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Effect of a feed/fast protocol on pH in the proximal equine stomach.
Abstract: Risk factors for the development of gastric squamous ulcers include various management procedures, such as intermittent feed deprivation that can occur during weight management regimens or stall and dry lot confinement. Objective: To investigate the effect of intermittent feed deprivation relative to continuous feed intake on proximal intragastric pH, specifically in the region of the squamous mucosa of the lesser curvature. Methods: In 6 horses, pH electrodes were placed just inside of the oesophageal sphincter in the stomach for each of two 72 h protocols (A and B) in a randomised, cross-over design. Protocol A consisted of 12 h fed, 12 h fasted, 24 h fed and 24 h fasted, in sequence. Protocol B consisted of 72 h fed. During the fed periods of each protocol, horses had ad libitum access to coastal Bermuda hay and were fed sweet feed (1 kg, b.i.d.). Horses had ad libitum access to water at all times. Results: Proximal intragastric pH was significantly lower during protocol A, than during protocol B. However, hourly mean pH was significantly different only during the day and evening hours between protocols. During protocol B, mean proximal pH decreased significantly from 03.00 to 09.00 compared to 19.00 to 23.00 h. A moderate positive correlation of hay intake vs. proximal gastric pH could be established. Conclusions: Intermittent feed deprivation decreased proximal gastric pH in horses relative to those horses for which feed was not restricted. However, the effect was only significant when fasting occurred during the day and evening hours, as a nocturnal decrease in pH occurred simultaneously in the fed horses. Conclusions: Episodes of daytime feed deprivation should be avoided if possible, as proximal gastric acid exposure rapidly increases during such events.
Publication Date: 2009-11-26 PubMed ID: 19927584DOI: 10.2746/042516409x416431Google 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
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research article investigates how alternating feeding and fasting in horses impacts pH levels in their stomachs. The study revealed that inconsistent feeding may lead to lower gastric pH in horses, potentially increasing the risk for developing ulcers.
Objective of the Research
The aim of the study was to identify the impact of intermittent feed deprivation contrasted with continuous feed intake on the pH levels in a horse’s stomach, specifically in the squamous mucosa of the lesser curvature, which are prone to ulcers. This is of particular interest as certain management practices, such as intermittent feed deprivation often implemented during weight management, could potentially lead to the development of gastric squamous ulcers.
Methodology
- The research involved six horses, where pH electrodes were placed in their stomachs just within the oesophageal sphincter.
- Two 72-hour protocols were designed — Protocol A and Protocol B.
- Protocol A required horses to be fed for 12 hours, fasted for 12 hours, followed by 24 hours of feeding and 24 hours of fasting.
- Protocol B allowed horses to feed continuously across the 72 hours. These horses had unrestricted access to water and coastal Bermuda hay during the feeding times. Sweet feed was also given twice a day.
Findings
- The outcome demonstrated that during the intermittent feeding protocol (A), the horses’ stomach pH was significantly lower than those following the continuous feeding Protocol B.
- A parallel decrease in pH was observed during night hours in both protocols, but the difference between the protocols was significant only during daytime and evening hours.
- A moderate positive correlation was established between the volume of hay intake and the pH level in the stomachs of horses, suggesting hay intake might influence gastric pH.
Conclusions
The study concluded that inconsistent feeding patterns, specifically periods of daytime fasting, may decrease the pH level in the stomachs of horses compared to continuous feeding. The low pH levels linked to feed deprivation could increase the risk for gastric ulcers. The authors advise against daytime feed deprivation as the associated increased acid exposure could potentially harm the horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Husted L, Sanchez LC, Baptiste KE, Olsen SN.
(2009).
Effect of a feed/fast protocol on pH in the proximal equine stomach.
Equine Vet J, 41(7), 658-662.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516409x416431 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Large Animal Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Taastrup, Denmark.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Feed
- Animal Husbandry
- Animals
- Food Deprivation
- Horses / physiology
- Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
- Stomach / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- Hodgson E, Thirouin M, Narayanan P, Romano TR, Wise J, Bond S. A novel placement method of a calibration-free pH capsule for continuous wireless measurement of intragastric pH in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Jan-Feb;39(1):e17273.
- Vokes J, Lovett A, Sykes B. Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome: An Update on Current Knowledge. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 5;13(7).
- Wise JC, Hughes KJ, Edwards S, Jacobson GA, Narkowicz CK, Raidal SL. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic effects of 2 registered omeprazole preparations and varying dose rates in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2021 Jan;35(1):620-631.
- Sykes BW, Bowen M, Habershon-Butcher JL, Green M, Hallowell GD. Management factors and clinical implications of glandular and squamous gastric disease in horses. J Vet Intern Med 2019 Jan;33(1):233-240.
- Mönki J, Hewetson M, Virtala AM. Risk Factors for Equine Gastric Glandular Disease: A Case-Control Study in a Finnish Referral Hospital Population. J Vet Intern Med 2016 Jul;30(4):1270-5.
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