Effects of feeding large amounts of grain on colonic contents and feces in horses.
Abstract: To assess changes in systemic hydration, concentrations of plasma electrolytes, hydration and physical properties of colonic contents and feces, and gastrointestinal transit in horses with access to large amounts of grain. Methods: 6 horses with right dorsal colon (RDC) fistulas. Methods: In a crossover design, horses were alternately fed 1 of 3 diets: orchard grass hay ad libitum after being adapted to this diet for at least 5 days, orchard grass hay ad libitum and 4.55 kg of grain offered every 12 hours after being adapted to orchard grass hay ad libitum for at least 5 days, or orchard grass hay ad libitum and 4.55 kg of grain offered every 12 hours after being adapted to this diet for at least 5 days. Physical examinations were performed and samples of blood, colonic contents, and feces were collected every 6 hours during a 48-hour observation period. Results: Grain ingestion had several effects, including changes in the concentrations of electrolytes in plasma; RDC contents became more homogenous, dehydrated, foamy, and less dense; RDC contents flowed spontaneously when the cannula was opened; RDC contents expanded when heated in an oven; and feces became fetid and less formed. Horses did not have any clinical signs of colic, endotoxemia, or laminitis. Conclusions: Changes observed in the colonic contents and feces may be explained by the large amounts of hydrolyzable carbohydrates provided by grain. Access to large amounts of grain may increase the risk of tympany and displacement of the large intestine.
Publication Date: 2004-05-15 PubMed ID: 15141892DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.687Google 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.
- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
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 paper studies the impact of feeding large amounts of grain on horses’ health, specifically focusing on changes in their colonic contents and feces. The changes recorded in these aspects were linked to the high content of hydrolyzable carbohydrates present in the grain.
Research Methodology
- The study employed a crossover design where six horses with right dorsal colon (RDC) fistulas were alternately fed one of three diets.
- The first diet comprised of orchard grass hay provided in unlimited quantity, to which the horses were adapted for a minimum of five days.
- The second diet included orchard grass hay ad libitum and 4.55 kg of grain which was provided every 12 hours. The horses were adapted to this diet, too, for at least five days.
- The third diet was similar to the second one, with the difference being that the horses were adapted to it for a minimum of five days.
- Physical examinations of the horses were then conducted and samples of their blood, colonic contents, and feces were collected every sixth hour over a 48 hour observation period.
Findings of the Study
- The study found that grain intake severely impacted the horses, causing alterations in the concentration of electrolytes in their plasma.
- The contents of the right dorsal colon (RDC) became homogenized, dehydrated, and foamy, and also reduced in density. The RDC contents also displayed spontaneous flow when the cannula was opened and exhibited expansion when heated in an oven.
- The feces of the horses became smelly and displayed less formation.
- However, during the course of the study, the horses didn’t show any clinical signs of colic, endotoxemia, or laminitis.
Conclusions Drawn
- The changes that were observed in the horses’ colonic contents and feces were attributed to the high quantity of hydrolyzable carbohydrates that were supplied by the grain in their diet.
- The study suggests that access to large amounts of grain could elevate the risk of tympany (a condition of excess gas in the digestive system) and displacement of the large intestine in horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Lopes MA, White NA, Crisman MV, Ward DL.
(2004).
Effects of feeding large amounts of grain on colonic contents and feces in horses.
Am J Vet Res, 65(5), 687-694.
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.2004.65.687 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Marion duPont Scott Equine Medical Center, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, Leesburg, VA 20176, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Analysis of Variance
- Animal Feed
- Animals
- Colon / chemistry
- Cross-Over Studies
- Edetic Acid
- Edible Grain
- Electrolytes / blood
- Feces / chemistry
- Gastrointestinal Contents / chemistry
- Horses / physiology
- Time Factors
- Water / analysis
Citations
This article has been cited 9 times.- Franzan BC, da Silva Coelho I, Ramos EM, de Souza ARP, de Almeida FQ, Silva VP. Complete Extruded Diet: How Does Equine Fecal Microbiota Change During Intake Adaptation?. Anim Sci J 2026 Jan-Dec;97(1):e70147.
- Scilimati N, Cerullo A, Nannarone S, Gialletti R, Giusto G, Bertoletti A. Small Colon Faecalith with Large Colon Displacement in Ten Cases (2015-2023): A Detailed Case Description and Literature Review. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jan 15;14(2).
- Raspa F, Vervuert I, Capucchio MT, Colombino E, Bergero D, Forte C, Greppi M, Cavallarin L, Giribaldi M, Antoniazzi S, Cavallini D, Valvassori E, Valle E. A high-starch vs. high-fibre diet: effects on the gut environment of the different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract. BMC Vet Res 2022 May 19;18(1):187.
- Lindroth KM, Lindberg JE, Johansen A, Müller CE. Feeding and Management of Horses with and without Free Faecal Liquid: A Case-Control Study. Animals (Basel) 2021 Aug 30;11(9).
- Lindroth KM, Johansen A, Båverud V, Dicksved J, Lindberg JE, Müller CE. Differential Defecation of Solid and Liquid Phases in Horses-A Descriptive Survey. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jan 1;10(1).
- Williams S, Horner J, Orton E, Green M, McMullen S, Mobasheri A, Freeman SL. Water intake, faecal output and intestinal motility in horses moved from pasture to a stabled management regime with controlled exercise. Equine Vet J 2015 Jan;47(1):96-100.
- Dougal K, de la Fuente G, Harris PA, Girdwood SE, Pinloche E, Newbold CJ. Identification of a core bacterial community within the large intestine of the horse. PLoS One 2013;8(10):e77660.
- Dyer J, Al-Rammahi M, Waterfall L, Salmon KS, Geor RJ, Bouré L, Edwards GB, Proudman CJ, Shirazi-Beechey SP. Adaptive response of equine intestinal Na+/glucose co-transporter (SGLT1) to an increase in dietary soluble carbohydrate. Pflugers Arch 2009 Jun;458(2):419-30.
- Lentle RG, Janssen PW. Physical characteristics of digesta and their influence on flow and mixing in the mammalian intestine: a review. J Comp Physiol B 2008 Aug;178(6):673-90.
Use Nutrition Calculator
Check if your horse's diet meets their nutrition requirements with our easy-to-use tool Check your horse's diet with our easy-to-use tool
Talk to a Nutritionist
Discuss your horse's feeding plan with our experts over a free phone consultation Discuss your horse's diet over a phone consultation
Submit Diet Evaluation
Get a customized feeding plan for your horse formulated by our equine nutritionists Get a custom feeding plan formulated by our nutritionists
