Analyze Diet
Journal of animal science2021; 99(11); doi: 10.1093/jas/skab284

Digestibility and nitrogen and water balance in horses fed rhizoma peanut hay.

Abstract: Rhizoma peanut (RP, Arachis glabrata) hay has the potential to meet horses' crude protein (CP) requirements with less nitrogen excretion than other legumes. This study aimed to evaluate nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen balance of RP "Florigraze" hay compared with alfalfa (ALF, Medicago sativa L. "Legendary XHD") and bermudagrass (BG, Cynodon dactylon L. "Coastal") hays when fed to maintenance horses at 2% body weight/d on a dry matter (DM) basis. We hypothesized that nutrient intake would be comparable between the legume hays and lesser for BG and that RP would result in reduced nitrogen excretion compared with ALF. Six mature Quarter Horse geldings (593 ± 40 kg; mean ± SD) were randomly assigned to one of the hays in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square with 21-d periods. A 14-d adaptation phase was followed by a 3-d total fecal and urine collection. Days 18 to 21 were used for a companion study. Intake of nutrients is reported on a DM basis. Digestible energy (DE) intakes from ALF (29.91 Mcal/d) and RP (29.37 Mcal/d) were greater (P < 0.0001) than BG (20.78 Mcal/d). CP intake was greater (P < 0.0001) for ALF (2.5 kg/d), followed by RP (1.9 kg/d) and BG (1.5 kg/d). All hays exceeded maintenance requirements for DE, CP, Ca, and P. Apparent digestibility of DM and CP was greatest (P < 0.0001) for ALF (69% and 84%), intermediate for RP (61% and 72%), and least for BG (46% and 64%). Apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber did not differ (P = 0.2228) among hays, while digestibility of acid detergent fiber (P = 0.0054) was least for RP but similar for ALF and BG. Water intake (kg/d) for ALF (57) was greater (P = 0.0068) than RP (45) and BG (41). Greater (P = 0.0271) water retention (kg/d) was observed for ALF (13.5), followed by RP (10.8) and BG (7.5). There was a difference in nitrogen excretion, with greatest urinary nitrogen excretion for ALF (P < 0.0001) and greatest fecal nitrogen excretion for BG (P = 0.0001). Total nitrogen excretion was greater (P < 0.0001) for ALF (278 g/d), followed by RP (211 g/d) and BG (179 g/d). Nitrogen retention was greater (P = 0.0005) for ALF when represented as g/d (ALF: 129, RP: 86, and BG: 57 g/d) but similar (P = 0.0377) to RP when presented as percent of nitrogen intake (ALF: 32%, RP: 29%, and BG: 24%). Results indicate that RP hay is a suitable legume for horses by meeting DE and CP requirements and having a significant reduction in nitrogen compared with ALF.
Publication Date: 2021-10-12 PubMed ID: 34634110PubMed Central: PMC8763232DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab284Google 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.
  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Veterinary

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.

This research examines the nutritional benefits of feeding horses with rhizoma peanut hay compared to alfalfa and bermudagrass hays. The study found that rhizoma peanut hay meets horses’ dietary needs and reduces nitrogen excretion, making it an efficient and eco-friendly food source for horses.

Objective and Hypothesis

  • The primary goal of this study was to compare the nutrient intake, apparent digestibility, and nitrogen balance of Rhizoma Peanut (RP), Alfalfa (ALF), and Bermudagrass (BG) hays when provided to horses for maintenance. The researchers hypothesized that nutrient intake between legume hays (RP and ALF) would be similar, but less for BG, while RP is expected to cause lesser nitrogen excretion compared to ALF.

Methodology

  • Six mature Quarter Horse geldings were included in the study and were randomly assigned to one of the three types of hay for a period of 21 days. The first 14 days served as an adaptation phase, followed by a three-day full collection of fecal and urine matter.
  • The intake of nutrients from each type of hay was measured on a dry matter (DM) basis.

Findings

  • The study discovered digestible energy (DE) intakes from ALF and RP hays were significantly higher than BG hay. Protein intake was also found to be higher in ALF and RP hays.
  • On matters of apparent digestibility, ALF hay led with 69% (DM) and 84% (crude protein) whereas RP hay stood intermediate with considerable rates. BG had the least apparent digestibility for both DM and CP.
  • Though the apparent digestibility rate of neutral detergent fiber did not differ among hays, acid detergent fiber digestibility was least in RP but similar for ALF and BG.
  • Water intake was higher for horses fed on ALF hay. However, ALF hay also showed the greatest urinary nitrogen excretion. BG hay showed the greatest fecal nitrogen excretion. Despite higher nitrogen excretion rates, ALF hay had better nitrogen retention when represented in grams per day.

