Equine poisoning by coffee husk (Coffea arabica L.).

The research article investigates the adverse effects on horses after they ingest coffee husks commonly used as stall bedding in Brazil. Results showed signs of intoxication due to the high levels of caffeine found in the husks.

Objective of the Research

• The study aimed to assess whether coffee husks, used as bedding in horse stalls, can cause intoxication-like symptoms in horses when ingested. This was motivated by reports from field veterinarians who noticed symptoms of intoxication in horses after the consumption of these husks.

Methods and Procedure

• The researchers used six horses and fed them with coast cross hay ad libitum and allowed them access to coffee husks.
• They keenly observed and recorded any abnormal behavior or physical changes in the horses such as excitability, restlessness, involuntary muscle tremors, chewing movements, constant tremors of the lips and tongue, excessive sweating, and increased respiration and heart rates.
• The plasma and urine of the horses were tested for caffeine levels at two different points – immediately before the husks were offered (T0) and post 56 hours when the symptoms began to show (T56).

Results

• The results showed significant levels of caffeine in the plasma and urine of the horses at T56. Compared to the results at T0, the levels were absolute and definitively higher.
• The horses showed pronounced physical and behavioral changes, such as restlessness, excessive sweating, and increased heart rate, among others.

Conclusion

• It was concluded from the results that the coffee husks consumed by the horses were toxic due to the high caffeine content.
• This conclusively stated that coffee husks pose a significant risk when used as bedding or as feed for horses, corroborating the observations and reports put forward by field veterinarians. It added an objective backing to these initially empirical findings.