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Kenny LB, Smarsh DN. Characterizing hay buying and feeding practices and attitudes among Pennsylvania horse owners. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 140:105147. [PMID: 38969028 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105147] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Existing data on the equine hay market and buying preferences in Pennsylvania (PA) is outdated and more recent data is needed. The objective of this project was to characterize the practices and attitudes of PA horse hay buyers. An online survey was created and distributed. It received 435 total responses (of these, 346 were complete responses) from PA horse hay buyers from October 2021 to February 2022. Data presented (descriptive statistics) represents the percentage of respondents answering that question. Most (76%) respondents were in the recreational sector of the horse industry and the majority (62%) purchased hay for 2-5 horses. Small square bales (2-string) were most commonly purchased (93%), and most respondents bought their hay exclusively by the bale (75%). The most common reasons for not purchasing large bales were not being able to transport or handle them (70%), followed by not having adequate storage (60%). Horse owners were most likely to buy hay directly from local farmers (90%) than any other source. The top three most important factors when purchasing hay were absence of mold, absence of weeds, and smell (rated "very important" by 98, 53, and 52% of respondents, respectively). Most respondents did not use hay feeders in stalls or outside (38 and 50%, respectively). Most hay buyers (63%) never have their hay analyzed for nutrient content. The data collected from this survey can help hay producers understand buying practices of horse owners and help equine nutritionists identify areas of need for horse owner education about hay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B Kenny
- Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania State University, 1015 Bridge Road, Suite H, Collegeville, Pennsylvania 19426 United States
| | - Danielle N Smarsh
- Department of Animal Science, Pennsylvania State University, 315 ASI Building, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802 United States.
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2
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Greppi M, Bordin C, Raspa F, Maccone E, Harris P, Ellis AD, Cavallini D, Bergero D, Valle E. Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2024. [PMID: 38704815 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13977] [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: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024]
Abstract
Slow feeding devices (SFDs) are useful tools in order to improve the horse well-being and to reduce wastage, but their use may result in unnatural posture during feeding and frustration behaviours. Moreover, it may be important to evaluate the laterality during feeding. The aim of the study was to investigate ponies' feeding behaviour (i.e., lateralisation, frustration, postural eating style) with different hay feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled hay net (HF), a partially filled hay net (HL), and a slow feeder hay box (HB). Nine ponies of two different breed types (Shetland and Welsh/Cob) were evaluated. Video recordings were obtained and then behavioural analysis was conducted. Data were analysed statistically using k-means cluster analysis, repeated measurement mixed model procedure, principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Head tilting was more often performed during feeding from HF and HL compared to G and HB. Forelimb forward, referring to the position that ponies assumed during feeding, was performed less frequently with the hay nets. Ponies, in particular Welsh/Cobs, tended to be more left-lateralized and performed more backward ears when feeding from the hay nets. Blink rate was observed to be greater when ponies were fed from G. No head pushing, striking with forelimb and pawing while feeding was seen. Animals fed from HF tended to eat from the top of the hay net and consequently showed an arched neck; while HL and HB showed for elongated neck an intermediate pattern between G and HF. From our results, HB seemed to be a useful compromise between natural feeding on the ground and the use of hay nets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Greppi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Clara Bordin
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Federica Raspa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Erica Maccone
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patricia Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, UK
| | | | - Damiano Cavallini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Domenico Bergero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Emanuela Valle
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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3
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DeBoer M, Keener L, Layeux-Parks J, Schueller O, Johnson L, Martinson K. Effect of hay nets on horse bodyweight, body condition score, hay usage, and dental health in mature adult horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 136:105051. [PMID: 38531517 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105051] [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: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Hay nets are a commonly used management practice to increase intake time and reduce hay waste but may impact horse health. The objectives were to compare hay usage, dental wear, and dental conditions between horses fed with (NET) or without (CON) hay nets during a 2-year cross-over study. In September 2021, 13 mature adult horses were blocked by bodyweight (BW) and randomly assigned to the NET or CON treatments for one year. After one year (September 2022), horses switched treatments and the trial concluded in September 2023. Horses were housed in adjacent dry lots with shelter, ad libitum water, and free choice access to round bales with or without hay nets (4.45 cm openings). Blinded dental work, including incisor length measurements and recording of dental abnormalities and conditions, and recording of horse BW and body condition score (BCS) were completed in September 2021, 2022, and 2023. Digital images were taken monthly to determine rostral oral cavity scores (ROCS). Round bales were weighed prior to being placed in the dry lot and the date fed was recorded to calculate hay usage. Significance was set at P≤0.05. Horse BW, BCS, and hay usage were greater in horses consuming hay without hay nets (P<0.05). No differences were observed in incisor length, presence of incisor bevels, ROCS, or dental abnormalities and conditions (P>0.05). These data suggest that hay nets do not result in negative impacts on dental health but can reduce hay usage and help to control horse BW and BCS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M DeBoer
- University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Department of Animal and Food Science, 410 S. Third Street, River Falls, WI 54022.
