews completed in the first 240 min compared to SM (P = 0.039), indicating more rapid consumption. Results of this study indicate hay nets may not influence the number of chews a horse performs while masticating hay, but small mesh feeders may increase the CD and reduce early consumption rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Hart
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, Georgia, USA, 30602.
| | - A Bailey
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, Georgia, USA, 30602
| | - J Farmer
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, Georgia, USA, 30602
| | - K Duberstein
- Department of Animal and Dairy Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences, University of Georgia, 425 River Road, Athens, Georgia, USA, 30602
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Müller CE. Dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand presence in faeces from horses with and without colic. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 139:105126. [PMID: 38852928 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105126] [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: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
A study comprising 74 colic and 74 control horses admitted to an animal hospital was performed. Faecal samples were collected and analysed for dry matter concentration, particle size distribution using wet-sieving, and sand presence through a sand sedimentation test. Data on horse breed, age, gender and basic feeding variables was collected and analysed using χ2-tests. Faecal dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand score was compared between colic and non-colic horses, and between horses with different colic types, using one-way ANOVA. Results showed that colic and non-colic horse groups were similar in breed, age, gender and basic feeding variables. Faecal dry matter concentration, particle size distribution and sand score were similar among colic and non-colic horses. Horses diagnosed with "unknown colic cause" had higher proportion of particles >0.5 <1.0 mm size compared to horses with colic due to impactions in caecum or colon, torsion or gas accumulation (P<0.05), but this difference was very small and most likely not of biological importance. Faecal dry matter concentration and sand score were similar among horses with different types of colic. Increased knowledge of the composition of particles of different size in equine faeces may enhance our understanding of digesta passage rate in colic and non-colic horses, which is needed to develop preventative measures of certain types of colic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia E Müller
- Department of Applied Animal Science and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, PO Box 7024, SE-75007 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Fikri F, Hendrawan D, Wicaksono AP, Purnomo A, Khairani S, Chhetri S, Purnama MTE, Çalışkan H. Colic incidence, risk factors, and therapeutic management in a working horse population in Tuban, Indonesia. Vet World 2024; 17:963-972. [PMID: 38911082 PMCID: PMC11188878 DOI: 10.14202/vetworld.2024.963-972] [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: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aim Colic is the primary problem affecting equestrian care worldwide. The primary cause of colic is digestive diseases; however, they can also affect organs from different systems in the abdominal region. In addition to a prior history of the disease and its treatment, risk factors may be assessed to determine the etiology of the disease in horses without or with a history of colic. This study aimed to present a summary of the incidence, risk factors, and medical procedures for colic in horses. Materials and Methods Based on owner reports, 223 horses in Tuban, Indonesia, suspected of having colic were investigated. During the investigation of clinical parameters, investigators went door-to-door with interested horse owners to gather information about potential risk factors related to equine colic. Information on horses diagnosed with colic was obtained from the medical records of treatment. A Chi-square test was used to investigate the potential association between the risk factors, medical protocol, and the outcome of colic in horses. Results Of the 187 cases, spasmodic colic was the most common (48.13%), but 17 (9.09%) had no definitive diagnosis. Poor body condition scores (χ2 = 58.73; p < 0.001), wheat bran feeding (χ2 = 26.79; p < 0.001), concentrate (χ2 = 10.66; p < 0.01), less access to water (χ2 = 128.24; p < 0.001), recurrence of colic (χ2 = 85.64; p < 0.001), no deworming program (χ2 = 54.76; p < 0.001), the presence of gastrointestinal parasites (χ2 = 56.79; p < 0.001), stressed physical activity (χ2 = 28.53; p < 0.001), and summer season (χ2 = 7.83; p < 0.01) were the risk factors for colic. We further reported that 185 (98.93%) patients who received the following medical interventions recovered: injection of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was necessary, Vitamin B complex (χ2 = 39.98; p < 0.001), fluid therapy (χ2 = 92.99; p < 0.001), and gastric intubation (χ2 = 4.09; p < 0.05). Conclusion The importance of colic was demonstrated in 187 (83.86%) of the 223 horses investigated in Tuban, Indonesia, documented. In this study, recommendations for medical procedures when colic risk factors have been determined are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Fikri
