Chewing patterns in horses during the intake of variable quantities of two pelleted compound feeds differing in their physical characteristics only.

This research article evaluates how the physical properties and quantity of two types of pelleted feeds affect the feeding patterns of horses. The researchers discovered that larger-sized pellets tend to slow down intake and intensify chewing, especially with larger meal sizes.

Overview of the Study

• The study aimed to evaluate the impact of different physical properties and quantities of pelleted feeds (PF) on the feeding patterns of horses. This is important as PFs are commonly used in horse nutrition due to their palatability and cleaner feeding hygiene.
• The researchers conducted this study on six warmblood mares (horses), where they were fed with two types of PFs of differing sizes, along with hay.
• The first type of pellet (PF1) was small-sized, while the second type (PF2) was large-sized. These two types of pellets were given in varying quantities (1.0 kg, 1.5 kg, and 2.0 kg) to the horses, once per day.

Findings of the Study

• The study found that horses ingested the larger pellets (PF2) faster than the smaller ones (PF1) when they were given a 1.0 kg meal. However, when the meal size increased, the smaller pellets were eaten more quickly, but with a reduced intensity of chewing.
• The larger pellets seemed to increase the horses’ intensity of chewing when they were given larger meal sizes. At the same meal size of 1.5 kg, PF1 was ingested more quickly and with less chewing intensity compared to PF2.
• Regardless of the quantity offered, the ingestion of larger pellets triggered a significant increase in saliva production and daily water intake in horses. Hence, the study concludes that larger-sized pellets tend to slow down the feeding process and intensify chewing particularly when larger meal sizes are offered.