| | - L Keener
- North Wind Equine, LLC, PO Box 3692, Duluth, MN 55803
| | - J Layeux-Parks
- Smith Veterinary Hospital, 1110 E Highway 13, Burnsville, MN 56071
| | - O Schueller
- University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Department of Animal and Food Science, 410 S. Third Street, River Falls, WI 54022
| | - L Johnson
- University of Wisconsin - River Falls, Department of Animal and Food Science, 410 S. Third Street, River Falls, WI 54022
| | - K Martinson
- University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, Department of Animal Science, 1364 Eckles Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108
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Bordin C, Raspa F, Greppi M, Harris P, Ellis AD, Roggero A, Palestrini C, Cavallini D, Bergero D, Valle E. Pony feeding management: the role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1332207. [PMID: 38681853 PMCID: PMC11046934 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1332207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, haynets and slow feeders have been promoted as sustainable tools to improve the feeding management of horses and reduce forage waste, but little is known about their effects on ponies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different hay feeding methods on the ingestive behaviors, intake rate and mouth shaping of ponies belonging to two breed types, which are characterized by different head morphologies. Shetland type (SH, n = 5) and Welsh/Cob type (WC, n = 4) ponies were fed hay using four feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled haynet (HF), a partially filled haynet (HL), and a slow-feeder hay box (HB). Head morphology was measured for each pony. Video recordings were then made to apply geometric morphometrics and to perform behavioral analysis. The intake rate was measured for each pony and each feeding method. Data obtained with geometric morphometrics were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA). Behavioral data and intake rate measurements were analyzed using a mixed model, a post-hoc Tukey's test, a Pearson's correlation test, and a stepwise regression model. The geometric morphometrics results demonstrated that feeding method influenced mouth shaping (36% for G, 78% for HB, 77% for HF, 83% for HL, considering the total variance of shape) and affected the intake rate. Differences in mouth shaping and ingestive behaviors in SH and WC ponies also confirmed the role of morphology in feeding management. The HL proved to be the most effective tool to increase feeding consumption time when needed (5 h/kg for SH ponies and 3 h/kg for WC ponies, considering the intake time), although the HB may be the optimal choice to reduce the intake rate while maintaining a more natural posture. Future studies are suggested to fully understand how body size and morphology influence feeding in equine species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Bordin
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Federica Raspa
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Martina Greppi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Patricia Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom
- Mars Petcare UK, Slough, United Kingdom
| | | | - Angela Roggero
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Palestrini
- Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Damiano Cavallini
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell’Emilia, Italy
| | - Domenico Bergero
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | - Emanuela Valle
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
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Carvalho Seabra J, Hess T, Martinez do Vale M, Spercoski KM, Brooks R, Dittrich JR. Effects of Different Hay Feeders, Availability of Roughage on Abnormal Behaviors and Cortisol Circadian Rhythm in Horses Kept in Dry Lots. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 130:104911. [PMID: 37625626 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104911] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Free choice forage could be the best option regarding horses' welfare but can lead to increased body weight (BW), and waste of hay. Automatic box feeders (BF) and slow feeders (SF) decrease food waste, but it is unknown how these affect the horses' time-budget (TB). This study compared the effects of feeding free choice hay (FC), to a SF and an automated BF on the horses' cortisol circadian rhythm (CCR) and behavior by 24-hours continuous behavioral sampling (CBS). The study was designed as a 3 × 3 Latin square design with 15 polo horses divided into 3 groups, for 15 days on each treatment. Every 15 days, BW was assessed, blood collected for CCR analysis, the behavior recorded during the last 24 hours of the last day of each treatment and the video analyzed with CBS. Time spent on all behaviors was evaluated and used for the determination of the animals' TB. The effects of the different feeders were analyzed with ANOVA. FC horses consumed and wasted more hay daily (16.6 ± 0.5kg) (P < .001), compared with BF (10.4 ± 0.5 kg), and SF (9.30 ± 0.45 kg). FC horses had higher weight gain (P < .001, 23.5 ± 4.6kg), compared to BF (1.2 ± 5.7 kg) and SF (0.37 ± 4.6) kg. FC and SF horses spent more than 50% of the TB foraging, generating a TB similar to grazing horses. BF horses spent less time eating (P < .001), increasing time spent standing, sniffing the ground, and practicing coprophagy (P < .050). BF horses showed the highest aggression (P < .043). CCR was not different among treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tanja Hess
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | | | | | - Ryan Brooks