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Banyuwangi, Indonesia
| | - Dodit Hendrawan
- Animal Health Division, Indonesian Horse Veterinarian Association, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Agus Purnomo
- Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Shafia Khairani
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjajaran, Bandung, Indonesia
| | - Shekhar Chhetri
- Department of Animal Science, College of Natural Resources, Royal University of Bhutan, Lobesa, Punakha, Bhutan
| | - Muhammad Thohawi Elziyad Purnama
- Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Health, Medicine, and Life Sciences, Universitas Airlangga, Banyuwangi, Indonesia
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi, Eskişehir, Türkiye
| | - Hakan Çalışkan
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi, Eskişehir, Türkiye
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Mair T, Sherlock C. Recurrent Colic: Diagnosis, Management, and Expectations. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2023:S0749-0739(23)00026-3. [PMID: 37121784 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2023.03.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Most recurrent episodes of non-specific colic are self-limiting, and the results of clinical examinations are unremarkable. Differentiating these cases from serious diseases can be difficult, but repeated evaluations are warranted. Horses presenting with very frequent bouts of colic are more likely to have serious diseases and a higher mortality rate compared to horses presenting with less frequent bouts of transient colic. Horses with recurrent bouts of prolonged colic are more likely to have motility issues or partial intestinal obstruction. Non-gastrointestinal diseases can also cause recurrent bouts of pain ("false colic"). Adhesions are common causes of colic following abdominal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Mair
- CVS Ltd, Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Mereworth, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5GS, UK.
| | - Ceri Sherlock
- CVS Ltd, Bell Equine Veterinary Clinic, Mereworth, Maidstone, Kent, ME18 5GS, UK
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Ermers C, McGilchrist N, Fenner K, Wilson B, McGreevy P. The Fibre Requirements of Horses and the Consequences and Causes of Failure to Meet Them. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13081414. [PMID: 37106977 PMCID: PMC10135103 DOI: 10.3390/ani13081414] [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: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Failure to meet the minimum forage requirement of 1.5% of the horse's bodyweight and the opportunity for foraging for a minimum of 8 h a day (not going without this opportunity longer than four to five consecutive hours) can have both physiological and behavioural consequences. To provide an energy source for horses, rations often include starch rather than fibre. This can result in health issues related to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) in the horse. In the stomach, the main concern is equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) and, more specifically, equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). Ulcerations are caused either by increasing acidity in the stomach (from starch ingestion and reduced saliva production) or splashing of acidic juices caused by a lack of a forage barrier prior to exercise or prolonged periods without fibrous feed intake, which allows the stomach to collapse and spread acidic gastric fluids into the upper squamous regions of the stomach. In the hindgut, starch that has escaped digestion in the small intestine causes microbial instability and increased production of volatile fatty acids (VFA) and lactic acid. This puts horses at great risk for acidosis and subsequent laminitis. Shifts in the hindgut microbiota will also affect a horse's behaviour via the gut-brain axis, as well as potentially compromise immune function. Reduced fluid intake caused by reduced saliva production can result in colic. Choosing a fibrous alternative for starch in a high-energy diet greatly reduces the risk of EGUS and acidosis and improves digestion, GIT pH, body condition, behaviour, immune functions, and performance. Providing hay can reduce crib-biting, wood-chewing, coprophagia, the consumption of bedding, aggression, and stress, and subsequently increase social bonding and affiliation with conspecifics. Adequate fibre intake is related to reduced clinical signs of EGUS, reduced reactivity, and better adaptation to weaning. Lignophagia (wood chewing) has also been observed in horses that are foraging, and this is thought to reflect low fibre content in the available forage (for example, early vegetative, lush pasture).