Conclusion

  • The study concluded that RP hay is an appropriate choice of legume for horses as it meets DE and crude protein requirements. What sets RP hay apart is its significant reduction in nitrogen excretion compared to ALF, which suggests better ecological implications.

Cite This Article

APA
Vasco ACCM, Brinkley-Bissinger KJ, Bobel JM, Dubeux JCB, Warren LK, Wickens CL. (2021). Digestibility and nitrogen and water balance in horses fed rhizoma peanut hay. J Anim Sci, 99(11). https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab284

Publication

ISSN: 1525-3163
NlmUniqueID: 8003002
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 99
Issue: 11

Researcher Affiliations

Vasco, Ana Caroline C M
  • Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Brinkley-Bissinger, Katy J
  • Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Bobel, Jillian M
  • Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Dubeux, José C B
  • North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Marianna, FL 32446, USA.
Warren, Lori K
  • Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.
Wickens, Carissa L
  • Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animals
  • Arachis
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Digestion
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Medicago sativa
  • Nitrogen
  • Water

Grant Funding

  • 26177 / Office of Agricultural Water Policy of the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

References

This article includes 70 references
  1. Akin DE. Histological and physical factors affecting digestibility of forages. Agron. J. 81:17–25.
  2. Ankom Technology . 2017a. Neutral detergent fiber in feeds filter bag technique. Available from http://www.ankom.com/media/documents/Method_6_NDF_4013011_A200,A2001.pdf [accessed June 7, 2021].
  3. Ankom Technology . 2017b. Acid detergent fiber in feeds filter bag technique. Available from http://www.ankom.com/media/documents/Method_5_ADF_Method_A200_RevE_11_15_13.pdf [accessed June 7, 2021].
  4. Ankom Technology . 2020a. Methods for determining acid detergent lignin in beakers. Available from https://www.ankom.com/sites/default/files/document-files/Method_8_Lignin_in_beakers_0.pdf [accessed June 7, 2021].
  5. Ankom Technology . 2020b. Rapid determination of oil/fat utilizing high temperature solvent extraction. Available from https://www.ankom.com/sites/default/files/document-files/Crude_Fat_Abstract.pdf [accessed June 7, 2021].
  6. AOAC. Official methods of analysis. 18th ed. Gaithersburg (MD): AOAC International.
  7. Blevins DG, Barker DJ. Nutrients and water in forage plants. In: Barnes, R. F., Nelson C. J., Moore K. J., and Collins M., editors. Forages: the science of grassland agriculture. 6th ed. Oxford (UK): Blackwell Publishing; p. 67–80.
  8. Bott RC, Greene EA, Trottier NL, Williams CA, Westendorf ML, Swinker AM, Mastellar SL, Martinson KL. Environmental implications of nitrogen output on horse operations: a review. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 45:98–106.
  9. Brøkner C, Bach-Knudsen KE, Karaman I, Eybye KL, Tauson AH. Chemical and physicochemical characterisation of various horse feed ingredients. Anim. Feed Sci. Tech. 177:86–97.
  10. Burns JC, Pond KR, Fisher DS, Luginbuhl JM. Changes in forage quality, ingestive mastication, and digesta kinetics resulting from switchgrass maturity. J. Anim. Sci. 75:1368–1379.
    doi: 10.2527/1997.7551368xpubmed: 9159287google scholar: lookup
  11. Bussink DW, Oenema O. Ammonia volatilization from dairy farming systems in temperate areas: a review. Nutr. Cycling Agroecosyst. 51:19–33.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731113000578google scholar: lookup
  12. Buxton DR, Mertens DR, Moore KJ, Boyd L, Oldfield J. Forage quality for ruminants: plant and animal considerations. Prof. Anim. Sci. 11:121–131.
  13. Coenen M. Evaluating the protein requirements of horses: the German system for digestible crude protein. In: Juliand, V., and Martin-Rosset W., editors. Nutrition of the performance horse: which system in Europe for evaluating the nutritional requirements? Vol. 111. Wageningen (NL): EAAP Publication. Wageningen Academic Publishers; p. 143–148.
