Topic:Diet
Diet in horses refers to the nutritional regimen that supports the health, performance, and overall well-being of equines. It encompasses the types and amounts of feed provided, including forage, grains, supplements, and water. The dietary requirements of horses can vary based on factors such as age, breed, activity level, and health status. Proper nutrition is essential for maintaining optimal body condition, supporting growth and development, and ensuring efficient energy metabolism. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the components of equine diets, the impact of nutrition on health and performance, and the management of feeding practices in various equine disciplines.
Evaluation of diet as a cause of gastric ulcers in horses. To measure pH, volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, and lactate concentrations in stomach contents and determine number and severity of gastric lesions in horses fed bromegrass hay and alfalfa hay-grain diets. Methods: Six 7-year-old horses. Methods: A gastric cannula was inserted in each horse. Horses were fed each diet, using a randomized crossover design. Stomach contents were collected immediately after feeding and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, and 24 hours after feeding on day 14. The pH and VFA and lactate concentrations were measured in gastric juice Number and severity of gastri...
The effect of replacing nonstructural carbohydrates with soybean oil on the digestibility of fibre in trotting horses. The hypothesis tested was that the intake of extra fat at the expense of an isoenergetic amount of nonstructural carbohydrates reduces fibre utilisation in horses. In a crossover trial with feeding periods of 42 days each, 6 mature trotting horses (age 4-12 years, bodyweight 340-476 kg) were given either a control or test diet. The test concentrate was formulated to contain 37% of net energy in the form of soybean oil. The control concentrate contained an isoenergetic amount of corn starch plus glucose. The concentrates were fed in combination with the same amount of hay so that the control an...
[Nutrition of horses: ration calculation and assessment]. In various situations it is desirable to evaluate the diet of horses. Such situations occur when nutrition is considered as the cause of disease or symptoms or and when a diet or diet change raises concern about whether the animal is receiving sufficient nutrients. Ration evaluation consists of translating feed ingredients into nutrients supplied and comparing this with nutrient requirements. The basics of ration evaluation are illustrated by means of four examples of horse diets.
Dietary and other management factors associated with colic in horses. To determine whether dietary and other management factors were associated with development of colic in horses. Methods: Prospective matched case-control study. Methods: 2,060 horses examined by veterinarians in private practice in Texas for colic and noncolic emergencies. Methods: Each month for 12 months, participating veterinarians were sent forms to collect information on 1 horse with colic and 1 horse that received emergency treatment for a condition other than colic, information collected included signalment, farm management and characteristics, diet, medical and preventive medical factor...
Exercise affects digestibility and rate of passage of all-forage and mixed diets in thoroughbred horses. Most digestibility studies in horses have been conducted with idle horses confined to metabolism stalls. The values obtained from such studies are used for all classes of horses, including the performance horse. It has not been clearly established whether exercise affects digestibility. Olsson and Ruudvere (1955), summarizing a number of earlier studies, suggested that digestion may be affected in horses by work or exercise in such a way that it is improved by light exercise and inhibited by heavy work.
Orton et al. (1985) reported reduced retention time of a particulate marker in yearling ...
Deconditioning reduces mineral content of the third metacarpal bone in horses. Diet and exercise are two management factors that affect bone density and strength. We proposed that bone density and calcium status would be affected by deconditioning for 12 wk and by dietary Ca concentration. Eleven highly conditioned Arabian horses were taken out of training and placed in stalls for 12 wk. Horses were walked on a mechanical walker in two 30-min sessions, 7 d/wk. Diets were designated CC (.36% Ca) and HC (.62% Ca). Data were collected every 21 d. Serum or plasma were analyzed for total and ionized Ca, parathyroid hormone, osteocalcin, hydroxyproline, electrolytes, and blood...
The effect of age and diet on the oral glucose tolerance test in ponies. To evaluate the effects of age and diet on the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in healthy ponies, OGTTs were performed on 2 groups of British native breed ponies (Group A: 7 foals [6-9 months], Group B: 7 mature individuals [6-13 years]) when maintained on either a high fibre pelleted ration only (Groups A and B) or a hay only diet (Group B). Plasma glucose response, following oral glucose administration, for Group A (basal plasma glucose concentration [Glu0] 4.6 +/- 0.4 mmol/l (mean +/- s.d.) increasing to 11.5 +/- 1.3 mmol/l at 90 min) was significantly different (P < 0.05) from that o...
