Glucose and Insulin Response of Aged Horses Grazing Alfalfa, Perennial Cool-Season Grass, and Teff During the Spring and Late Fall.

This research examines how different grasses consumed by horses in spring and late fall impact blood glucose and insulin levels. The study found that the type of forage can affect these levels, with teff grass shown to reduce the glucose and insulin response of horses in late fall.

Research Methodology

• The research was carried out in May (spring) and October (late fall) in St. Paul, Minnesota.
• Six adult horses were involved in the study. They were randomly allocated to graze on different forages in a cross-over design, which allows each horse to consume each type of forage during the course of the experiment.
• The horses grazed on Alfalfa and a mix of perennial cool-season grasses (CSG) in spring, and on CSG and teff in late fall.
• Jugular catheters were inserted into the horses one hour prior to grazing start. The horses were allowed to graze from 8 AM to 4 PM in spring and from 8 AM to 12 PM in late fall.
• Jugular venous blood samples were taken from each horse before grazing began and then every two hours thereafter. These were tested for glucose and insulin levels.
• Corresponding forage samples were also taken by hand to analyze their components. The data was analyzed using statistical software with a significance level set at 5%.

Findings of the Study

• In late fall, teff grass had less nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) than cool-season grasses.
• All horses grazing on teff grass had lower average glucose and insulin levels and their insulin peak was also less compared to those grazing on mixed CSG.

Conclusions

• The research suggests that the type of forage can potentially affect the glucose and insulin response in horses. More specifically, grazing on teff could lower these responses during late fall.
• This information could be valuable for horse owners and trainers, helping them manage the diet of their horses effectively to prevent metabolic issues.