Topic:Corn
Corn, also known as maize, is a cereal grain that is commonly included in equine diets as a source of energy. It is characterized by its high carbohydrate content, primarily in the form of starch, which provides a concentrated energy source for horses. Corn is often fed as cracked or whole kernels and may be included in commercial horse feed formulations. While it is energy-dense, corn is relatively low in protein and certain essential nutrients, necessitating balanced supplementation in equine diets. The digestibility and impact of corn on equine health, including its role in energy metabolism and potential risks associated with overfeeding, are subjects of ongoing research. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the nutritional value, digestibility, and physiological effects of corn in equine nutrition.
Protein utilisation in response to caecal corn starch in ponies. The influence of administering caecal corn starch (0.0, 0.2, 0.4 or 0.6 g/kg body weight/day) on protein utilisation in 4 ponies was analysed with a latin square experimental design. The basal diet was dehydrated alfalfa pellets. Determinations were made of nitrogen retention, protein and dry matter digestions, total plasma protein, plasma urea nitrogen, plasma ammonia and plasma-free amino acids. Twice daily administration of corn starch into the caecum resulted in an increased nitrogen retention (P less than 0.01). Maximum nitrogen retention was observed with the caecal administration of 0.4...
Field outbreaks of leukoencephalomalacia in horses consuming maize infected by Fusarium verticillioides (= F. moniliforme) in South Africa. Four outbreaks of leukoencephalomalacia in horses in widely separated areas in South Africa are reported. The clinical signs and pathological lesions observed in each outbreak are briefly described. Mouldy home-grown maize from which Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc.) Nirenberg (= F. moniliforme Sheldon) was isolated in every instance, was involved in the outbreaks. Clinical signs and pathological lesions were identical to those seen in experimentally produced cases of F. verticillioides poisoning in horses.
Response to dietary nitrogen in ponies. Utilisation of nitrogen was studied in 4 crossbred ponies. A latin square design was used to study the effects of corn gluten meal, casein or urea when added to a low protein basal diet. Apparent nitrogen digestion, nitrogen retention, total plasma protein, plasma urea and plasma-free amino acids were measured. The addition of corn gluten meal, casein or urea to the basal ration increased apparent digestion of nitrogen. Casein produced a significantly greater (P less than 0.05) nitrogen retention than corn gluten meal or urea. Plasma urea nitrogen increased significantly (P less than 0.01) in ...