Intake, digestibility, and behavior of horses fed açaí kernel (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as a substitute of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus).
Abstract: In this study, we analyzed the effects of including açaí kernel, in the experimental diets fed to horses on the intake and digestibility of their nutrient and the resultant effects on the behavior of horses. The experiments were conducted in Federal Rural University of Amazonia. Five mares with no defined breeds, were allocated to five treatments (the replacement of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus) with crushed açaí kernel at 0, 18.75, 37.50, 56.25, and 75% levels of dry matter), in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. The animals were housed in covered stalls with concrete floors, equipped with individual troughs and drinkers, and fed 80% roughage and 20% concentrate. The inclusion of açaí kernel altered the intake and digestibility of a few nutritional components and the feeding behavior of mares. Increasing levels of the substitution of Mombaça grass with crushed açaí kernel in the experimental diets increased the nutrient intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, and non-fibrous carbohydrates (P < 0.05) while reducing the time spent on feeding by the animals. Crushed açaí kernel can, therefore, be included as a substitute for Mombaça grass at up to 37.5% in equine diets.
© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature B.V.
Publication Date: 2024-10-28 PubMed ID: 39466474PubMed Central: 10135103DOI: 10.1007/s11250-024-04203-8Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research examined the impact of incorporating açaí kernel, a fruit from the Amazon rainforest, into horse diets as a substitute for Mombaça grass. The study found that the inclusion of açaí kernel affected the nutrient intake, digestion, and feeding behavior of the horses.
Research Methodology
- The research involved five mares with no defined breeds. These horses were subjected to five different treatments. Each treatment involved replacing varying proportions of Mombaça grass, a common horse feed, with crushed açaí kernel. The kernel was substituted at levels of 0, 18.75, 37.50, 56.25, and 75% of dry matter.
- This was done using a 5 × 5 Latin square design, a statistical method often used in experiments to balance the influence of multiple factors.
- Horse’s diets were composed of 80% roughage and 20% concentrate. During the experiment, the horses were housed in covered stalls with concrete floors. They were each equipped with individual troughs and drinkers.
Results and Findings
- The results showed that the inclusion of açaí kernel in horse diets affected their nutrient intake and digestion. As the substitution of Mombaça grass with açaí kernel increased, there was a consequent rise in the nutrient intake and digestibility of neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, and non-fibrous carbohydrates.
- The research also discovered that the inclusion of açaí kernel affected the feeding behavior of the horses. More specifically, the time spent on feeding was reduced as the levels of açaí kernel in the diets increased.
- Given these findings, the research suggests that crushed açaí kernel can be effectively included as a substitute for Mombaça grass in equine diets, at least up to a level of 37.5%.
Implication of the Research
- This study underlines a potential new use for açaí kernel, a byproduct of açaí production that has so far been underutilized. It might directly support the açaí industry, by finding a viable use for this residue, and indirectly benefits the equine industry by offering a new type of feed.
- Additionally, the findings provide valuable insights for horse owners, breeders, and trainers, especially those looking for sustainable and locally sourced feed alternatives.
Cite This Article
APA
Silva RC, Coelho GJ, Sousa MBF, Caldas CS, Maciel RP, Mezzomo R, Gomes DÍ, Neta ERDS, Tavares FB, Alves KS, Oliveira LRS.
(2024).
Intake, digestibility, and behavior of horses fed açaí kernel (Euterpe oleracea Mart.) as a substitute of Mombaça grass (Megathyrsus maximus).
Trop Anim Health Prod, 56(8), 361.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-024-04203-8 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil. gabrielajcoelho@gmail.com.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
- Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia (UFRA), PA 275, S/N, Zona Rural, Pará, 66515-000, Brasil.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses / physiology
- Female
- Digestion / drug effects
- Animal Feed / analysis
- Diet / veterinary
- Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
- Euterpe / chemistry
- Feeding Behavior
- Behavior, Animal / drug effects
- Poaceae
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