  14. Crozier JA, Allen VG, Jack NE, Fontenot JP, Cochran MA. Digestibility, apparent mineral absorption, and voluntary intake by horses fed alfalfa, tall fescue, and Caucasian bluestem. J. Anim. Sci. 75:1651–1658.
    doi: 10.2527/1997.7561651xpubmed: 9250529google scholar: lookup
  15. Cí·¯ord D, Woodhead A, Muirhead R. A comparison between the nutritive value of short-cutting cycle, high temperature-dried alfalfa and timothy hay for horses. Equine Vet. J. 24:84–89.
  16. Cymbaluk NF. Water balance of horses fed various diets. Equine Pract. 11:19–24.
    doi: 10.4141/cjas90-072google scholar: lookup
  17. Cymbaluk NF. Comparison of forage digestion by cattle and horses. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 70:601–610.
    doi: 10.4141/cjas90-072google scholar: lookup
  18. Dairy One . 2021. Feed composition libraries.nhttps://www.dairyoneservices.com/feedcomposition/
  19. Eastwood MA. The physiological effect of dietary fiber: an update. Annu. Rev. Nutr. 12:19–35.
  20. Eckert JV, Myer RO, Warren LK, Brendemuhl JH. Digestibility and nutrient retention of perennial peanut and bermudagrass hays for mature horses. J. Anim. Sci. 88:2055–2061.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2009-2092pubmed: 20154163google scholar: lookup
  21. 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 2:1526–1533.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731108002760pubmed: 22443911google scholar: lookup
  22. Fales SL, Fritz JO. Factors affecting forage quality. In: Barnes, R. F., Nelson C. J., Moore K. J., and Collins M., editors. Forages: the science of grassland agriculture. 6th ed. Oxford (UK): Blackwell Publishing; p. 569–580.
  23. FASS. Guide for the care and use of agricultural animals in research and teaching. 3rd ed. Champaign (IL): Federation of Animal Science Societies.
  24. Fonnesbeck PV. Consumption and excretion of water by horses receiving all hay and hay-grain diets. J. Anim. Sci. 27:1350–1356.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1968.2751350xgoogle scholar: lookup
  25. Frank N. Equine metabolic syndrome. Vet. Clin. North Am. Equine Pract. 27:73–92.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2010.12.004pubmed: 21392655google scholar: lookup
  26. Gelaye E, Amoah EA. Nutritive value of florigraze rhizoma peanut as an alternative leguminous forage for goats. Small Rumin. Res. 6:131–139.
  27. Geor RJ, Harris P. Dietary management of obesity and insulin resistance: countering risk for laminitis. Vet. Clin. North Am. Equine Pract. 25:51–65, vi.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.02.001pubmed: 19303550google scholar: lookup
  28. Gibbs PG, Potter GD, Schelling GT, Kreider JL, Boyd CL. Digestion of hay protein in different segments of the equine digestive tract. J. Anim. Sci. 66:400–406.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1988.662400xpubmed: 3372383google scholar: lookup
  29. Glade MJ. The influence of dietary fiber digestibility on the nitrogen requirements of mature horses. J. Anim. Sci. 58:638–646.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1984.583638xpubmed: 6325381google scholar: lookup
  30. Graham-Thiers PM, Bowen LK. Effect of protein source on nitrogen balance and plasma amino acids in exercising horses. J. Anim. Sci. 89:729–735.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2010-3081pubmed: 21075968google scholar: lookup
  31. Hall MB, Hoover WH, Jennings JP, Webster TKM. A method for partitioning neutral detergent-soluble carbohydrates. J. Sci. Food Agric. 79:2079–2086.
  32. Hansen TL, Chizek EL, Zugay OK, Miller JM, Bobel JM, Chouinard JW, Adkin AM, Skurupey LA, Warren LK. Digestibility and retention time of coastal bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon) hay by horses. Animal 9:1148.
    doi: 10.3390/ani9121148pmc: PMC6940996pubmed: 31847350google scholar: lookup
  33. Hansen TL, Lawrence LM. Composition factors predicting forage digestibility by horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 58:97–102.
  34. Harris PA, Ellis AD, Fradinho MJ, Jansson A, Julliand V, Luthersson N, Santos AS, Vervuert I. Review: Feeding conserved forage to horses: recent advances and recommendations. Animal 11:958–967.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731116002469pubmed: 27881201google scholar: lookup
