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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Nutr / Pasture nonstructural carbohydrates and equine laminitis.
The Journal of nutrition2006; 136(7 Suppl); 2099S-2102S; doi: 10.1093/jn/136.7.2099S

Pasture nonstructural carbohydrates and equine laminitis.

Abstract: Fresh forages constitute a majority of the diet for many horses and ponies that graze on pastures during the growing season in many parts of the world. Grasses generally predominate in such pastures, with varying proportions of legumes. Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) (simple sugars, starch, and fructan) can induce laminitis experimentally, and NSC can accumulate to >400 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in pasture grasses. In this article we discuss the environmental factors affecting NSC accumulation in pastures and estimate the potential daily intakes of pasture NSC by grazing horses. We also discuss strategies for both reducing the NSC content of pastures and management practices that can help reduce intakes of pasture NSC by equines at risk of developing laminitis. This study reveals the importance of accurate forage analysis in the development of feeding regimens for equines at risk of laminitis.
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Publication Date: 2006-06-15 PubMed ID: 16772510DOI: 10.1093/jn/136.7.2099SGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article focuses on the relationship between the nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) found in pasture grasses and the development of laminitis in horses. The study offers an in-depth understanding of the environmental influences on NSC accumulation and proposes strategies to minimize NSC content and its intake in horses susceptible to laminitis.

Role of Nonstructural Carbohydrates in Equine Diet

  • The paper highlights the significance of fresh forages including grasses and legumes that form a substantial portion of the diet for grazing horses.
  • Pastures often have high levels of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs), consisting of simple sugars, starch, and fructans.
  • Excessive intake of NSCs is linked to the onset of laminitis in equines, a painful and potentially debilitating foot condition.

Environmental Factors Affecting NSC Accumulation

  • The study explores how environmental conditions contribute to the accumulation of NSCs in pasture plants.
  • These factors could potentially cause the levels of NSC to exceed 400 g/kg of dry matter in pasture grasses, posing a risk for horses that consume these grasses regularly.

Potential Daily NSC Intake and Risk of Laminitis

  • The research estimates the potential daily intake of NSCs by grazing horses, drawing a clear link between the intake of these compounds and heightened risk of developing laminitis.

Strategies for Reducing NSC Content and Intake

  • Strategies for minimizing the NSC content in pastures and managing its intake in horses are discussed as preventative measures for laminitis.
  • The importance of accurate forage analysis in crafting feeding schedules for horses at risk of laminitis is underscored as an important part of these preventative strategies.

Cite This Article

APA
Longland AC, Byrd BM. (2006). Pasture nonstructural carbohydrates and equine laminitis. J Nutr, 136(7 Suppl), 2099S-2102S. https://doi.org/10.1093/jn/136.7.2099S

Publication

The Journal of nutrition
ISSN: 0022-3166
NlmUniqueID: 0404243
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 136
Issue: 7 Suppl
Pages: 2099S-2102S

Researcher Affiliations

Longland, Annette C
  • IGER, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK. annette.longland@bbsrc.ac.uk
Byrd, Bridgett M

    MeSH Terms

    • Animal Feed / analysis
    • Animals
    • Circadian Rhythm
    • Dietary Carbohydrates / administration & dosage
    • Horse Diseases / etiology
    • Horses
    • Inflammation / etiology
    • Inflammation / veterinary
    • Lameness, Animal / etiology
    • Poaceae / chemistry
    • Seasons
    • Terminology as Topic

    Citations

    This article has been cited 20 times.
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