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO
| | - João Ricardo Dittrich
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
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6
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HYDE KA, ALTMAN A, BANASEK R, GASTAL MO, GASTAL EL. Efficiency of round bale feeders: comparison of Tombstone versus Hay Saver. J Equine Sci 2023; 34:51-54. [PMID: 37405065 PMCID: PMC10315636 DOI: 10.1294/jes.34.51] [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] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hay wastage when feeding round bales due to contamination, deterioration, and animal refusal can accrue large financial losses for farmers. The present study investigated the efficiency of the conventional Tombstone-style feeder system compared to the Hay Saver feeder system to reduce hay wastage in feeding round hay bales. Mares were distributed equally into two groups, Tombstone and Hay Saver, and fed six bales per group over 48 days. Hay wastage was collected daily, dried, and weighed, while the mares were weighed weekly. Overall, the Hay Saver feeder showed less hay wastage, higher mean mare weight, and higher consumption rate per horse. The results of this study indicated that the Hay Saver feeder system had higher efficiency compared to the Tombstone feeder system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kendall A. HYDE
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Annabelle ALTMAN
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Robin BANASEK
- Zoology, School of Biological Sciences, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Melba O. GASTAL
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Eduardo L. GASTAL
- Animal Science, School of Agricultural Sciences,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
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7
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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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8
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Sundman ER, Goodwin JD, Reisinger CN, Smith MR, Costello E, Walter K, Colpoys JD. Short Communication: Round bale hay net effects on agonistic behaviors of group fed horses. J Vet Behav 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2022.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
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9
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Feltre K, Balieiro JCDC, Gobesso AADO. Behavioral and metabolic responses of ponies fed a complete single diet, thermally processed and containing long fiber. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Sexten AJ, Moore MF, McMurphy CP, Mourer GL, Linneen SK, Brown MA, Richards CJ, Lalman DL. Effects of bale feeder design on hay waste, intake, and apparent diet digestibility in gestating beef cows. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab104. [PMID: 34278238 PMCID: PMC8281098 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeder design on hay intake, apparent diet digestibility, and hay waste in gestating beef cows. Native tallgrass prairie hay and a protein supplement was fed throughout both experiments. In Exp. 1, 56 crossbred cows were used in a Latin square arrangement. Feeder design treatments included a conventional open bottom steel ring (OBSR), an open bottom polyethylene pipe ring (POLY); a sheeted bottom steel ring (RING), and a sheeted bottom steel ring with a basket (BASK). Cows were weighed and allotted based on BW to one of four previously grazed 2.0 ha paddocks equipped with a concrete feeding pad. Fourteen cows were assigned to each paddock and three round bales were fed consecutively within each treatment period. The cows acclimated to the feeders while the first bale was being consumed. Subsequently, hay waste data were collected while the second and third bale within each period were being consumed. Waste was measured for each bale at 24, 48, 72, and 96 h after each bale was introduced into the pen. Hay waste was significantly affected by hay feeder design with 19.7, 21.1, 12.4, and 5.5% of original bale weight wasted for OBSR, POLY, RING, and BASK, respectively (P < 0.01). There was a feeder design × day interaction (P < 0.01) with greater waste when the bale was first introduced into the pen in OBSR, POLY, and RING feeders and gradually declining thereafter, while waste from the BASK feeder was consistently low. There was a tendency (P = 0.06) for cows eating from OBSR feeders to consume less hay than cows eating from RING feeders. Feeder design did not influence apparent diet digestibility (P = 0.46). In Exp. 2, 64 crossbred cows (body weight = 590 ± 59 kg) were used to determine waste, forage intake, and apparent diet digestibility when hay was fed from a sheeted bottom steel ring (RING) or a RING feeder with a cone insert (CONE). More hay was wasted when cows were fed from RING feeders compared to CONE feeders (11.9% vs. 4.8%, P < 0.01). Feeder design had no effect on DMI or apparent digestibility (P > 0.45). Hay savings from adopting a more conservative feeder design can have a dramatic influence on hay utilization by beef cows and thus on cost of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin J Sexten
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Mikayla F Moore
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Casey P McMurphy
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Gant L Mourer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Sara K Linneen
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, USA
| | - Michael A Brown
