Longitudinal growth analysis of horses following limited and ad libitum feeding.
Abstract: Eighteen colts were assigned to one of two groups: limit or ad libitum feeding. Three periods were evaluated: 1) six to 12 months, 2) 12 to 18 months and 3) 18 to 24 months of age. At 24 months of age, ad libitum fed horses weighed 13 per cent (51 kg) more and were 3.6 per cent (5.2 cm) taller than those fed limited amounts. Total, fore and hind body mass increased quadratically irrespective of dietary treatment. Fore body mass comprised 57 per cent of total body mass for both groups and this did not change with age or dietary treatment. Heart girth was directly related (R2 = 0.96) to total body mass. Average daily gains in total body mass of ad libitum fed horses were 13 and 71 per cent more rapid (P less than 0.05) than for limit fed horses in Periods 1 and 3, respectively. Ad libitum fed horses gained hind body mass 25 per cent more rapidly (P less than 0.05) than limit fed horses only in Period 1. Growth curves of wither and croup heights were quadratic in form. Ad libitum fed horses gained 12 and 13 per cent more rapidly at the wither than limit fed horses in Period 1 and overall, respectively. Ad libitum fed horses grew 33 per cent more rapidly at the croup than limit fed horses but only in Period 2. From six to 12 months of age, the wither and croup grew two-fold and four-fold more rapidly than between 12 to 18 months and between 18 to 24 months of age, respectively.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Publication Date: 1990-05-01 PubMed ID: 2361509DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04247.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Comparative Study
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research studied the effects of restricted and unrestricted feeding on the growth of young horses over a period of 18 months. The study found that unrestrictedly fed horses weighed more and were taller at the age of 24 months when compared to the ones who had their feed limited.
Article Overview
The research article revolves around a study conducted with 18 young male horses, divided into two groups. One group was allowed to feed as much as they like (ad libitum), while the other group was given a limited amount of feed. The study examined the horses’ growth over three 6-month periods: from 6 to 12, 12 to 18, and 18 to 24 months of age.
Growth Differences
- By the end of the study, horses allowed ad libitum feeding were found to be heavier by 13% (51 kg) and taller by 3.6% (5.2 cm).
- The study observed that the total body mass, fore and hind body mass increased in a quadratic pattern, irrespective of the diet type. The fore body mass made up 57% of the total body mass in both groups and remained consistent.
- The heart girth, a measurement of the horse’s chest, was found to be directly proportional to the total body mass.
Growth Rates
- The daily increase in body mass for ad libitum fed horses was 13% and 71% more in the first and third periods compared to limit fed horses.
- The ad libitum fed horses showed a 25% higher growth rate in their hind body mass in the first period.
- Growth of wither and croup heights followed a quadratic curve. Again, the ad libitum fed horses showed greater rates of growth, by 12% and 13% at the wither in the first period and overall, respectively. These horses also showed a 33% higher growth rate at the croup in the second period.
- The growth rate of wither and croup was significantly higher in the first period (6-12 months) of age, growing two-fold and four-fold faster compared to the subsequent periods (12-18 months and 18-24 months).
In summary, this research suggests that unrestricted feeding positively influences the growth rates of young horses in terms of body mass and structural development, particularly in the early stages of their lives.
Cite This Article
APA
Cymbaluk NF, Christison GI, Leach DH.
(1990).
Longitudinal growth analysis of horses following limited and ad libitum feeding.
Equine Vet J, 22(3), 198-204.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04247.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Herd Medicine and Theriogenology, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada.
MeSH Terms
- Absorption
- Age Factors
- Animals
- Body Weight
- Calcium, Dietary / metabolism
- Diet
- Dietary Proteins / metabolism
- Digestion
- Eating
- Horses / growth & development
- Longitudinal Studies
- Phosphorus / metabolism
- Random Allocation
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Fradinho MJ, Mateus L, Bernardes N, Bessa RJB, Caldeira RM, Ferreira-Dias G. Growth patterns, metabolic indicators and osteoarticular status in the Lusitano horse: A longitudinal study. PLoS One 2019;14(7):e0219900.
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