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Frontiers in veterinary science2024; 11; 1332207; doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1332207

Pony feeding management: the role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping.

Abstract: In the last decade, haynets and slow feeders have been promoted as sustainable tools to improve the feeding management of horses and reduce forage waste, but little is known about their effects on ponies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the effects of different hay feeding methods on the ingestive behaviors, intake rate and mouth shaping of ponies belonging to two breed types, which are characterized by different head morphologies. Shetland type (SH, n = 5) and Welsh/Cob type (WC, n = 4) ponies were fed hay using four feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled haynet (HF), a partially filled haynet (HL), and a slow-feeder hay box (HB). Head morphology was measured for each pony. Video recordings were then made to apply geometric morphometrics and to perform behavioral analysis. The intake rate was measured for each pony and each feeding method. Data obtained with geometric morphometrics were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA). Behavioral data and intake rate measurements were analyzed using a mixed model, a post-hoc Tukey's test, a Pearson's correlation test, and a stepwise regression model. The geometric morphometrics results demonstrated that feeding method influenced mouth shaping (36% for G, 78% for HB, 77% for HF, 83% for HL, considering the total variance of shape) and affected the intake rate. Differences in mouth shaping and ingestive behaviors in SH and WC ponies also confirmed the role of morphology in feeding management. The HL proved to be the most effective tool to increase feeding consumption time when needed (5 h/kg for SH ponies and 3 h/kg for WC ponies, considering the intake time), although the HB may be the optimal choice to reduce the intake rate while maintaining a more natural posture. Future studies are suggested to fully understand how body size and morphology influence feeding in equine species.
This work is authored by Bordin, Raspa, Greppi, Harris, Ellis, Roggero, Palestrini, Cavallini, Bergero and Valle. © 2024 Mars and its affiliates for Harris; Bordin, Raspa, Greppi, Ellis, Roggero, Palestrini, Cavallini, Bergero and Valle.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-12 PubMed ID: 38681853PubMed Central: PMC11046934DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1332207Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 aims to examine the impact of different hay feeding methods on the eating habits, rate of intake and changes in mouth shape of ponies with different breed types. The study found that feeding method significantly influences mouth shaping and intake rate, and that breed morphology plays a crucial role in feeding.

Objectives and Methodology

  • The goal of this research was to identify the effects of diverse hay feeding strategies on ponies’ ingestive behaviors, intake rate, and mouth shape modification. Specifically, the researchers focused on Shetland and Welsh/Cob breeds, characterized by different head morphologies.
  • Hay feeding methods included feeding on the ground, a fully filled haynet, a partially filled haynet, and a slow-feeder hay box.
  • Head measurements were taken for individual ponies, and these measurements along with video recordings were used to apply geometric morphometrics and conduct behavioral analysis.
  • Data derived from geometric morphometrics was analyzed using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Variate Analysis (CVA).
  • Behavioral data and intake rate measurements were explored using a mixed model, a post-hoc Tukey’s test, a Pearson’s correlation test, and a stepwise regression model.

Results and Findings

  • The study displayed that feeding method has a significant influence on mouth shaping and the intake rate in ponies.
  • The differences in mouth shaping and food ingestion behaviors between the two pony types underscored the influence of head morphology on feeding management.
  • The partially filled haynet was shown to be the most effective for prolonging consumption time if required, while the slow-feeder hay box could be the optimal choice for lowering the intake rate, yet still enabling a natural stance.

Conclusions and Future Implications

  • The research provides insightful data on how diverse hay feeding strategies can influence ponies’ eating habits and shape their mouths over time.
  • The findings also stress the role of breed-specific morphology in managing equine feeding, implying that feeding approaches should consider a breed’s unique physical features.
  • Additionally, the research acknowledges the need for further studies to fully understand how body size and morphology impact feeding in equine species, suggesting an area of interest for future research.

Cite This Article

APA
Bordin C, Raspa F, Greppi M, Harris P, Ellis AD, Roggero A, Palestrini C, Cavallini D, Bergero D, Valle E. (2024). Pony feeding management: the role of morphology and hay feeding methods on intake rate, ingestive behaviors and mouth shaping. Front Vet Sci, 11, 1332207. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2024.1332207

Publication

Frontiers in veterinary science
ISSN: 2297-1769
NlmUniqueID: 101666658
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 11
Pages: 1332207

Researcher Affiliations

Bordin, Clara
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Raspa, Federica
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Greppi, Martina
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Harris, Patricia
  • Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, United Kingdom.
  • Mars Petcare UK, Slough, United Kingdom.
Ellis, Andrea Dorothea
  • Unequi Ltd., West Bridgford, United Kingdom.
Roggero, Angela
  • Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Palestrini, Claudia
  • Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
Cavallini, Damiano
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Italy.
Bergero, Domenico
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Valle, Emanuela
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.

Conflict of Interest Statement

PH was employed by Mars Petcare UK. AE was employed by Unequi Ltd. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest. FR and DC were an editorial board member at the time of submission. This had no impact on the peer review process and the final decision.

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