Diseases and surgery of the cecum. The cecum is an important site of water and electrolyte absorption, as well as microbial digestion of soluble and insoluble carbohydrates. These functions of the cecum and ascending colon require that ingesta be mixed constantly and retained long enough to complete the digestion of cellulose. Parasites, changes in regional blood flow, diet, and various pharmacologic agents are associated with alterations in normal cecal motility patterns.
Importance of sphingolipids and inhibitors of sphingolipid metabolism as components of animal diets. Sphingolipids are highly bioactive compounds that participate in the regulation of cell growth, differentiation, diverse cell functions, and apoptosis. They are present in both plant and animal foods in appreciable amounts, but little is known about their nutritional significance. Recent studies have shown that feeding sphingomyelin to female CF1 mice treated with a colon carcinogen (1,2-dimethylhydrazine) reduced the number of aberrant colonic crypt foci; longer-term feeding also affected the appearance of colonic adenocarcinomas. Therefore, dietary sphingolipids should be considered in studi...
Energy sources and requirements of the exercising horse. This review outlines the energy sources available to the horse, from its diet and from its body stores, at rest and while exercising. It looks at the current ways of describing the energy potential of diets fed to horses and discusses the relative advantages and disadvantages of the digestible energy and net energy systems. The more empirical net energy system for calculating the energy available for maintenance and work is compared with a more physiological partitioning system. Finally, the energy requirements for maintenance and exercise are discussed, together with how they may be practical...
Medical management of right dorsal colitis in 5 horses: a retrospective study (1987-1993). Right dorsal colitis in horses has been associated with administration of phenylbutazone. Although reports of right dorsal colitis in this species have described surgical treatment associated with a poor prognosis, we have had success treating this condition medically. This report describes 5 horses with right dorsal colitis confirmed during celiotomy that were initially managed medically. All horses had a history of intermittent abdominal pain; weight loss was noted in only 1 horse. The doses (2.0 to 4.6 mg/kg PO bid) and duration (5 to 30 days) of administration of phenylbutazone were not un...
Case-control study of the association between various management factors and development of colic in horses. Texas Equine Colic Study Group. The association between various management factors and development of colic was studied in 821 horses treated for colic and 821 control horses treated for noncolic emergencies by practicing veterinarians in Texas between Oct 1, 1991 and Dec 31, 1992. History of previous colic and history of previous abdominal surgery were found to be significantly associated with colic. Change in stabling conditions during the 2 weeks prior to the time of examination, recent change in diet, and recent change in level of activity significantly increased the risk for development of colic. Changes in activity lev...
Training-induced modifications in some biochemical defences against free radicals in equine erythrocytes. Oxidative stress develops when the generation of free radicals exceeds the antioxidant capacity of cells or extracellular fluids. It can also occur as a result of physical exercise, and the pathogenesis of exercise-induced myopathies and haemolysis in horses may be related to changes in lipid peroxidation caused by free radicals. Cells have developed biochemical protection against oxidative stress and, as tissues seem to increase their antioxidant defences under chronic activation, training may be one of the ways of increasing antioxidant defences. Accordingly, we tested some enzymatic antioxi...
Determination of succinonitrile in horse urine by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorus detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. A chromatographic method was developed to detect and confirm the presence of succinonitrile (SDN) in horse urine samples, for antidoping control. The urine samples (5 ml) were extracted with diethyl ether and screened by gas chromatography-nitrogen-phosphorus detector and the confirmation of the drug's presence was accomplished by using gas chromatography-mass selective detection. The recovery of extraction was 78 and 81% for 1.0 and 2.0 micrograms ml-1 (relative standard deviation, < 10%), respectively. Urine samples collected after the administration of Energisan were positive for SDN (1-30 ...