  35. Hintz FH. Nutrition and equine performance. J. Nutr. 124:2723–2729.
    doi: 10.1093/jn/124.suppl_12.2723Spubmed: 7996280google scholar: lookup
  36. Hudson JM, Cohen ND, Gibbs PG, Thompson JA. Feeding practices associated with colic in horses. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 219:1419–1425.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.219.1419pubmed: 11724182google scholar: lookup
  37. Hyslop J. Relationship between crude protein intake and water intake in forage based equine diets. BSAP Occas. Publ. 32:227–231.
    doi: 10.1017/S0263967X00041549google scholar: lookup
  38. Knowlton KF, Cobb TD. ADSA Foundation Scholar Award: Implementing waste solutions for dairy and livestock farms. J. Dairy Sci. 89:1372–1383.
  39. Koller BL, Hintz HF, Robertson JB, Van Soest PJ. Comparative cell wall and dry matter digestion in the cecum of the pony and the rumen of the cow using in vitro and nylon bag techniques. J. Anim. Sci. 47:209–215.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1978.471209xgoogle scholar: lookup
  40. LaCasha PA, Brady HA, Allen VG, Richardson CR, Pond KR. Voluntary intake, digestibility, and subsequent selection of Matua bromegrass, coastal bermudagrass, and alfalfa hays by yearling horses. J. Anim. Sci. 77:2766–2773.
    doi: 10.2527/1999.77102766xpubmed: 10521039google scholar: lookup
  41. Lieb S, Ott EA, French EC. Digestible nutrients and voluntary intake of rhizomes peanut, alfalfa, bermudagrass and bahiagrass by equine. In: Proceedings of the Thirteenth Equine Nutrition and Physiology Symposium, Gainesville, FL, USA; January 21, 1993; p. 21–23.
  42. Little D, Blikslager AT. Factors associated with development of ileal impaction in horses with surgical colic (1986-2000). Equine Vet. J. 34:464–468.
    doi: 10.2746/042516402776117773pubmed: 12358048google scholar: lookup
  43. Lloyd LE, Jeffers HFM, Donefer E, Crampton EW. Effect of four maturity stages of timothy hay on its chemical composition, nutrient digestibility and nutritive value index. J. Anim. Sci. 20: 468–473.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1961.203468xgoogle scholar: lookup
  44. Longland AC, Byrd BM. Pasture nonstructural carbohydrates and equine laminitis. J. Nutr. 136(7 Suppl):2099S–2102S.
    doi: 10.1093/jn/136.7.2099Spubmed: 16772510google scholar: lookup
  45. NRC. Nutrient requirements of horses. 6th rev. ed. Washington (DC): National Academies Press.
  46. Meyer H. Intestinal protein and N metabolism in the horse. In: Horse nutrition symposium; SLU, Uppsala, Sweden; 5–7 October.
  47. Miyaji M, Ueda K, Hata H, Kondo S. Effect of grass hay intake on fiber digestion and digesta retention time in the hindgut of horses. J. Anim. Sci. 92:1574–1581.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2013-6676pubmed: 24663181google scholar: lookup
  48. Mok CH, Urschel KL. Amino acid requirements in horses. Asian-Australas. J. Anim. Sci. 33:679–695.
    doi: 10.5713/ajas.20.0050pmc: PMC7206390pubmed: 32164055google scholar: lookup
  49. Moore KJ, Boote KJ, Sanderson MA. Physiology and developmental morphology. In: Moser, L. E., Burson B. L., and Sollenberger L. E., editors. Warm-season (C4) grasses. Madison (WI): ASA/CSSA/SSSA; p. 179–216.
  50. Muir JP, Pitman WD, Foster JL. Sustainable, low-input warm-season pasture grass-legume mixes: mission (nearly) impossible?. Grass Forage Sci. 66:301–452.
  51. Oliveira CA, Azevedo JF, Martins JA, Barreto MP, Silva VP, Julliand V, Almeida FQ. The impact of dietary protein levels on nutrient digestibility and water and nitrogen balances in eventing horses. J. Anim. Sci. 93:229–237.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2014-6971pubmed: 25568371google scholar: lookup
  52. Olsman AF, Jansen WL, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan MM, Beynen AC. Assessment of the minimum protein requirement of adult ponies. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. (Berl) 87:205–212.
  53. Ortega-S JA, Sollenberger LE, Quesenberry KH, Cornell JA, Jones CS Jr. Productivity and persistence of rhizoma peanut pastures under different grazing managements. Agron. J. 84:799–804.
