This research article studies whether dental correction in horses impacts the concentration of nutrients in their bodies after they have eaten. The results showed that although dental correction reduced the size of fecal particles, there was no significant difference in nutrient concentration between horses who received dental care and those who did not.

Research Study Objectives and Methodology

• The primary intention of this research was to investigate if dental correction could improve the digestion and absorption of nutrients in horses, by focusing on ‘postprandial’ nutrient concentrations i.e., the concentration of nutrients in the body post eating.
• Researchers were also interested in how dental correction influences the size of fecal particles, assuming that smaller particles might indicate better digestion.
• The study began with 16 mature mares (aged between 4 to 17 years) that had not received dental care in the past year. Their diet was controlled and monitored before and during the study.
• The group was divided into two: eight mares received dental correction, while eight acted as control subjects and received no treatment.

Research Findings and Implications

• The research found that after the consumption of a concentrate meal, plasma concentrations of glucose and amino acids increased in all the mares regardless of whether they had had dental work or not.
• This indicates that dental correction did not have a marked influence on plasma nutrient concentrations in the mares, contradicting the initial hypothesis.
• However, the study also found that mares that had received dental correction produce smaller fecal particles, compared to the untreated control group. This could suggest that dental correction might help to improve the mechanical digestion of feed.
• Despite this, the study concludes that better mechanical digestion (as evidenced by smaller fecal particles), does not translate to changes in postprandial nutrient concentrations. This means that although dental correction appears to influence certain aspects of equine digestion, it does not appear to significantly alter the absorption or utilisation of nutrients following meal consumption.

Conclusion

• This research provides valuable insights into the effects of dental care on the digestion and nutrient absorption in horses. It may inform horse care practices, suggesting that while dental correction has its advantages, it’s not a significant factor in altering post-meal nutrient concentrations in horses, at least in clinically healthy mares.