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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Existing data on the equine hay market and buying preferences in Pennsylvania (PA) is outdated and more recent data is needed.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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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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Manfredi JM, Jacob S, Norton E. A one-health lens offers new perspectives on the importance of endocrine disorders in the equine athlete. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023; 261:153-164. [PMID: 36595370 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.11.0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disorders are associated with joint pain and tendon injury in humans, but the effects in the horse are only starting to be understood. Similar patterns of clinical signs and injury appear to affect horses and humans for both orthopedic and endocrine disorders, supporting the use of a one-health approach to tackle these issues. In this Currents in One Health, we will discuss common equine endocrinopathies, current testing recommendations, dietary management, genetic predispositions, and endocrine disorders' effects on performance. Our aim is to use a one-health lens to describe current comparative research so that veterinarians can employ cutting-edge preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic recommendations. Identified key gaps in knowledge include whether equine metabolic osteoarthritis exists, if steroid joint injections are safe in horses with endocrine disorders, and if the return to performance percentage improves with concurrent treatment of endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders. Key takeaways include that the relationship between endocrine disorders and musculoskeletal disease in the horse goes beyond laminitis to include lameness, muscle atrophy, suspensory ligament degeneration, osteochondritis dissecans, and potentially metabolic osteoarthritis. Approaches learned from human and equine comparative studies can offer insight into injury recognition and management, thus mitigating the impact of endocrine disorders on performance in both species. Readers interested in an in-depth description of current and future research involving pathophysiology, novel interventions, and multiomic approaches to identify individuals with athletic limitations induced by endocrine disorders are invited to read the companion Currents in One Health by Manfredi et al, AJVR, February 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Manfredi
- 1Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Sarah Jacob
- 1Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Elaine Norton
- 2Department of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Feeding time in horses provided roughage in different combinations of haynets and on the stable floor. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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Burns TA. "Feeding the Foot": Nutritional Influences on Equine Hoof Health. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:669-684. [PMID: 34674915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2021.07.004] [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: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition plays an important role in equine health, including that of the foot. Deficiencies and excesses of dietary components can affect the growth and function of the foot and have been associated with important podiatric diseases. The recognition, prevention, and treatment of specific notable nutritional diseases of the foot are discussed, as well as information regarding specific ingredients included in supplements meant to improve equine hoof quality. Ensuring provision of a balanced diet, maintaining horses in appropriate body condition, and seeking guidance from an equine nutritionist when creating dietary recommendations will prevent most equine foot disease related to nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa A Burns
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Zhu Y, Wang X, Liu B, Yi Z, Zhao Y, Deng L, Holyoak R, Li J. The Effect of Ryegrass Silage Feeding on Equine Fecal Microbiota and Blood Metabolite Profile. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:715709. [PMID: 34497595 PMCID: PMC8419423 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.715709] [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: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Silage is fed to horses in China and other areas in the world, however, knowledge about the impact of feeding silage on horse health is still limited. In the current study, 12 horses were assigned into two groups and fed ryegrass silage and ryegrass hay, respectively, for 8 weeks. High-throughput sequencing was applied to analyze fecal microbiota, while liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based metabolomics technique was used for blood metabolite profile to investigate the influence of feeding ryegrass silage (group S) compared to feeding ryegrass hay (group H) on equine intestinal and systemic health. Horses in group S had significantly different fecal microbiota and blood metabolomes from horses in group H. The results showed that Verrucomicrobia was significantly less abundant which plays important role in maintaining the mucus layer of the hindgut. Rikenellaceae and Christensenellaceae were markedly more abundant in group S and Rikenellaceae may be associated with some gut diseases and obesity. The metabolomics analysis demonstrated that ryegrass silage feeding significantly affected lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in horses, which might be associated with metabolic dysfunction. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation analysis revealed some correlations between bacterial taxa and blood metabolites, which added more evidence to diet-fecal microbiota-health relationship. Overall, ryegrass silage feeding impacted systemic metabolic pathways in horses, especially lipid metabolism. This study provides evidence of effects of feeding ryegrass silage on horses, which may affect fat metabolism and potentially increase risk of insulin resistance. Further investigation will be promoted to provide insight into the relationship of a silage-based diet and equine health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiping Zhu
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuefan Wang
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Liu
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ziwen Yi
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Zhao
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Deng
- College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Shenyang Agricultural University, Shenyang, China
| | - Reed Holyoak
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK, United States
| | - Jing Li
- Equine Clinical Diagnostic Center, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
