Fiber composition, in vitro true digestibility, and fiber degradation of hempseed meal compared to mainstream feedstuffs using equine feces as microbial inoculum within the DaisyII Incubator.

The research article investigates the digestibility of hempseed meal as a potential feed for horses, comparing its fiber content and true digestion in vitro to traditional equine feedstuffs.

Objective of the Research

• The main aim of this study was to assess the In Vitro True Digestibility (IVTD) of hempseed meal (HSM) and compare it with common feedstuff consumed by horses including alfalfa hay (ALF), Coastal Bermudagrass hay (CBH), soybean meal (SBM), rice bran pellets (RBP), and a commercial concentrate (Bluebonnet Equilene Pellets; EQU).

Methods Used in the Study

• The researchers employed an in-vitro split-split plot design and used fresh feces from four geldings (male horses) as incubation inoculum.
• The horses were conditioned to the experimental diets for 21 days, after which their feces were collected.
• These samples were then inoculated,
  ready to be used for the analysis of the feed’s digestibility and fiber degradation.
• Dried ground feed samples were placed in ANKOM filter bags and kept within DaisyII incubators for 48 hours.
• Each sample was analyzed for its pre-fermentation neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content. After the incubation period, the filter bags were again analyzed for NDF to determine the IVTD and the level of fiber degradation.

Results of the Research

• The neutral detergent fiber content (important for bowel health and digestion) of hempseed meal was found to be higher than alfalfa hay, soybean meal, and rice bran pellets, but lower than Coastal Bermudagrass hay.
• In terms of IVTD, hempseed meal was found to be more easily digestible than Coastal Bermudagrass hay, but not as easily digestible as other common horse feedstuffs.
• In other words, hempseed meal had intermediate values for fiber content and digestibility when compared to other common equine feeds.

Research Conclusions

• The study concluded that due to its fiber content and level of true digestibility, hempseed meal could be a potential new source of fiber in equine diets.
• This is particularly because it has lower digestibility and fiber content compared to concentrates, implying its potential benefit as an alternative to traditional feedstuff for horses.