Feed Concentrate Palatability in Welsh Ponies: Acceptance and Preference of Flavors.

This research paper investigates the impact of different flavors on the acceptance and preference patterns of feed concentrate in Welsh ponies. Researchers found that, among anise, caramel, raspberry, and apple flavored feed, the ponies displayed a greater preference for apple, consuming it at a higher rate than the other flavors.

Objective of the Research

• The study aimed to evaluate the acceptance and preference of different flavors when added to the feed concentrate of Welsh Ponies. Commercial horse feed manufacturers often use flavors to mask bitter feed taste, to combat feed neophobia (fear of new feeds), and to encourage horses to drink more water.
• The study evaluated if this strategy was effective and investigated which flavors were the most preferred by the ponies.

Pony Subjects and Feed Preparation

• Female Welsh ponies aged between four to 13 years were selected for the experiment. The ponies were given five types of feed options – four concentrates flavored with anise, caramel, raspberry, and apple, and one control feed (no flavor).
• To ensure equal accessibility and familiarity, each flavor was included at a rate of 300g per ton on an as-is basis in each bucket of feed. In a week-long adaptation period, the ponies were introduced to each bucket for just smell.

Evaluation Method

• The ponies were allowed to freely choose the different flavored concentrates for a 2-minute period during the testing phase. To avoid positional bias, the positions of the buckets and the flavors were randomized.
• The evaluation phase was video-recorded, and several parameters were recorded like the intake quantity, eating time, and relevant behavioristic changes like the number of chews.

Results and Conclusion

• The study found that the apple concentrate was consumed the most at 116g per 2-minute offering, whereas raspberry and the unflavored control concentrates were consumed the least, below 100g per 2-minute offering.
• No significant effects were observed on chews, smell or headshaking time per second between treatments. This suggests that the flavoring doesn’t significantly impact the ponies’ behavior outside of their feeding preference.
• In conclusion, the study confirmed that adding flavors to feed was effective in improving consumption. The ponies showed a distinct preference for apple flavors over other flavors, providing useful information for feed manufacturers and owners to improve feed palatability and consumption.