FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / Evaluation of Two Equations for Prediction of Digestible Ene...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 12(13); 1628; doi: 10.3390/ani12131628

Evaluation of Two Equations for Prediction of Digestible Energy in Mixed Feeds and Diets for Horses.

Abstract: Several authors have developed equations for estimating digestible energy in horse feeds as an alternative to the inconveniences of in vivo digestibility assays. We aimed to evaluate two of such equations. A dataset was constructed from the literature with 32 mixed feeds and diets of known proximate composition, whose digestibility was measured in in vivo assays. Then, the digestible energy of the mixed feeds and diets was predicted with both equations from their proximate components. Precision, accuracy, reproducibility, bias, and decomposition of total error of predictions were determined. Both equations performed almost equally well (R2 = 0.89 vs. 0.87, root mean square error of prediction = 183 vs. 217 kcal/kg dry matter, concordance correlation coefficient = 0.91 vs. 0.86, and linear error = 24.6 vs. 33.6% of total error). Linear bias (p < 0.01 in both equations) resulted in overvaluation of low digestible energy feeds and, to a lesser extent, undervaluation of high digestible energy feeds and was significantly (p < 0.05) related to crude fiber. The obtained results indicate that the accuracy of both equations could be improved by reassessing the effects of crude fiber on the digestibility of the other proximate components.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2022-06-24 PubMed ID: 35804525PubMed Central: PMC9265017DOI: 10.3390/ani12131628Google 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.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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 study evaluates the accuracy of two equations formulated to predict the digestible energy in horse feeds using their proximate components. The researchers found that these equations are largely accurate, but could be improved by reassessing the effect of crude fiber on the digestibility of other components.

Abstract Overview

The study aimed to evaluate two equations used to estimate the amount of digestible energy in horse feeds and diets. This method provides an alternative to using in vivo digestibility assays, which are time-consuming and inconvenient. The study compared the predicted digestible energies of various horse feeds and diets with their previously measured in vivo digestibility values.

  • To conduct this experiment, the researchers collected data about 32 mixed feeds and diets with known proximate compositions from existing literature.
  • Then they used the two equations to predict the digestible energy from the proximate components of these feeds and diets.
  • Several factors were considered to determine the performance of the equations, such as their precision, accuracy, reproducibility, bias, and total error of predictions.

Results and Implications

Both equations performed quite similarly, indicating they could accurately predict the digestible energy of mixed feeds and diets for horses.

  • The R2 values (a statistical measure that represents the proportions of the variance for a dependent variable that’s explained by an independent variable) of both equations were close (0.89 vs. 0.87). This shows that these models could explain a significant portion of the variability of the data.
  • The root mean square error of prediction (which measures the average magnitude of the error) was also similarly close (183 vs. 217 kcal/kg dry matter).
  • The concordance correlation coefficient (which measures accuracy and precision between the observed and predicted values) of the two equations was 0.91 vs. 0.86.
  • The linear error (the difference between a predicted and observed value) represented 24.6% vs. 33.6% of the total error for both equations, indicating a moderate level of bias.

Despite these results, the study identifies a significant linear bias in both equations. This bias resulted in an overestimation of the digestible energy in feeds with low digestible energy and, to a lesser extent, an underestimation in feeds with high digestible energy. It was found that this bias was significantly related to the crude fiber component of the diets and feeds.

This finding suggests a potential area of improvement for these predictive equations. The researchers conclude by suggesting a reassessment of the effects of crude fiber on the digestibility of the other proximate components of horse feeds, which could improve the accuracy of these equations.

