Fibre Composition and Maturity of Forage-Based Diets Affects the Fluid Balance, Faecal Water-Holding Capacity and Microbial Ecosystem in French Trotters.
Abstract: Racing events challenge the fluid balance of athletic horses. The equine large intestine functions as a fluid reservoir, since the properties of dietary forage fibre affect the digesta water content and the milieu of this ecosystem. This study aimed to investigate the effect of grass maturity and legume forage on the faecal water-holding capacity (WHC) and microbial ecosystem, and the fluid balance and body weight (BW) of French trotters in race training. Six geldings were offered three diets with different fibre compositions: concentrate and late-harvested mature grass haylage (35:65 energy ratio) (CMGH); early-harvested grass haylage and mature grass haylage (80:20) (EGH); and lucerne and mature grass haylage (80:20) (LH), for 24 days in a Latin square design. Body weights were lower and faecal WHC higher when the horses were fed EGH compared to CMGH and LH (485 vs. 492 and 492 kg, < 0.001; 12.6 vs. 11.1 and 11.4 g HO/g dry faeces, = 0.014, respectively). Total water intake and output did not differ between diets, but water excretion via faeces was lower and via urine was greater on EGH compared to CMGH and LH (13.1 vs. 18.8 and 17.6 kg, = 0.001; 10.5 vs. 7.6 and 7.9 kg, = 0.032, respectively). Total bacteria concentrations were higher on EGH than CMGH and LH (5.4 × 10 vs. 2.8 × 10 and 2.8 × 10 CFU/mL, = 0.018, respectively). Concentrations of butyrate were greater, and pH was lower when fed EGH compared to CMGH and LH (3.0 vs. 2.0 and 1.6 mmol/L, = 0.034; 6.5 vs. 6.9 and 7.2, = 0.005, respectively). In conclusion, forage harvested at an early stage of maturity could benefit athletic horses' fluid balance by providing a more available large intestine fluid reservoir without increasing BW.
Publication Date: 2023-01-17 PubMed ID: 36766217PubMed Central: PMC9913277DOI: 10.3390/ani13030328Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study investigates how different types of forage, particularly ones harvested at various maturity stages, can impact the fluid balance, body weight, and microbial ecosystem within racehorses. The findings suggest that early-harvested forage could be beneficial, as it doesn’t increase the horse’s weight but rather contributes better to their fluid balance.
Research Design and Methodology
- This experiment involved six geldings (castrated male horses) which were subjected to three different diets over 24 days. These diets were specifically crafted to have differing fibre compositions. The study applied a Latin square design – a systematic method of performing multiple trials to reduce bias.
- The three diets used during the experiments were Concentrate and Mature Grass Haylage (CMGH), Early Harvested Grass Haylage (EGH), and Lucerne and Mature Grass Haylage (LH). The respective ratios for each were 35:65, 80:20, and 80:20 respectively.
- Several parameters were monitored and analyzed including body weights of the horses, and the Faecal Water-Holding Capacity (WHC). In addition to these, the study also looked at water intake and output, bacteria concentration in the faeces, butyrate concentration, and pH levels.
Findings and Interpretations
- The horses showed lower body weights when fed with EGH as compared to the other two diets. Similarly, the faecal WHC was also higher with the EGH diet. This suggests the presence of more water in the faeces, indicating a potential positive effect on the horse’s fluid balance.
- The total water intake and output did not show significant differences with different diets. But interestingly, the water excretion via faeces was noted to be lesser on the EGH diet while excretion via urine was greater. It suggests a change in the fluid balance depending on the type of diet.
- The total bacterial concentrations were higher for the EGH diet than the other two diets, signifying a change in the horses’ microbial ecosystem which might influence their digestion and health.
- Similarly, the concentration of butyrate was greater and pH was lower when the horses were fed with EGH, suggesting that the type and maturity of the forage could have a biochemical impact on the horses’ digestive system. The presence of butyrate, a key short-chain fatty acid, indicates a healthy gut microbial environment.
Conclusion and Implications
- In sum, this research suggests that forage harvested early could hold potential benefits for the fluid balance in athletic or race-training horses, without increasing their body weight. This could contribute to better performance and overall health for these horses.
- These findings serve as a crucial guideline to horse trainers and horse farm owners in making informed decisions about forage-based feed choices and their potential effects on the horses’ health and performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Muhonen S, Julliand V.
(2023).
Fibre Composition and Maturity of Forage-Based Diets Affects the Fluid Balance, Faecal Water-Holding Capacity and Microbial Ecosystem in French Trotters.
Animals (Basel), 13(3), 328.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030328 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- L'institut Agro Dijon, Burgundy Franche-Comté University, PAM UMR A 02.102, 21000 Dijon, France.
- L'institut Agro Dijon, Burgundy Franche-Comté University, PAM UMR A 02.102, 21000 Dijon, France.
Grant Funding
- 2008-742 / Swedish Research Council for Environment Agricultural Sciences and Spatial Planning
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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