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Affiliation(s)
- Colette Ermers
- School of Environment and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
| | | | - Kate Fenner
- School of Agriculture and Food Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
| | - Bethany Wilson
- School of Life and Environmental Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Paul McGreevy
- School of Environment and Rural Science, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
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Orr EL, Staniar WB, Smarsh DN. A Survey of Pennsylvania Horse Management: Part One-Nutrition. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 119:104140. [PMID: 36244609 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104140] [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: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Various aspects of nutritional management can impact both a horse's gastrointestinal (GI) health and caretaker costs. The objective of this study was to characterize the feeding management and GI issues of horses in Pennsylvania (PA). An online survey was distributed from February 27th to August 31st, 2020. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were used to analyze the data. Nonparametric statistics were used when data were not normally distributed. From 470 responses collected, the average horse age was 15.7 ± 7.5 years, and the most common breeds were the Quarter Horse and Thoroughbred. Of the 345 horses who received premixed feed, 81% were fed on a volume basis. Most horses (95%) received hay on a volume basis, and 57% of horses were fed hay on the ground rather than in a feeder. No difference was detected in the number of scoops of premixed feed (median = 2; P = .284) or the flakes of hay per day (median = 5.7; P = .765) between horses in different exercise categories. The frequency of reported GI issues was 10% (46/470). Owner perceived, veterinary perceived, and veterinary diagnosed ulcers were found in 2.3%, 4%, and 2.3% of horses, respectively. No statistical difference was detected in the number of scoops of premixed feed fed per day between horses with or without GI issues (P = .536). Horses were provided the same amount of premixed feed and forage regardless of reported exercise category. Most equine caretakers fed concentrates on volume rather than weight, a common practice despite most feeding requirements being based on feed weights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin L Orr
- Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802
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Nielsen SS, Alvarez J, Bicout DJ, Calistri P, Canali E, Drewe JA, Garin‐Bastuji B, Gonzales Rojas JL, Gortázar Schmidt C, Michel V, Miranda Chueca MÁ, Padalino B, Pasquali P, Roberts HC, Spoolder H, Stahl K, Velarde A, Viltrop A, Winckler C, Earley B, Edwards S, Faucitano L, Marti S, Miranda de La Lama GC, Costa LN, Thomsen PT, Ashe S, Mur L, Van der Stede Y, Herskin M. Welfare of equidae during transport. EFSA J 2022; 20:e07444. [PMID: 36092762 PMCID: PMC9449990 DOI: 10.2903/j.efsa.2022.7444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the framework of its Farm to Fork Strategy, the Commission is undertaking a comprehensive evaluation of animal welfare legislation. This opinion deals with the protection of horses and donkeys during transport. While the opinion focuses primarily on road transport of horses, there are specific sections dealing with the transport of horses on roll-on-roll-off ferries, horses transported by air and the transport of donkeys. In addition, the opinion covers welfare concerns in relation to a specific scenario identified by the European Commission related to the transport of horses on long journeys to slaughterhouses. Current practices related to transport of horses during the different stages (preparation, loading and unloading, transit and the journey breaks) are described. Overall, 13 welfare consequences were identified as being highly relevant for the welfare of horses during transport based on severity, duration and frequency of occurrence: gastro-enteric disorders, handling stress, heat stress, injuries, isolation stress, motion stress, prolonged hunger, prolonged thirst, respiratory disorders, resting problems, restriction of movement, sensory overstimulation and separation stress. These welfare consequences and their animal-based measures are described. A variety of hazards were identified related to factors such as inexperienced/untrained handlers, lack of horse training, structural deficiencies of vehicles/facilities, poor driving skills/conditions, horse separation/regrouping, unfavourable microclimatic and environmental conditions and poor husbandry practices. The opinion contains general and specific conclusions in relation to the different stages of transport. Recommendations to prevent hazards and correct or mitigate welfare consequences have been developed. Recommendations were also developed to define quantitative thresholds for microclimatic conditions within the means of transport and for space allowance. The development of welfare consequences over time was assessed in relation to maximum journey time.
