FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
BMC veterinary research2022; 18(1); 2; doi: 10.1186/s12917-021-03096-1

Chemical composition and physical characteristics of faeces in horses with and without free faecal liquid – two case-control studies.

Abstract: Free faecal liquid (FFL) is a condition in horses characterised by two-phase (one solid and one liquid) separation of faeces. Causes of the condition are unknown, but disturbed hindgut fermentation has been suggested as it may alter biochemical composition and appearance of faeces in equines. However, information on faecal composition in horses with FFL is scarce. Faecal chemical composition (dry matter, osmolality, ash, macro minerals, short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and pH) and physical characteristics (free liquid, sand, water holding capacity and particle size distribution) were compared in horses with (case) and without (control) FFL in two sub-studies. In sub-study I, faeces from 50 case-control horse pairs in Sweden and Norway were sampled in three sampling periods (SP1-SP3). In sub-study II, faeces from 32 case-control horse pairs in Germany were sampled on one occasion. Results: In sub-study I, faecal concentration and proportion of lactic acid (of total short-chain fatty acids, SCFA) and water holding capacity was lower in case compared to control horses. Other variables (content of dry matter, ash, sodium, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, sulphur, and concentrations of i-butyric, n-valeric and total SCFA, ammonia-N as proportion of total N, and pH) were similar in faeces from case and control horses. In sub-study II, all analysed variables were similar in faecal samples from case and control horses. Faecal particle size distribution was similar in case and control horses, but the proportion of larger particles (2 and 1 mm) were lower and proportion of smaller particles (< 1 mm) was higher in sub-study I compared to in sub-study II. Conclusions: To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate faecal chemical composition and physical characteristics in horses with FFL. Case and control horses had similar total SCFA, pH and osmolality, indicating that hindgut fermentation was similar. However, small differences in concentration and proportion (of total SCFA) of lactic acid and water holding capacity of faeces were shown and are of interest for further studies of horses with FFL.
© 2021. The Author(s).
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2022-01-03 PubMed ID: 34980103PubMed Central: PMC8722085DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-03096-1Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates the chemical composition and physical characteristics of horse faeces, focusing on horses that exhibit a digestive abnormality known as free faecal liquid (FFL). The research suggests that while most of the faecal composition is similar between horses with and without FFL, there are minor differences that could advance understanding of this condition.

Objective of the Research

  • The research aimed to investigate and compare the chemical and physical composition of the faeces in horses that exhibit FFL with those that do not. The composition under study included elements such as short-chain fatty acids, pH levels, and macro minerals, among other things. The study also aimed to contribute to understanding the possible causes of FFL.

Methodology and Results

  • The research applied a case-control study design in two separate segments, involving horses from Sweden, Norway, and Germany, with sampling performed in multiple periods.
  • In the first sub-study, it was observed that horses with FFL had a lower concentration of lactic acid and lower water holding capacity in their faeces compared to the control group. However, other variables like dry matter, ash, and macro mineral composition were similar.
  • In the second sub-study, no significant differences in faecal composition were found between horses with and without FFL. It was noted, though, that the faecal particle size distribution was different between the two sub-studies.

Conclusions and Further Research

  • Despite minor differences, the total short-chain fatty acid concentration, pH, and osmolality were found to be similar among the two groups of horses, suggesting that the overall hindgut fermentation processes are comparable.
  • The differences in the concentration of lactic acid and the water holding capacity in faeces between horses with and without FFL suggest possible areas for further research into the causes and management of FFL.
  • This study is the first to analyse physical and chemical composition of faeces in horses with FFL, providing a foundation for further research in understanding this condition.

Cite This Article

APA
Lindroth KM, Dicksved J, Vervuert I, Müller CE. (2022). Chemical composition and physical characteristics of faeces in horses with and without free faecal liquid – two case-control studies. BMC Vet Res, 18(1), 2. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-021-03096-1

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 18
Issue: 1
Pages: 2

Researcher Affiliations

Lindroth, K M
  • Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden. katrin.lindroth@slu.se.
Dicksved, J
  • Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.
Vervuert, I
  • Institute of Animal Nutrition, Nutrition Diseases and Dietetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Leipzig, D-04159, Leipzig, Germany.
Müller, C E
  • Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07, Uppsala, Sweden.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animals
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Fatty Acids, Volatile / analysis
  • Feces / chemistry
  • Germany
  • Horses
  • Lactic Acid / analysis
  • Water / analysis