[HYPP–hyperkalemic periodic paralysis in horses]. A literature review of the clinical syndrome HYPP (Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis) affecting Quarter Horses is given. HYPP is characterized by sporadic attacks of muscle tremors, weakness and/or collapse, lasting for variable periods of time. Diagnosis is based on physical findings in association with hyperkalemia. In horses with HYPP, the regulation of ion transport through the sodium channels in the muscle cells occasionally fails, causing uncontrollable muscle twitching. Further investigations into molecular genetics reveals a mutation in the gene responsible for sodium and potassium regul...
Effects of diet and hindgut defaunation on diet digestibility and microbial concentrations in the cecum and colon of the horse. The effects of diet and hindgut defaunation (removal of protozoa from the hindgut) on diet digestibility (Trial 1) and on total and cellulolytic bacterial and fungal concentrations in the cecum and colon (Trial 2) were investigated. A high-forage (HF) diet, 90% alfalfa hay-10% concentrate, or a higher-concentrate (HC) diet, 60% alfalfa hay-40% concentrate, was limit-fed. In Trial 1, defaunation resulted in a slight decrease in DM digestibility (P < .1) and had no effect on cellulose digestibility. Dry matter digestibility was higher (P < .001) with the HC diet; however, no differences were obs...
Airborne dust and aeroallergen concentration in a horse stable under two different management systems. Airborne dust concentration (ADC) was measured in 2 different horse management systems using an Andersen cascade impactor in the box-stall, and a personal Marple cascade impactor attached to the halter to measure ADC in the breathing zone. The levels of aeroallergens implicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were measured by radioallergosorbent-inhibition immunoassay. A conventional management system (System C) utilising hay feed and straw bedding, and a recommended environment (System R) utilising wood shaving bedding and a complete pelleted diet were studied. In the stall, total an...
Kinetics and pharmacology of estrogens in pre- and postmenopausal women. With the approach of the menopause and the cessation of ovarian estrogen production, a number of uncomfortable and/or dangerous conditions may be manifested, and are all indications for estrogen replacement therapy. Various routes of estrogen administration are available--oral, subcutaneous implant, intravaginal, and transdermal--each having advantages and disadvantages. There is also a choice possible among replacement hormones, which include the natural estrogens, such as estradiol and estropipate; synthetic estrogens, for example, ethinyl estradiol and diethylstilbestrol; and conjugated equ...
Dietary protein level and energy metabolism during treadmill exercise in horses. Six conditioned Quarter Horse mares were used in a crossover design to assess the effect of the dietary protein level on intramuscular and hepatic glycogen and lactate, oxygen uptake and blood lactate, pyruvate and free fatty acids. After a 2-wk adaptation period to either a 9.0% (control) or an 18.5% crude protein diet, each horse performed an exercise test. The horses were exercised for 15 min on an 11% grade treadmill at 4.5 m/sec. The exercise test was performed 3-4 h after a meal. Venous, arterial and mixed-venous blood samples were taken simultaneously at rest and during exercise. Muscle...
Effect of diet on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicosis in horses. Gentamicin sulfate-induced nephrotoxicosis was compared in 2 groups of horses fed different rations. Four horses were fed only alfalfa hay, and 4 other horses were fed only whole oats. Seven days after initiation of the diet, all horses were given gentamicin IV (5 mg/kg of body weight) every 12 hours for 22 days. Urinary gamma-glutamyl-transferase to urinary creatinine (UGGT:UCr) ratio was calculated daily, and serum concentration of gentamicin was measured at 1 and 12 hours after drug administration. Results indicated that horses fed oats had greater renal tubular damage than did horses fed a...
Gastric rupture in horses: 50 cases (1979-1987). A computer-based search was conducted of medical and necropsy records of horses admitted to the teaching hospital from Jan 1, 1979, to Dec 31, 1987, to obtain the records of all horses admitted to the hospital for colic and subsequently found to have gastric rupture. Fifty cases of gastric rupture were found. The records were reviewed to obtain data regarding peritoneal fluid analysis. Cell counts of these samples were often erroneous because debris and clumps of bacteria were counted when most WBC were lysed. A cross-sectional study of gastric rupture cases versus all other colic cases regard...