  54. Pagan JD. Measuring the digestible energy content of horse feeds. In: Pagan J. D., editor. Advanced equine nutrition. Nottingham, UK: Nottingham University Press; p. 71–76.
  55. Palmonari A, Fustini M, Canestrari G, Grilli E, Formigoni A. Influence of maturity on alfalfa hay nutritional fractions and indigestible fiber content. J. Dairy Sci. 97:7729–7734.
    doi: 10.3168/jds.2014-8123pubmed: 25262189google scholar: lookup
  56. Potts L, Hinkson J, Grahan B, Loest C, Turner J. Nitrogen retention and nutrient digestibility in Geldings fed grass hay, alfalfa hay, or alfalfa cubes. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 30:330–333.
  57. Quesenberry KH, Blount AR, Mislevy P, French EC, Williams MJ, Prine GM. Registration of ‘UF Tito’ and ‘UF Peace’ rhizoma peanut cultivars with high dry matter yields, persistence, and disease tolerance. J. Plant Reg. 4:17–21.
  58. Rodiek AV, Jones BE. Voluntary intake of four hay types by horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 32:579–583.
  59. Romero F, Van Horn HH, Prine GM, French EC. Effect of cutting interval upon yield, composition and digestibility of Florida 77 alfalfa and florigraze rhizoma peanut. J. Anim. Sci. 65:786–796.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1987.653786xgoogle scholar: lookup
  60. Shewmaker GE, Mayland HF, Roberts CA, Harrison PA, Chatterton NJ, Sleper DA. Daily carbohydrate accumulation in eight tall fescue cultivars. Grass Forage Sci. 61:413–421.
  61. Slade LM, Robinson DW, Casey KE. Nitrogen metabolism in non-ruminant herbivores. I. The influence of non-protein nitrogen and protein quality on the nitrogen retention of adult mares. J. Anim. Sci. 30:753–760.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1970.305753xpubmed: 5420307google scholar: lookup
  62. Staniar WB, Bussard JR, Repard NM, Hall MH, Burk AO. Voluntary intake and digestibility of teff hay fed to horses. J. Anim. Sci. 88:3296–3303.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2009-2668pubmed: 20581289google scholar: lookup
  63. Sturgeon LS, Baker LA, Pipkin JL, Haliburton JC, Chirase NK. The digestibility and mineral availability of matua, bermuda grass, and alfalfa hay in mature horses. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 20:45–48.
  64. Terrill TH, Gelaye S, Mahotiere S, Amoah EA, Miller S, Gates RN, Windham WR. Rhizoma peanut and alfalfa productivity and nutrient composition in Central Georgia. Agron. J. 88:485–488.
  65. Trottier NL, Tedeschi LO. Dietary nitrogen utilisation and prediction of amino acid requirements in equids. Anim. Prod. Sci. 59:2057–2068.
    doi: 10.1071/AN19304google scholar: lookup
  66. Van Soest PJ. Nutritional ecology of the ruminant. 2nd ed. Ithaca (NY) and London: Comstock Publishing Associates, Cornell University Press.
  67. Vasco ACCM, Dubeux JCB, Esquivel AMA, Warren LK, Wickens CL. Feeding behavior and preference of horses fed rhizoma peanut hay. J. Vet. Behav. .
    doi: 10.1016/j.jveb.2021.09.011pubmed: 0google scholar: lookup
  68. Waldrip HM, Cole NA, Todd RW. Review: Nitrogen sustainability and beef cattle feedyards: II. Ammonia emissions. Prof. Anim. Sci. 31:395–411.
    doi: 10.15232/pas.2015-01395google scholar: lookup
  69. Weir J, Li H, Warren LK, Macon E, Wickens C. Characterizing ammonia emissions from horses fed different crude protein concentrations. J. Anim. Sci. 95:3598–3608.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2017.1648pubmed: 28805887google scholar: lookup
  70. Wilson JR, Kennedy PM. Plant and animal constraints to voluntary feed intake associated with fibre characteristics and particle breakdown and passage in ruminants. Aust. J. Agric. Res. 47:199–225.
    doi: 10.1071/AR9960199google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Silva RC, Coelho GJ, Sousa MBF, Caldas CS, Maciel RP, Mezzomo R, Gomes DÍ, Neta ERDS, Tavares FB, Alves KS, Oliveira LRS. Intake, digestibility, and behavior of horses fed açaí kernel (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as a substitute of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus). Trop Anim Health Prod 2024 Oct 28;56(8):361.
    doi: 10.1007/s11250-024-04203-8pubmed: 39466474google scholar: lookup