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

References

This article includes 36 references
  1. Lindroth KM, Johansen A, Båverud V, Dicksved J, Lindberg JE, Müller CE. Differential Defecation of Solid and Liquid Phases in Horses-A Descriptive Survey.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jan 1;10(1).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10010076pmc: PMC7023164pubmed: 31906279google scholar: lookup
  2. Kienzle E, Zehnder C, Pfister K, Gerhards H, Sauter- LC, Harris P. Field study on risk factors for free fecal water in pleasure horses.. J Equine Vet Sci 2016;44:32–36.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.05.061google scholar: lookup
  3. Valle E, Gandini M, Bergero D. Management of chronic diarrhoea in an adult horse.. J Equine Vet Sci 2013;33(2):130–135.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.05.061google scholar: lookup
  4. Zehnder C. Feldstudie zu Risikofaktoren für den Absatz von freiem Kotwasser beim Freizeitpferd.. Diss. der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität. München. 2009.
  5. Van den Berg M, Hoskin SO, Rogers CW, Grinberg A. Fecal pH and microbial populations in thorough- bred horses during transition from pasture to concentrate feeding.. J Equine Vet Sci 2013;33(4):215–222.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.06.004google scholar: lookup
  6. Garner HE, Moore JN, Johnson JH, Clark L, Amend JF, Tritschler LG, Coffmann JR, Sprouse RF, Hutcheson DP, Salem CA. Changes in the caecal flora associated with the onset of laminitis.. Equine Vet J 1978 Oct;10(4):249-52.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1978.tb02273.xpubmed: 738266google scholar: lookup
  7. Hintz HF, Argenzio RA, Schryver HF. Digestion coefficients, blood glucose levels and molar percentage of volatile acids in intestinal fluid of ponies fed varying forage-grain ratios.. J Anim Sci 1971 Nov;33(5):992-5.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1971.335992xpubmed: 5119977google scholar: lookup
  8. Merritt AM, Smith DA. Osmolarity and volatile fatty acid content of feces from horses with chronic diarrhea.. Am J Vet Res 1980 Jun;41(6):928-31.
    pubmed: 7436082
  9. Gunnarsdottir H, Van der Stede Y, De Vlamynck C, Muurling F, De Clercq D, van Loon G, Vlaminck L. Hospital-based study of dental pathology and faecal particle size distribution in horses with large colon impaction.. Vet J 2014 Oct;202(1):153-6.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.07.013pubmed: 25135337google scholar: lookup
  10. Vlaminck L, De Vlamynck C, Muurling F, Van der Stede Y, De Boever J. Case control study to identify a possible relationship between dental pathology, impaction colic and faecal particle size distribution in horses: preliminary results. European Congress of Veterinary Dentistry 19. European Veterinary Dental Society (EVDS); 2010; pp. 91–94.
  11. Carmalt JL, Townsend HG, Janzen ED, Cymbaluk NE. Effect of dental floating on weight gain, body condition score, feed digestibility, and fecal particle size in pregnant mares.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2004 Dec 15;225(12):1889-93.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2004.225.1889pubmed: 15643839google scholar: lookup
  12. Niinistö KE, Määttä MA, Ruohoniemi MO, Paulaniemi M, Raekallio MR. Owner-Reported Clinical Signs and Management-Related Factors in Horses Radiographed for Intestinal Sand Accumulation.. J Equine Vet Sci 2019 Sep;80:10-15.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.05.012pubmed: 31443826google scholar: lookup
  13. Rose RJ. A physiological approach to fluid and electrolyte therapy in the horse.. Equine Vet J 1981 Jan;13(1):7-14.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1981.tb03439.xpubmed: 7016529google scholar: lookup
  14. Carlson GP. Fluid therapy in horses with acute diarrhea.. Vet Clin North Am Large Anim Pract 1979 Nov;1(2):313-29.
    doi: 10.1016/s0196-9846(17)30187-8pubmed: 552690google scholar: lookup
  15. De Fombelle A, Julliand V, Drogoul C, Jacotot E. Feeding and microbial disorders in horses: 1-effects of an abrupt incorporation of two levels of barley in a hay diet on microbial profile and activities.. J Equine Vet Sci 2001;21(9):439–445.
    doi: 10.1016/S0737-0806(01)70018-4google scholar: lookup
  16. Argenzio RA, Southworth M, Stevens CE. Sites of organic acid production and absorption in the equine gastrointestinal tract.. Am J Physiol 1974 May;226(5):1043-50.
    doi: 10.1152/ajplegacy.1974.226.5.1043pubmed: 4824856google scholar: lookup
  17. Grimm P, Philippeau C, Julliand V. Faecal parameters as biomarkers of the equine hindgut microbial ecosystem under dietary change.. Animal 2017 Jul;11(7):1136-1145.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731116002779pubmed: 28065211google scholar: lookup