- Grazing Lands Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, El Reno, OK, 73036, USA
| | - Chris J Richards
- Field and Research Service Unit, Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, USA
| | - David L Lalman
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, 74078, 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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12
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Jaderborg JP, Bird SL, Crawford GI, Walker RS, DiCostanzo A. Influence of hay feeding method, supplement moisture, or access time on intake and waste by beef cows. Transl Anim Sci 2021; 5:txab069. [PMID: 34222821 PMCID: PMC8244985 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txab069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Experiments were performed to determine the effects of feeding method and hay processing (Experiment 1), energy supplement moisture content and feeding method (Experiment 2), and access time to hay (Experiment 3) on cow body weight (BW), dry matter intake (DMI), and hay or energy supplement intake and waste. Experiment 1 was designed as a 4 × 4 Latin Square using 48 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (626 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into four treatment groups (n = 12 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 1, round bales were processed and delivered on the pen surface or in a bunk, or left unprocessed and delivered in a hay ring or rolled out on the pen surface. Experiment 2 was designed as a 6 × 6 Latin Square utilizing 54 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (616 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into treatment groups (n = 9 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 2, corn screenings (CS) or wet beet pulp (BP) were fed in a structure (inverted tire or bunk) or BP only on the pen surface. Experiment 3 was designed as a replicated 3 × 3 Latin Square utilizing 24 multiparous, late-gestating, Angus cows (584 kg initial BW). Cows were stratified by age and BW into treatment groups (n = 8 cows/group); treatment groups were then initially assigned randomly to treatments in a sequence of preset Latin Square periods. In Experiment 3, cows were permitted access to round-bales in a hay ring for 6, 14, or 24 h. In Experiment 1, hay DMI was not affected (P ≥ 0.579). Hay waste was greater (P ≤ 0.007) when hay, processed or not, was fed on the pen surface. In Experiment 2, hay DMI was greatest (P ≤ 0.011) for cows fed no supplement and those fed CS in a bunk. Feeding BP in a bunk led to the greatest (P ≤ 0.003) hay waste. In Experiment 3, cows permitted 6-h access consumed and wasted less (P < 0.001) hay compared with those permitted longer access; BW was unaffected (P ≥ 0.870). In these experiments, cows fed hay on the pen surface, processed or not, achieved similar DMI as those fed in a ring or bunk, but wasted more hay. Delivering BP in a bunk or on the pen surface increased hay and supplement waste, respectively. Controlling access to hay reduced DMI and waste while maintaining cow BW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffery P Jaderborg
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55018,USA
| | - Scott L Bird
- North Central Research and Outreach Center, University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids, MN 55744USA
| | - Grant I Crawford
- Division of Food, Animal, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Minnesota, Hutchison, MN 55350USA
| | - Ryon S Walker
- Division of Food, Animal, and Nutritional Sciences, University of Minnesota, Grand Rapids, MN 55744, USA
| | - Alfredo DiCostanzo
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN 55018,USA
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13
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Studying the Shape Variations of the Back, the Neck, and the Mandibular Angle of Horses Depending on Specific Feeding Postures Using Geometric Morphometrics. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030763. [PMID: 33801885 PMCID: PMC7998216 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The effects of specific feeding positions upon the horse's shape variations of the back and neck postures as well as the variations of the mandibular angle have never been objectively studied. For this reason, geometric morphometrics was applied. Six horses, aged 14 ± 8 years (mean ± standard deviation, SD), were video-recorded while using three different feeding positions: on the ground-control position (CP); neck held 15 ± 3° below withers height with low hay net position (LP); neck held 15 ± 3° above withers height with high hay net position (HP). Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and partial least squares (PLS). A mixed model procedure was applied to evaluate differences in the magnitude of the mandibular angle. Whilst differences between individual horses were confirmed by canonical variate analysis (CVA), PCA analysis showed that a characteristic feeding position could also be identified on a group level. During the HP hay net position, the back and neck postures as well the mandibular angle were different compared to those exhibited by horses feeding from CP. In LP hay net position, the back posture more closely resembled those exhibited while feeding from CP; however, no similarity between LP and CP was found for neck posture and mandibular angle. Since only a few degrees of variation of the feeding position can influence back and neck postures, this aspect should be further investigated. The right compromise between horse welfare, horse safety, and management practices need to be further explored and long-term effects should be investigated.