Cite This Article

APA
Martínez Marín AL, Valle E, Bergero D, Requena F, Forte C, Schiavone A. (2022). Evaluation of Two Equations for Prediction of Digestible Energy in Mixed Feeds and Diets for Horses. Animals (Basel), 12(13), 1628. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12131628

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 12
Issue: 13
PII: 1628

Researcher Affiliations

Martínez Marín, Andrés Luis
  • Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Valle, Emanuela
  • Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Bergero, Domenico
  • Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Requena, Francisco
  • Departamento de Biología Celular, Fisiología e Inmunología, Universidad de Córdoba, Ctra. Madrid-Cádiz km 396, 14071 Córdoba, Spain.
Forte, Claudio
  • Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.
Schiavone, Achille
  • Dipartimento di Scienze Veterinarie, University of Torino, Largo Paolo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 48 references
  1. Bergero D, Valle E. A multi-factorial approach to the nutritional requirements of sports horses: Critical analysis and some practical applications.. Ital. J. Anim. Sci. 2007;6:639–641.
    doi: 10.4081/ijas.2007.1s.639google scholar: lookup
  2. Becvarova I, Pleasant RS, Thatcher CD. Clinical assessment of nutritional status and feeding programs in horses.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2009 Apr;25(1):1-21, v.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.01.001pubmed: 19303547google scholar: lookup
  3. National Research Council (NRC) Nutritional Energetics of Domestic Animals and Glossary of Energy Terms. National Academies Press; Washington, DC, USA: 1981.
  4. Kienzle E, Zeyner A. The development of a metabolizable energy system for horses.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2010 Dec;94(6):e231-40.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01015.xpubmed: 20626500google scholar: lookup
  5. Vermorel M, Martin-Rosset W. Concepts, scientific bases, structure and validation of the French horse net energy system (UFC). Livest. Prod. Sci. 1997;47:261–275.
    doi: 10.1016/S0301-6226(96)01410-8google scholar: lookup
  6. Fonnesbeck P.V. Estimating digestible energy and TDN for horses with chemical analysis of feeds.. J. Anim. Sci. 1981;53:241.
  7. Martin-Rosset W, Vermorel M, Doreau M, Tisserand J, Andrieu J. The French horse feed evaluation systems and recommended allowances for energy and protein.. Livest. Prod. Sci. 1994;40:37–56.
    doi: 10.1016/0301-6226(94)90264-Xgoogle scholar: lookup
  8. Núñez-Sánchez N, Requena-Domenech F, García-Moya M, Peña-Blanco P, Agüera-Buendía E, Martínez-Marín A.L. Predicción del contenido en energía digestible de alimentos para equinos a partir de la composición química proximal.. Rev. Científica FVC-LUZ. 2019;29:126–132.
  9. Pagan J.D. Measuring the digestible energy content of horse feeds.. 1998. pp. 71–76.
  10. Sales J, Homolka P, Koukolová V. Prediction of energy digestibility of hays in horses.. J. Equine Veter Sci. 2013;33:719–725.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2012.12.001google scholar: lookup
  11. Williams M.J. Effects of Energy Source and Amount on Nutrient Digestibility and Prediction of Digestible Energy in Horses.. Ph.D. Thesis. Ohio State University; Columbus, OH, USA: 2020.
  12. Zeyner A. Ermittlung des Gehaltes an verdaulicher Energie im Pferdefutter über die Verdaulichkeitsschätzung.. Übers Tierernährg. 1995;23:55–104.
  13. Zeyner A, Hoffmann M, Fuchs R. Möglichkeiten der schätzung des energiegehalts in rationen zur sportpferdefütterung.. Pferdeheilkunde. 1992;8:175–178.
  14. Zeyner A, Kienzle E. A method to estimate digestible energy in horse feed.. J Nutr 2002 Jun;132(6 Suppl 2):1771S-3S.
    doi: 10.1093/jn/132.6.1771Spubmed: 12042523google scholar: lookup
  15. Gesellschaft für Ernährungsphysiologie (GfE). Emphelungen zur Energie- und Närhstoffversorgung von Pferden.. DLG Verlag GmbH; Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland: 2014.
  16. Institut National Recherche Agronomique (INRA). Equine Nutrition, INRA Nutrient Requirements, Recommended Allowances and Feed Tables.. Wageningen Academic publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2015.
