Feeding Behavior of Mangalarga Marchador Weanlings Fed Sorghum Silage Versus Grass Hay.

The research article discusses a study comparing the feeding behaviors of Mangalarga Marchador weanlings in Brazil when fed either sorghum silage or Vaquero hay. The study found that the weanlings spent more time eating and drinking water when on the hay diet due to its low moisture content.

Study Overview

• With the context set in Minas Gerais, Brazil during the dry season, the research involved twelve Mangalarga Marchador weanlings as participants. They are a breed of horses typically weaned during this period when there is a shortage of forage.
• The weanlings were randomly divided into two groups: one group was assigned to a diet of sorghum silage (SS), and the other to Vaquero hay (VH). Sorghum silage is fermented stalks of the Sorghum plant, while Vaquero hay is a type of dried grass forage.
• Each group also received a commercial concentrate proportional to their body weight (1.2 kg per 100 kg of live weight). The forage, either the silage or hay, was provided freely with no restriction on volume or timing of intake (ad libitum).

Methods and Data Collection

• The feeding behaviors of the weanlings were observed through a 48 hours filming process. This included noted durations of forage intake time, water intake time (WIT), concentrate intake time, and leisure time (LT).
• These defined parameters were then statistically analyzed using Tukey’s test, aiming to compare the behaviors between the sorghum silage and Vaquero hay-fed groups.

Results

• The study found that the weanlings spent more time eating forage and drinking water (forage intake time and WIT) in the Vaquero hay group. This is largely due to the lower moisture content in the hay, which stimulated the horses to drink more water.
• Moreover, the feeding behavior of weanlings consuming sorghum silage was different from that of those consuming grass hay. The silage group had less forage intake time and longer LT in comparison to the hay group. These observations show the impact of the diet on the overall behavior and time management of weanlings.

Implications

• The research holds implications for the best feeding practices during the dry season for these horse breeds in Brazil. Recognizing that hay intake takes longer and provokes more water consumption can help guide decisions on the most suitable feed during this time.
• The knowledge about different feeding behaviors can be utilized to ensure proper nutrition, hydration, and overall well-being of the weanlings, particularly in periods of forage scarcity.