[Diarrhoea and oedema in two show horses after feeding a pelleted supplemental feed for horses according to VDLUFA’s perspective of microbial quality classified as safe for use in horses].

The research investigates the negative health effects observed in two Warmblood-type show horses after they were fed a batch of supplemental feed pellets. After consumption, the horses developed diarrhoea and oedema which was found to be due to microbial activity in the larger-sized pellets. When replaced with denser, smaller-sized pellets, the symptoms regressed.

Research Method

• The study began after the horses were fed with pelleted supplemental feed and soon developed signs of illness.
• The feed was substituted with a similar composition but with a smaller diameter and the horses’ health improved.
• On reintroducing the larger-sized pellets, the symptoms reoccurred, but this time in both the horses.
• On reverting to the smaller-sized pellets, the horses quickly recuperated.

Findings and Conclusion

• The water activity values of the large and smaller-sized pellets differed, with 0.68 and 0.56 respectively, hinting at a variation in their microbial environments.
• The crude fat in the larger pellets increased along with a decrease in the crude protein and nitrogen-free extract levels, signifying microbial activity.
• Both the large and the smaller pellet samples were examined following VDLUFA methods. Their microbial quality was classified in quality step 1, indicating that per the standard criteria they were safe for horse consumption.
• However, despite complying with product recommendations, the batch had high numbers of bacteria indicative of spoilage.
• The content of sulfite-reducing clostridia was higher in the larger pellets, with approximately 3.3 x 10(2) units, in comparison to 1.1 x 10(2) in the smaller ones.
• The larger-sized pellets also generated significant amounts of gas and non-probiotic Bacillus cereus were identified, indicating their negative impact on the horses’ health.

Implications

• The findings underscore the need for punctilious microbial quality tests to ensure horse feed safety. It highlights that conforming to standard quality recommendations may not always eliminate the risk of harmful microbial activity.
• The study draws attention to the significance of feed pellet size. It suggests that smaller, denser pellets might prove healthier and present a lesser risk of microbial spoilage and negative effects on horse health.