  17. National Research Council (NRC). Nutrient Requirements of Horses.. National Academies Press; Washington, DC, USA: 2007.
  18. Henneberg W, Stohmann F. Uber das erhaltungsfutter volljahrigen rindviehs.. J. Landwirtsch. 1859;3:485–551.
  19. . EC Regulation 767/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 13 July 2009 on the placing on the market and use of feed.. Off. J. 2009;229:1–28.
  20. Van Soest PJ, Robertson JB, Lewis BA. Methods for dietary fiber, neutral detergent fiber, and nonstarch polysaccharides in relation to animal nutrition.. J Dairy Sci 1991 Oct;74(10):3583-97.
    doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(91)78551-2pubmed: 1660498google scholar: lookup
  21. Lindsey J.B, Beals C.L, Archibald J.G. The digestibility and energy values of feeds for horses.. J. Agric. Res. 1926;32:569–604.
  22. Hintz H.F, Loy R.G. Effects of pelleting on the nutritive value of horse rations.. J. Anim. Sci. 1966;25:1059–1062.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1966.2541059xgoogle scholar: lookup
  23. Martin-Rosset W, Dulphy J. Digestibility interactions between forages and concentrates in horses: Influence of feeding level-comparison with sheep.. Livest. Prod. Sci. 1987;17:263–276.
    doi: 10.1016/0301-6226(87)90071-6google scholar: lookup
  24. Parkins JJ, Snow DH, Adams S. The apparent digestibility of 'complete diet' cubes given to Thoroughbred horses and the use of chromic oxide as an inert faecal marker.. Br Vet J 1982 Jul-Aug;138(4):350-5.
    doi: 10.1016/S0007-1935(17)31040-0pubmed: 7116124google scholar: lookup
  25. Saastamoinen M, Särkijärvi S. Effect of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Groats-Based Mixed Feed Supplements on Diet Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Parameters of Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2020 Feb 10;10(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani10020272pmc: PMC7070253pubmed: 32050686google scholar: lookup
  26. Smolders E, Steg A, Hindle V. Organic matter digestibility in horses and its prediction.. Neth. J. Agric. Sci. 1990;38:435–447.
    doi: 10.18174/njas.v38i3B.16569google scholar: lookup
  27. Lin LI. A concordance correlation coefficient to evaluate reproducibility.. Biometrics 1989 Mar;45(1):255-68.
    doi: 10.2307/2532051pubmed: 2720055google scholar: lookup
  28. St-Pierre NR. Reassessment of biases in predicted nitrogen flows to the duodenum by NRC 2001.. J Dairy Sci 2003 Jan;86(1):344-50.
    doi: 10.3168/jds.S0022-0302(03)73612-1pubmed: 12613877google scholar: lookup
  29. Tedeschi L.O. Assessment of the adequacy of mathematical models.. Agric. Syst. 2006;89:225–247.
    doi: 10.1016/j.agsy.2005.11.004google scholar: lookup
  30. Owens FN, Sapienza DA, Hassen AT. Effect of nutrient composition of feeds on digestibility of organic matter by cattle: a review.. J Anim Sci 2010 Apr;88(13 Suppl):E151-69.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2009-2559pubmed: 20081083google scholar: lookup
  31. Karlsson C.P, Lindberg J, Rundgren M. Associative effects on total tract digestibility in horses fed different ratios of grass hay and whole oats.. Livest. Prod. Sci. 2000;65:143–153.
    doi: 10.1016/S0301-6226(99)00178-5google scholar: lookup
  32. Ragnarsson S, Lindberg J.E. Nutritional value of mixed grass haylage in Icelandic horses.. Livest. Sci. 2010;131:83–87.
    doi: 10.1016/j.livsci.2010.03.003google scholar: lookup
  33. Vermorel M, Martin-Rosset W, Vernet J. Energy utilization of twelve forages or mixed diets for maintenance by sport horses.. Livest. Prod. Sci. 1997;47:157–167.
    doi: 10.1016/S0301-6226(96)01402-9google scholar: lookup
  34. Jensen RB, Austbø D, Bach Knudsen KE, Tauson AH. The effect of dietary carbohydrate composition on apparent total tract digestibility, feed mean retention time, nitrogen and water balance in horses.. Animal 2014 Nov;8(11):1788-96.
    doi: 10.1017/S175173111400175Xpubmed: 25018093google scholar: lookup
  35. Weiss W, Conrad H, Pierre N.S. A theoretically-based model for predicting total digestible nutrient values of forages and concentrates.. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 1992;39:95–110.