  18. Da Veiga L, Chaucheyras-Durand F, Julliand V. Comparative study of colon and faeces microbial communities and activities in horses fed a high starch diet.. Pferdeheilkunde 2005;21:45.
    doi: 10.21836/PEM20050717google scholar: lookup
  19. Rowe JB, Lees MJ, Pethick DW. Prevention of acidosis and laminitis associated with grain feeding in horses.. J Nutr 1994 Dec;124(12 Suppl):2742S-2744S.
    doi: 10.1093/jn/124.suppl_12.2747Spubmed: 7996285google scholar: lookup
  20. Milinovich GJ, Trott DJ, Burrell PC, van Eps AW, Thoefner MB, Blackall LL, Al Jassim RA, Morton JM, Pollitt CC. Changes in equine hindgut bacterial populations during oligofructose-induced laminitis.. Environ Microbiol 2006 May;8(5):885-98.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2005.00975.xpubmed: 16623745google scholar: lookup
  21. Milinovich GJ, Trott DJ, Burrell PC, Croser EL, Al Jassim RA, Morton JM, van Eps AW, Pollitt CC. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis of hindgut bacteria associated with the development of equine laminitis.. Environ Microbiol 2007 Aug;9(8):2090-100.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01327.xpubmed: 17635552google scholar: lookup
  22. Milinovich GJ, Burrell PC, Pollitt CC, Klieve AV, Blackall LL, Ouwerkerk D, Woodland E, Trott DJ. Microbial ecology of the equine hindgut during oligofructose-induced laminitis.. ISME J 2008 Nov;2(11):1089-100.
    doi: 10.1038/ismej.2008.67pubmed: 18580970google scholar: lookup
  23. van Eps AW, Pollitt CC. Equine laminitis induced with oligofructose.. Equine Vet J 2006 May;38(3):203-8.
    doi: 10.2746/042516406776866327pubmed: 16706272google scholar: lookup
  24. Jones S, Spier SJ. Inflammatory diseases of the large intestine causing diarrhea.. Equine internal medicine Philadelphia: Sounders WB; 1998. p. 663–82.
  25. Auffret A, Ralet MC, Guillon F, Barry JL, Thibault JF. Effect of grinding and experimental conditions on the measurement of hydration properties of dietary fibers.. Food Sci Technol 1994;27:166–172.
    doi: 10.1006/fstl.1994.1033google scholar: lookup
  26. Clarke LL, Roberts MC, Argenzio RA. Feeding and digestive problems in horses. Physiologic responses to a concentrated meal.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 1990 Aug;6(2):433-50.
    doi: 10.1016/S0749-0739(17)30550-3pubmed: 2202501google scholar: lookup
  27. Edouard N, Fleurance G, Martin-Rosset W, Duncan P, Dulphy JP, Grange S, Baumont R, Dubroeucq H, Pérez-Barbería FJ, Gordon IJ. Voluntary intake and digestibility in horses: effect of forage quality with emphasis on individual variability.. Animal 2008 Oct;2(10):1526-33.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731108002760pubmed: 22443911google scholar: lookup
  28. Di Filippo PA, Vieira V, Rondon DA, Quirino CR. Effect of Dental Correction on Fecal Fiber Length in Horses.. J Equine Vet Sci 2018 May;64:77-80.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.02.016pubmed: 30973157google scholar: lookup
  29. Udén P, Van Soest PJ. Comparative digestion of timothy (Phleum pratense) fibre by ruminants, equines and rabbits.. Br J Nutr 1982 Mar;47(2):267-72.
    doi: 10.1079/BJN19820035pubmed: 6279144google scholar: lookup
  30. Hukkinen V. The diagnostic accuracy of the plastic glove test for diagnosis of sand enteropathy in the horse: Licentiate thesis. University of Helsinki, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Equine Medicine 2015.
  31. Kendall A, Ley C, Egenvall A, Bröjer J. Radiographic parameters for diagnosing sand colic in horses.. Acta Vet Scand 2008 Jun 13;50(1):17.
    doi: 10.1186/1751-0147-50-17pmc: PMC2467425pubmed: 18554381google scholar: lookup
  32. Lindroth KM, Dicksved J, Pelve E, Båverud V, Müller CE. Faecal bacterial composition in horses with and without free faecal liquid: a case control study.. Sci Rep 2021 Feb 26;11(1):4745.
    doi: 10.1038/s41598-021-83897-4pmc: PMC7910430pubmed: 33637818google scholar: lookup
  33. Lindroth KM, Lindberg JE, Johansen A, Müller CE. Feeding and Management of Horses with and without Free Faecal Liquid: A Case-Control Study.. Animals (Basel) 2021 Aug 30;11(9).
    doi: 10.3390/ani11092552pmc: PMC8465618pubmed: 34573518google scholar: lookup
  34. Andersson R, Hedlund B. HPLC analysis of organic acids in lactic acid fermented vegetables.. Z Lebensm Unters Forsch 1983;176(6):440-3.
    doi: 10.1007/BF01042558pubmed: 6613359google scholar: lookup
  35. Bahlsberg-Pålsson AM. Handledning i kemiska metoder vid växtekologiska arbeten.. Meddelande från Växtekologiska avdelningen, Lunds Universitet Lund: 1990.
  36. Gardner WH. Water content.. methods of soil analysis: part 1 physical and mineralogical methods 1986. pp. 493–544.

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,727 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.