Feeding practices associated with colic in horses.

This study examines feeding practices and how they relate to the development of colic in horses, finding that certain feeding changes and management practices can increase the risk.

Methodology

• This study employed a prospective matched case-control design to determine whether certain feeding practices were associated with increased risks of colic in horses.
• The study involved 364 horses that were examined by private practice veterinarians in Texas.
• These horses were divided into two groups: those suffering from colic (n=182), or the cases, and those examined for any other reason (n=182), or the controls.
• At the start of the study, participating veterinarians were provided forms to collect relevant data concerning each horse’s signalment (age, breed), feeding management, farm management practices, and any preventive medical treatments.

Results

• Upon comparing the case and control horses using conditional logistic regression, the researchers identified various factors associated with the risk of developing colic.
• Feeding-related risk factors include a recent change in the batch of hay, decreased exposure to grazing, a recent switch in the type of grain or concentrate fed, feeding more than 2.7 kg of oats per day, and using hay from round bales.
• Horses of the Thoroughbred breed were also found to be at higher risk.
• An interesting finding was that the recent administration of anthelmintics (anti-parasite medications) seemed to decrease the risk of colic.

Conclusions

• The results from this research suggest that certain dietary and management changes could increase the risk of colic in horses.
• These changes include switching the batch of hay, changing the type of grain or concentrate being fed, using hay from round bales, and reducing the horse’s exposure to pasture.
• This information could be useful in managing horse feeding practices to minimize the likelihood of colic.