Effects of diet and feeding on postprandial serum gastrin and insulin concentration in adult horses. Gastrin is the only hormone known to stimulate secretion of hydrochloric acid. It also has trophic effects on specific parts of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract. Using radioimmunoassay techniques, postprandial serum gastrin and insulin concentrations were measured in six adult horses to establish effects of different diets on gastrin concentrations. Insulin concentrations were measured to provide support to the patterns of gastrin secretion because patterns of insulin secretion were already known. The horses were fed coastal bermuda hay, or twice daily 5 kg of a complete pelleted ratio...
Factors determining the digestive efficiency of the domesticated donkey (Equus asinus asinus). Factors determining the digestive efficiency of donkeys were studied in animals fed either a low quality roughage (wheat straw: 77.1% neutral detergent fibre, 2.8% crude protein) or a high quality forage (alfalfa hay: 47.5% neutral detergent fibre, 22.7% crude protein). The neutral detergent fibre (NDF) intake when fed wheat straw was 1693 +/- 268 g animal-1 day-1, 10% higher than when fed alfalfa hay. Digestive coefficient of NDF and acid detergent fibre (ADF) when fed wheat straw amounted to 50.9 +/- 4.9 and 42.0 +/- 4.1% respectively. NDF and ADF apparent digestibilities and mean retention ...
Effects of age and diet on the development of mechanical strength by the third metacarpal and metatarsal bones of young horses. The application of transmission ultrasonics to the equine cannon holds promise as a method of monitoring metacarpal and metatarsal development, quality and integrity under a variety of experimental and field conditions. The validity of relating the velocities of sound pulses transmitted through the cannon to the mechanical breaking strengths of these bones was tested in two studies. Breaking strengths calculated from the sound velocities through sections of the metacarpal bones from 14 yearling ponies and 12 yearling horses were highly correlated with the mechanical breaking strengths of those...
Protein requirements of mature working horses. Eighteen mature horses were used to study proteins requirements of working horses. Treatments included intense exercise, medium exercise and maintenance in a 3 X 3 factorial arrangement with three levels of calculated dietary crude protein (CP; 8.5, 7.0 and 5.5%). The horses were on the various exercise-protein treatments for 60 d, then fasted 4 d to evaluate their N status after the treatment period. Exercise had no significant effect on body weight over the feeding and fasting periods. No one exercise or protein treatment expressed the classical low plasma albumin or total protein concentrat...
Uraemia in the mare: effects of seasonal variations, of energy level of the diet and individual differences. Uraemia variations in the heavy breed mare were studied in different situations. A study with 35 mares during an entire grazing season was conducted. The mean uraemia varied between 48.5 and 67.5 mg/100 ml plasma, with season and type of grass. The highest values were found with first-cycle pasture grass. Uraemia was lower with winter diets: 28.6 to 36.0 mg/100 ml. A study using 15 mares fed isonitrogenous diets based on hay or straw, and concentrates offered two different levels, between two months before and 8 days after foaling, showed that the physiological stage had a very moderate effect...
[Comparative anatomy of the mandible. Functional aspects]. The structural morphology of the mandibula is presented and correlated to various types of mastication in several Mammalian species. The latter include: Carnivores (Dog, Cat, Cheetah, Lion); Omnivores (Man, Chimpanzee, Hog); Herbivores (Horse, Ox, Goat, Camel, Rabbit). While the mandibula is studied as a composite unit, a more analytical, segmental approach has been included, and both are illustrated by X-rays. The aspects presented underline the distribution as well as the local modifications of compact bone, and in addition, the arrangement and the development of spongy bone trabeculae. A pr...
Modulation of equine platelet function by diethylcarbamazine (DEC). Equine platelets, when treated with the anthelmintic drug diethylcarbamazine (DEC), gave a dose-dependent release of radiolabeled serotonin without concomitant aggregation. At levels of the drug that gave only minimal release of radiolabel, marked dose-dependent inhibition of platelet aggregation to three of four platelet agonists tested--adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and arachidonic acid--was observed. With ADP, inhibition was observed to be reversed by removal of DEC prior to agonist challenge. However, with collagen, inhibition was only partially reduced by prior removal of DEC; wh...