    doi: 10.1016/0377-8401(92)90034-4google scholar: lookup
  36. Harris P. Feeding the endurance horse.. In: Lindner A., editor. Applied Equine Nutrition. Wageningen Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2005. pp. 61–84.
  37. Vergnano D, Bergero D, Valle E. Clinical nutrition counselling service in the veterinary hospital: retrospective analysis of equine patients and nutritional considerations.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2017 Jun;101 Suppl 1:59-68.
    doi: 10.1111/jpn.12658pubmed: 28627060google scholar: lookup
  38. Almeida M.I.V.D, Ferreira W.M, Almeida F.Q.D, Gonçalves L.C, Rezende A.S.C. Composição química e predição do valor nutritivo de dietas para eqüinos.. Rev. Bras. Zootec. 1999;28:1268–1278.
    doi: 10.1590/S1516-35981999000600014google scholar: lookup
  39. Hallsworth E.G. The relationship between the crude-fibre content of pasture and other feeding-stuffs and their digestibility and starch equivalent.. J. Agric. Sci. 1949;39:254–258.
    doi: 10.1017/S0021859600004184google scholar: lookup
  40. Kienzle E, Fehrle S, Opitz B. Interactions between the apparent energy and nutrient digestibilities of a concentrate mixture and roughages in horses.. J Nutr 2002 Jun;132(6 Suppl 2):1778S-80S.
    doi: 10.1093/jn/132.6.1778Spubmed: 12042526google scholar: lookup
  41. Hintz HF, Argenzio RA, Schryver HF. Digestion coefficients, blood glucose levels and molar percentage of volatile acids in intestinal fluid of ponies fed varying forage-grain ratios.. J Anim Sci 1971 Nov;33(5):992-5.
    doi: 10.2527/jas1971.335992xpubmed: 5119977google scholar: lookup
  42. Gobesso A.A.D.O, D’Auria E, Prezotto L.D, Rennó F.P. Replacement of corn by ground or extruded sorghum in diets for horses.. R. Bras. Zootec. 2008;37:2011–2016.
    doi: 10.1590/S1516-35982008001100017google scholar: lookup
  43. Kalantari RK, Rouzbehan Y, Fazaeli H, Direkvandi E, Salem AZM. The Effect of Three Levels of Concentrate and Grain Processing on Feeding Behavior, Nutrient Digestibility, Blood Metabolites and Fecal pH Of Turkmen Horses.. J Equine Vet Sci 2021 Sep;104:103690.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103690pubmed: 34416994google scholar: lookup
  44. Peiretti P.G, Miraglia N, Bergero D. Effects of oat or corn on the horse rations digestibility.. J. Food Agric. Environ. 2011;9:268–270.
  45. Philippeau C, Sadet-Bourgeteau S, Varloud M, Julliand V. Impact of barley form on equine total tract fibre digestibility and colonic microbiota.. Animal 2015 Dec;9(12):1943-8.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731115001524pubmed: 26316024google scholar: lookup
  46. Miyaji M, Ueda K, Hata H, Kondo S. Effects of quality and physical form of hay on mean retention time of digesta and total tract digestibility in horses.. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 2011;165:61–67.
    doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2011.02.003google scholar: lookup
  47. Potts L, Hinkson J, Graham B, Löest C, Turner J. Nitrogen retention and nutrient digestibility in geldings fed grass hay, alfalfa hay, or alfalfa cubes.. J. Equine Veter Sci. 2010;30:330–333.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2010.04.007google scholar: lookup
  48. Todd L.K, Sauer W.C, Christopherson R.J, Coleman R.J, Caine W.R. The effect of feeding different forms of alfalfa on nutrient digestibility and voluntary intake in horses.. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 1995;73:1–8.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.1995.tb00397.xgoogle scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 1 times.
  1. Zicarelli F, Tudisco R, Lotito D, Musco N, Iommelli P, Ferrara M, Calabrò S, Infascelli F, Lombardi P. Forage:Concentrate Ratio Effects on In Vivo Digestibility and In Vitro Degradability of Horse's Diet. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 11;13(16).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13162589pubmed: 37627380google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,344 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.