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Hesta M, Costa M. How Can Nutrition Help with Gastrointestinal Tract-Based Issues? Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:63-87. [PMID: 33820610 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Many horses are fed differently than their wild ancestors. They often have limited access to pasture and are fed conserved forage and concentrates rich in starch and sugars, in only 2 meals per day. Feeding practices in contrast to natural feeding behavior can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Standard nutritional evaluation is warranted because of its important role in prevention and in treatment and management of diseases. When medical and nutritional treatments are combined, success rates are higher. New techniques to characterize equine microbiota have been used, allowing for microbiota manipulation to prevent and treat intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Hesta
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke B9820, Belgium.
| | - Marcio Costa
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, University of Montreal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
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9
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Mach N, Lansade L, Bars-Cortina D, Dhorne-Pollet S, Foury A, Moisan MP, Ruet A. Gut microbiota resilience in horse athletes following holidays out to pasture. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5007. [PMID: 33658551 PMCID: PMC7930273 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84497-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Elite horse athletes that live in individual boxes and train and compete for hours experience long-term physical and mental stress that compromises animal welfare and alters the gut microbiota. We therefore assessed if a temporary period out to pasture with conspecifics could improve animal welfare and in turn, favorably affect intestinal microbiota composition. A total of 27 athletes were monitored before and after a period of 1.5 months out to pasture, and their fecal microbiota and behavior profiles were compared to those of 18 horses kept in individual boxes. The overall diversity and microbiota composition of pasture and control individuals were temporally similar, suggesting resilience to environmental challenges. However, pasture exposure induced an increase in Ruminococcus and Coprococcus that lasted 1-month after the return to individual boxes, which may have promoted beneficial effects on health and welfare. Associations between the gut microbiota composition and behavior indicating poor welfare were established. Furthermore, withdrawn behavior was associated with the relative abundances of Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group and Clostridiales family XIII. Both accommodate a large part of butyrate-producing bacterial genera. While we cannot infer causality within this study, arguably, these findings suggest that management practices maintained over a longer period of time may moderate the behavior link to the gut ecosystem beyond its resilience potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Mach
- Animal Genetic and Integrative Biology, University of Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AGroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Léa Lansade
- grid.464126.30000 0004 0385 4036PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
| | - David Bars-Cortina
- grid.15043.330000 0001 2163 1432Medicine Department, University of Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Sophie Dhorne-Pollet
- Animal Genetic and Integrative Biology, University of Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AGroParisTech, 78350 Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aline Foury
- grid.412041.20000 0001 2106 639XUniversity of Bordeaux, INRAE, NutriNeuro UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Moisan
- grid.412041.20000 0001 2106 639XUniversity of Bordeaux, INRAE, NutriNeuro UMR 1286, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Alice Ruet
- grid.464126.30000 0004 0385 4036PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, University of Tours, 37380 Nouzilly, France
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Mach N, Ruet A, Clark A, Bars-Cortina D, Ramayo-Caldas Y, Crisci E, Pennarun S, Dhorne-Pollet S, Foury A, Moisan MP, Lansade L. Priming for welfare: gut microbiota is associated with equitation conditions and behavior in horse athletes. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8311. [PMID: 32433513 PMCID: PMC7239938 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65444-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We simultaneously measured the fecal microbiota and multiple environmental and host-related variables in a cohort of 185 healthy horses reared in similar conditions during a period of eight months. The pattern of rare bacteria varied from host to host and was largely different between two time points. Among a suite of variables examined, equitation factors were highly associated with the gut microbiota variability, evoking a relationship between gut microbiota and high levels of physical and mental stressors. Behavioral indicators that pointed toward a compromised welfare state (e.g. stereotypies, hypervigilance and aggressiveness) were also associated with the gut microbiota, reinforcing the notion for the existence of the microbiota-gut-brain axis. These observations were consistent with the microbiability of behaviour traits (> 15%), illustrating the importance of gut microbial composition to animal behaviour. As more elite athletes suffer from stress, targeting the microbiota offers a new opportunity to investigate the bidirectional interactions within the brain gut microbiota axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Mach
- Animal Genetic and Integrative Biology, INRAE, University of Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France.
