Amino acid requirements in horses.
Abstract: Evaluating amino acid requirements, specifically threonine requirements, in horses will enable better feed formulation and result in economic production, improved animal health, and reduced environmental pollution. However, the current knowledge of protein and amino acid requirements in horses is still limited. Because horses have a unique digestive system and consume a variety of feed ingredients, their protein digestibility may be affected than other species by different feed composition, and thus amino acid requirements are susceptible to vary between situations. Therefore, a careful evaluation of amino acid requirements with a proper method is needed for various conditions. This review will also provide comprehensive information that needs to be considered when designing an amino acid requirement study in horses.
Publication Date: 2020-03-12 PubMed ID: 32164055PubMed Central: PMC7206390DOI: 10.5713/ajas.20.0050Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study focuses on understanding the needs for amino acids, particularly threonine, in horses to enhance feed formulation, economic production, overall horse health, and minimize environmental pollution. Current knowledge about protein and amino acid requirements in horses have limitations, due to their unique digestive system and various feeds consumed, which affect protein digestibility. Comprehensive analysis of amino acid requirements in diverse conditions is significant for the design of thorough horse amino acid requirement studies.
Understanding the Threonine Requirements in Horses
- The researchers aim at studying the specifications regarding the requirement of amino acids in horses, with particular emphasis laid on the amino acid threonine. They believe understanding this requirement can aid better formulation of horse feed, thereby improving economic productivity and enhancing the overall well-being of horses.
Existing Knowledge and Its Limitations
- Currently, the understanding of protein and amino acid requirements in horses is noted as being somewhat rudimentary. This lack of comprehensive knowledge presents a significant gap in ensuring the optimal health and well-being of horses. In-depth knowledge on this subject can also aid in reducing environmental pollution caused by inadequate horse nutrition practices.
Impact of Horses’ Unique Digestive System
- Unlike many other species, horses possess a unique digestive system. Additionally, the diversity in their diet further impacts the digestibility of the proteins they consume. Horses’ food intake varies widely from that of other species, which potentially alters their amino acid needs. The ambiguous nature of the feed’s composition can cause the horse’s protein digestibility to fluctuate.
Requirement of Proper Evaluation Methods
- The researchers argue for the need for an accurate method of evaluation for the amino acid requirements of horses in different situations. These methods will ultimately assist in understanding and optimizing the dietary needs of horses, governing their health, economic production, and the subsequent environmental impact.
Designing an Amino Acid Requirement Study for Horses
- Finally, the study advocates for a more meticulous process in the design of amino acid requirement studies for horses. They emphasize the need for comprehensive information and thorough investigation that takes into account all the specific factors affecting horses’ amino acid needs, bringing a newfound depth of understanding to horse nutrition.
Cite This Article
APA
Mok CH, Urschel KL.
(2020).
Amino acid requirements in horses.
Asian-Australas J Anim Sci, 33(5), 679-695.
https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.20.0050 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
- Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA.
Conflict of Interest Statement
. We certify that there is no conflict of interest with any financial organization regarding the material discussed in the manuscript.
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