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14
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Reiter AS, DiCostanzo A, Webb M, Zeltwanger J, Sheaffer CC, Jaqueth A, Martinson KL. Forage quality and beef cow preference is affected by wrap type of conventional and reduced-lignin alfalfa round bales stored outdoors. Transl Anim Sci 2020; 4:txaa167. [PMID: 33150306 PMCID: PMC7594256 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txaa167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Storing hay outdoors can result in detrimental changes in forage quality. Additionally, alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) cultivar may influence dry matter intake (DMI) and hay waste when feeding livestock. The objectives were to determine the effects of conventional or reduced-lignin alfalfa round bales stored outdoors and wrapped with plastic twine, net wrap, or B-Wrap on forage quality, beef cow preference, and hay waste. Round bales made from reduced-lignin (n = 12) or conventional (n = 12) alfalfa cultivars were baled and stored outdoors for 16 mo. Within each cultivar, four bale replicates were bound with plastic twine, net wrap, or B-Wrap. After storage, bales were fed in a switchback design with period confounded with alfalfa cultivar to 18 lactating Angus cows (Bos Taurus L.). The pairs had ad libitum access to three round-bale feeders where bales of each wrap type were placed for eight 48 h periods. Position of round bale wrap type was rotated according to a Latin Square arrangement. Bales were weighed and waste surrounding each feeder was collected at 24 and 48 h to calculate DMI and hay waste. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Alfalfa cultivar did not impact any of the response variables (P > 0.05). At feeding, round bales wrapped in net wrap had greater (P < 0.015) moisture content (16.4%) compared with those wrapped with B-Wrap (12.8%). Neutral detergent fiber was lower (P = 0.03) in bales wrapped in B-Wrap (46%) compared with twine-tied bales (49%) while net wrapped bales were not different. Total digestible nutrients (P = 0.02), and relative feed value (P = 0.04) were lower in twine-tied bales compared with B-Wrap while net wrapped bales were not different. Twine (7.1 × 106 colony forming units [CFU]/g) and net wrap (4.7 × 106 CFU/g) bales had greater (P < 0.0001) mold counts than B-Wrap bales (4.8 × 104 CFU/g), while concentrations of other forage components and yeast counts were not different among wrap types (P > 0.05). Total DMI, and DMI during the first 24 h, were greater (P ≤ 0.032) for B-Wrap bales compared to twine-tied bales indicating preference for hay wrapped in B-Wrap; net wrapped bales were not different. Dry matter intake in the first 24 h was negatively associated with the mold count (r = -0.52; P = 0.02), and hay waste was not affected by wrap type (P > 0.05). These results confirm that wrap type affected forage quality and mold counts, which in turn influenced beef cattle preference of round bales stored outdoors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda S Reiter
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN
| | | | - Megan Webb
- Department of Animal Science, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN
| | - Josh Zeltwanger
- Department of Animal Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO
| | - Craig C Sheaffer
- Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, Saint Paul, MN
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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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Melvin MV, Costello E, Colpoys JD. Enclosed versus ring feeders: Effects of round-bale feeder type on horse behavior and welfare. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Abstract
Feeding big round-bales in round-bale feeders are known to reduce labor and costs. However, one disadvantage is the high feed wastage. The aim of these experiments was therefore to investigate the effect of feeder design, type of roughage and size of round-bales on feed wastage in sheep. Four round-bale feeders (Diagonal Rail Sheep Circular Feeder (RD), Knarrhult Flexible Round-Bale Feeder (KR), Telemark Round-Bale Feeder (TR) and Standard Sheep Circular Ring Feeder (RV)) were distributed into four identical experimental pens and used in both experiments. In Experiment 1, two types of roughages were used; Roughage 1: low-quality, grass silage harvested at late stage of maturity with dry matter (DM) content of 560 g/kg and Roughage 2: high-quality, hay harvested at an early stage of maturity with DM content of 738 g/kg. In Experiment 2, ewes were offered hay harvested at the late stage of maturity with DM content of 766 g/kg as half and whole round-bales. In both experiments, four groups of 10 ewes of the Norwegian White breed were rotated between the experimental pens and each treatment lasted for 4 days. Feed wastage (roughage on the ground surrounding the feeder) was collected daily. The amount of feed