| | - Alice Ruet
- PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, University of Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
| | - Allison Clark
- Health Science Department, Open University of Catalonia, 08018, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Yuliaxis Ramayo-Caldas
- Animal Genetic and Integrative Biology, INRAE, University of Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Program, Institute for Research and Technology in Food and Agriculture (IRTA), Torre Marimon, 08140, Caldes de Montbui, Spain
| | - Elisa Crisci
- Animal Genetic and Integrative Biology, INRAE, University of Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
- Department of Population Health and Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27607, USA
| | - Samuel Pennarun
- US UMR 1426, INRAE, Genomic platform, 31326, Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Sophie Dhorne-Pollet
- Animal Genetic and Integrative Biology, INRAE, University of Paris-Saclay, AgroParisTech, 78350, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Aline Foury
- University of Bordeaux, INRAE, NutriNeuro UMR 1286, 33076, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Léa Lansade
- PRC, INRAE, CNRS, IFCE, University of Tours, 37380, Nouzilly, France
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Digestibility and Retention Time of Coastal Bermudagrass ( Cynodon dactylon) Hay by Horses. Animals (Basel) 2019; 9:ani9121148. [PMID: 31847350 PMCID: PMC6940996 DOI: 10.3390/ani9121148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Longer retention of forages with increased fiber concentrations may be a compensatory digestive strategy in horses. We investigated the digestive characteristics of bermudagrass hay, a prominent warm-season grass in the southeast United States that has greater fiber concentrations than other common forages fed to horses. The morphological structure and photosynthetic pathway of warm-season grasses differ from cool-season grasses and legumes which may have important impacts on equine digestion and digesta transit through the gastrointestinal tract. The retention time of Coastal bermudagrass was longer than alfalfa or orchardgrass hay. The digestibility of Coastal bermudagrass decreased with increasing maturity, but the fiber digestibility of alfalfa and orchardgrass was similar to the earliest maturity of Coastal bermudagrass hay. The chemical composition of the plant cell wall influences diet digestibility and is a major difference between warm-season and cool-season forages. The increased retention time of Coastal bermudagrass allows for microbial fermentation to occur longer, adapting to more difficult-to-digest plant cell walls in warm-season forages. The decrease in diet digestibility when horses consume warm-season forages can be reduced by feeding early maturity forage, by harvesting hay at an earlier stage of growth or managing pastures in a vegetative state. Abstract Bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) and other warm-season grasses are known for their increased fiber concentrations and reduced digestibility relative to cool-season grasses and legumes. This study investigated the digestive characteristics and passage kinetics of three maturities of Coastal bermudagrass hay. A 5 × 5 Latin square design experiment was used to compare the digestion of five hays: alfalfa (Medicago sativa, ALF), orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata, ORCH), and Coastal bermudagrass harvested at 4 (CB 4), 6 (CB 6), and 8 weeks of regrowth (CB 8). Horses were fed cobalt-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (Co-EDTA) and ytterbium (Yb) labeled neutral detergent fiber (NDF) before an 84-h total fecal collection to determine digesta retention time. Dry matter digestibility was greatest for ALF (62.1%) and least for CB 6 (36.0%) and CB 8 diets (36.8%, SEM = 2.1; p < 0.05). Mean retention time was longer (p < 0.05) for Coastal bermudagrass (particulate 31.3 h, liquid 25.3 h) compared with ORCH and ALF (28.0 h, SEM = 0.88 h; 20.7 h, SEM = 0.70 h). Further evaluation of digesta passage kinetics through mathematical modeling indicated ALF had distinct parameters compared to the other diets. Differences in digestive variables between forage types are likely a consequence of fiber physiochemical properties, warranting further investigation on forage fiber and digestive health.
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