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Equine veterinary journal2020; 53(1); 117-124; doi: 10.1111/evj.13259

Effect of feed deprivation on daily water consumption in healthy horses.

Abstract: Measurements of water consumed by fed healthy horses might not apply to horses that are unwilling or unable to drink or are not fed for any reason. Objective: To examine the effects of feed deprivation on voluntary water consumption compared with fed conditions. Methods: In vivo experiment. Methods: Eight healthy adult Thoroughbred geldings were used in a randomised crossover design so that each horse served as its own control for fed vs feed-deprived conditions. Water intake, bodyweight, physical findings and vital signs were measured during 4 days of feeding and 4 days of feed deprivation. Daily measurements during the trial periods were PCV, TPP, electrolytes, osmolality and triglycerides. Plasma and extracellular fluid volumes were measured in the last 8 hours of the trial periods. Data were analysed with a two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures, and statistical significance was P ≤ .05. Results: Feed deprivation immediately and persistently reduced water consumption to ~16% of fed values, with laboratory evidence of mild dehydration on day 4. Conclusions: Changes in total body water and in water and electrolyte excretion or conservation through faeces and urine were not measured. Conclusions: Feed consumption has a marked effect on water requirements in healthy horses. Because current guidelines for water needs were obtained in the fed state, they might not apply to horses that are denied feed for any reason or have reduced feed intake. This study provides new information on water consumption in horses that should apply to this essential nutrient in health and disease.
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Publication Date: 2020-03-30 PubMed ID: 32150657DOI: 10.1111/evj.13259Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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 study investigates how feed deprivation, or lack of food, impacts the amount of water healthy horses voluntarily consume and the potential effects of this on their overall health.

Research Objective

The primary aim of this research was to determine whether lack of feed impacts the amount of voluntary water consumption in horses. This was conducted as the measurements of water consumed by horses which were fed regularly may not reflect the water consumption of horses that are not fed or unable to drink for any reason.

Research Methodology

  • Eight healthy adult Thoroughbred geldings were used in this study and a randomised crossover design was employed. This design allowed each horse to serve as its own control in comparing conditions of being fed versus being deprived of feed.
  • Various parameters like water intake, bodyweight, physical findings, and vital signs were measured over 4-day periods of being fed and being deprived of food.
  • Measurements of PCV (Packed Cell Volume) which refers to the volume percentage of red blood cells in blood, TPP (Total Plasma Proteins) which represent the sum of proteins in the liquid portion of the blood, electrolytes, osmolality (a measure of the concentration of a solution) and triglycerides were taken daily during the trial periods.
  • The plasma and extracellular fluid volumes were measured in the last 8 hours of the trial periods.
  • Data collected were analysed using a two-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. A statistical significance level of P ≤ .05 was used.

Research Findings

  • The research found that deprivation of feed immediately and persistently reduced water consumption to approximately 16% of the values when the horses were fed.
  • There was laboratory evidence showing mild dehydration on the fourth day of feed deprivation.

Research Conclusions

  • The study concluded that feed consumption essentially impacts the water requirements in healthy horses. The changes in total body water and in water and electrolyte excretion or conservation through faeces and urine were not measured.
  • Since the current guidelines for water needs in horses were obtained while feeding, they might not apply to horses that are denied feed for any reason or have reduced feed intake.
  • The study contributes new information regarding water consumption in horses in relation to their feed intake. These findings should help inform the understanding and management of this essential nutrient in health and disease conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
Freeman DE, Mooney A, Giguère S, Claire J, Evetts C, Diskant P. (2020). Effect of feed deprivation on daily water consumption in healthy horses. Equine Vet J, 53(1), 117-124. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13259

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 1
Pages: 117-124

Researcher Affiliations

Freeman, David E
  • Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Mooney, Alexandra
  • Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Giguère, Steeve
  • Department of Large Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA.
Claire, Jami
  • Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Evetts, Chloe
  • Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Diskant, Patricia
  • Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Florida, College of Veterinary Medicine, Gainesville, FL, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animals
  • Body Fluids / metabolism
  • Body Weight
  • Drinking
  • Electrolytes
  • Horse Diseases
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Triglycerides

Grant Funding

  • Island Whirl Equine Colic Research Grant
  • University of Florida
  • College of Veterinary Medicine

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
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