wastage was generally high. The type of roughage (Experiment 1) had a large effect on feed wastage (P < 0.001), where Roughage 1 had a mean feed wastage of 1.88 kg DM/day per ewe and Roughage 2 had 0.48 kg DM/day per ewe. When Roughage 1 was provided, it was evident that the ewes pulled out the long fibrous stems of the feeders and left them as wastage while selecting the leaves. This was not the case for Roughage 2. When feeding half round-bales (Experiment 2), the mean feed wastage was 1.50 kg DM/day per ewe compared to 2.88 kg DM/day per ewe when feeding whole round-bales (P < 0.001). This is probably due to the ewes spending more time eating with their heads inside the feeder when fed half round-bales (P < 0.001) and thus dropped more of the potential wastage inside the feeder. Less feed inside the feeder may also be the reason that feed wastage decreased gradually from Day 1 to Day 4 in both experiments (P < 0.001). Feeder design also had a significant impact on feed wastage (P < 0.001). We conclude that providing early harvested roughage and feeding half round-bales significantly reduced feed wastage.
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Digestive effects and intestinal health of ponies fed a complete single diet, thermally processed and containing long fiber. Livest Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2019.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Dickson EC, Kayser WC, Latham CM, Leatherwood JL, Daigle CL, White SH. Evaluating equine feeding behavior utilizing GrowSafe Systems: a pilot study. Transl Anim Sci 2019; 3:288-294. [PMID: 32704800 PMCID: PMC7200394 DOI: 10.1093/tas/txz002] [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] [Received: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine research and management is limited to single-housing systems if individual animal intake is to be precisely recorded. Even then, dry forage intake is difficult to quantify accurately due to stomping or mixing hay with fecal matter and bedding. In cattle management, GrowSafe Systems (GrowSafe) is a commonly used tool to closely monitor individual animal feeding data using radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology. Animals are equipped with a unique RFID tag that is read by the feed bunks each time the animal lowers its head into the bunk to consume feed. The objectives of this pilot study were 1) to test the feasibility of use of the GrowSafe system with horses by measuring intake of dry hay and 2) to characterize feeding behaviors of horses in an individually housed (without competition) or group-housed (with competition) setting. To test the hypothesis that horses would consume more hay when individually (NOCOMP) compared to group-housed (COMP), 10 mature Quarter Horses (14 ± 1.5 yr) were placed in one of four pens containing GrowSafe feed bunks in a 4-wk crossover design consisting of two 2-wk treatment periods. Pen 1 contained five horses with access to two GrowSafe bunks (Period 1: n = 4 mares, n = 1 gelding; Period 2: n = 5 geldings); pens 2, 3, and 4 contained one horse each with access to one bunk. Horses were individually fed 0.25% body weight (BW; dry matter [DM] basis) of a commercial concentrate once per day and were allowed Coastal bermudagrass hay in the GrowSafe bunks ad libitum. Although five horses were used in the group-housed (COMP) pen to more closely mimic a true group environment, only data from horses that experienced both housing systems (n = 3 mares and n = 3 geldings) were used for statistical analyses. Hourly (P = 0.008) and daily (P = 0.003) durations of hay feeding were higher for NOCOMP compared to COMP horses, and total daily intake (g DM/kg BW) of NOCOMP horses tended to be greater (P = 0.09) than COMP horses. Conversely, eating rate (g DM/kg BW/min) was greater (P = 0.04) for COMP compared to NOCOMP mares but was unaffected by housing in geldings. The GrowSafe system may provide an opportunity for efficient and effective monitoring of individual horse feed intake and feeding behavior in group-housing situations in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily C Dickson
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX
| | - William C Kayser
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX
| | - Christine M Latham
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX
| | - Jessica L Leatherwood
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX
| | - Courtney L Daigle
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX
| | - Sarah H White
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University and Texas A&M AgriLife Research, College Station, TX
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The Effect of Small Square-Bale Feeder Design on Hay Waste and Economics During Outdoor Feeding of Adult Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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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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