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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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Nostell K, Lindåse S, Winqvist E, Bröjer J. The effect of diet-induced obesity and pasture on blood pressure and serum cortisol in Standardbred mares. Equine Vet J 2020; 53:542-548. [PMID: 32483866 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13294] [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: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction and altered cortisol metabolism both in humans and in horses. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the effect of weight gain induced by a haylage diet low in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) on insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and serum cortisol concentrations. STUDY DESIGN In vivo experiment. METHODS Nine adult Standardbred mares fed a fat supplemented haylage diet at 250% of the horses' daily metabolisable energy requirements for 22 weeks. Horses were then turned out on pasture for 4 weeks. Insulin sensitivity (SICLAMP ) was measured before and after weight gain and after 4 weeks of pasture using the euglycemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC) method. Body condition score (BCS), blood pressure and serum cortisol were monitored throughout the study. All data were analysed using the linear mixed model procedure. Values of P < 0.05 were considered as statistically different. RESULTS All horses became obese during the weight gain period (BCS> 7). Mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) increased during the weight gain period and was significantly higher than initial values at the end of the weight gain period (78 ± 3 mm Hg vs 92 ± 3 mmHg). MAP remained increased on pasture (93 ± 3 mmHg). SICLAMP was unaffected by weight gain 0.9 ± 0.1 vs 1.0 ± 0.1 ([mg/kg/min × 103 ]/[µIU/mL × mmol/L])) but improved after pasture (1.6 ± 0.1 ([mg/kg/min × 103 ]/ [mU/L]). Serum cortisol concentrations increased during the weight gain period (80 ± 9 nmol/L vs 112 ± 9 nmol/L) and remained increased during pasture. MAIN LIMITATIONS Limited number of horses and no control group. CONCLUSIONS Obesity was associated with a linear increase in blood pressure and an increase in serum cortisol that was not associated with insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sanna Lindåse
- Anatomy, Physiology and Biochemistry, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Johan Bröjer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
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Using Web-Based Surveys to Explore Equine Industry Practices and Future Research Needs. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 83:102822. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 10/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Durham AE, Frank N, McGowan CM, Menzies-Gow NJ, Roelfsema E, Vervuert I, Feige K, Fey K. ECEIM consensus statement on equine metabolic syndrome. J Vet Intern Med 2019; 33:335-349. [PMID: 30724412 PMCID: PMC6430910 DOI: 10.1111/jvim.15423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is a widely recognized collection of risk factors for endocrinopathic laminitis. The most important of these risk factors is insulin dysregulation (ID). Clinicians and horse owners must recognize the presence of these risk factors so that they can be targeted and controlled to reduce the risk of laminitis attacks. Diagnosis of EMS is based partly on the horse's history and clinical examination findings, and partly on laboratory testing. Several choices of test exist which examine different facets of ID and other related metabolic disturbances. EMS is controlled mainly by dietary strategies and exercise programs that aim to improve insulin regulation and decrease obesity where present. In some cases, pharmacologic aids might be useful. Management of an EMS case is a long‐term strategy requiring diligence and discipline by the horse's carer and support and guidance from their veterinarians.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Frank
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, North Grafton, Massachusetts
| | - Cathy M McGowan
- Institute of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Neston, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola J Menzies-Gow
- Department of clinical sciences and services, Royal Veterinary College, Herts, United Kingdom
| | - Ellen Roelfsema
- Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ingrid Vervuert
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Karsten Feige
- Clinic for Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany
| | - Kerstin Fey
- Equine Clinic, Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University of Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Lindåse S, Müller C, Nostell K, Bröjer J. Evaluation of glucose and insulin response to haylage diets with different content of nonstructural carbohydrates in 2 breeds of horses. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2018; 64:49-58. [PMID: 29751248 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Information about the effect of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) in forage on the postprandial glucose and insulin response in horses is scarce. This is of interest as postprandial hyperinsulinemia in horses is a risk factor for laminitis. In addition, insulin sensitivity (IS) differs between breeds. The aim was to evaluate the postprandial glucose and insulin response to haylage diets with different NSC content in horses of 2 different breeds and to evaluate the relationship between the postprandial insulin response and measures of IS derived from a frequently sampled intravenous glucose tolerance test (FSIGTT). Standardbreds (n = 9) and Icelandic horses (n = 9) with a mean body condition score of 5.5 ± 0.6 (scale 1-9) were studied. Horses were clinically healthy at the start of the study and had no history of endocrinopathic laminitis. The experiment was conducted as a replicate 3 × 3 Latin square, in which horses were fed haylage diets with low (4.2%), medium (13.6%), and high (18.2%) NSC content of dry matter. Blood sampling was performed before feeding and every 30 min until 300 min after feeding. An FSIGTT was also performed in all horses. The early (first 60 min) and the total (300 min) postprandial glucose and insulin response (area under the curve [AUC]) was higher after a meal of both medium and high NSC haylage in comparison with low NSC haylage when both breeds were combined (P ≤ 0.02). There was a main effect of breed for the early (P ≤ 0.004) but not for the total (P > 0.12) postprandial glucose and insulin response. The IS index was comparable between breeds (P = 0.75). The natural logarithm of the peak concentration, the AUC for the first 60 min and the total AUC for insulin, after a meal of medium and high NSC haylage, were moderately negatively correlated (P < 0.02; r = -0.55 to -0.72) with the natural logarithm of IS index from the FSIGTT. This relationship was not evident for haylage with low NSC content (P > 0.054). This study demonstrates that the postprandial insulin response is affected by both the NSC content of haylage and the horse's IS. However, the impact of IS was diminished when the NSC content in haylage was low (4.2% of dry matter).
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Affiliation(s)
- S Lindåse
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - C Müller
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7024, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - K Nostell
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - J Bröjer
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 7054, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
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Kędzierski W, Łopuszyński W, Wydrych J. Age- and Glucocorticoid-Dependent Leptin Release by Horse Adipose Tissue: In Vitro Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.05.002] [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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