FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
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.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2024-04-12 PubMed ID: 38681853PubMed Central: PMC11046934DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1332207Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article

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.

References

This article includes 46 references
  1. Martinson K, Wilson J, Cleary K, Lazarus W, Thomas W, Hathaway M. Round-bale feeder design affects hay waste and economics during horse feeding.. J Anim Sci 2012 90:1047–55.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2011-4087pubmed: 21984721google scholar: lookup
  2. Grev AM, Glunk EC, Hathaway MR, Lazarus WF, Martinson KL. The effect of small square-bale feeder design on hay waste and economics during outdoor feeding of adult horses.. J Equine Vet 2014 34:1269–73.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2014.09.004google scholar: lookup
  3. Harris PA, Ellis AD, Fradinho MJ, Jansson A, Julliand V, Luthersson N. Review: feeding conserved forage to horses: recent advances and recommendations.. Animal 2017 11:958–67.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731116002469pubmed: 27881201google scholar: lookup
  4. Raspa F, Tarantola M, Muca E, Bergero D, Soglia D, Cavallini D. Does feeding management make a difference to behavioural activities and welfare of horses reared for meat production?. Animals 2022 12:1740.
    doi: 10.3390/ANI12141740pmc: PMC9311627pubmed: 35883287google scholar: lookup
  5. Raspa F, Dinardo FR, Vervuert I, Bergero D, Bottero MT, Pattono D. A fibre- vs. cereal grain-based diet: which is better for horse welfare? Effects on intestinal permeability, muscle characteristics and oxidative status in horses reared for meat production.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr 2022 106:313–26.
    doi: 10.1111/jpn.13643pmc: PMC9292821pubmed: 34553422google scholar: lookup
  6. Murray JAMD, Bloxham C, Kulifay J, Stevenson A, Roberts J. Equine nutrition: a survey of perceptions and practices of horse owners undertaking a massive open online course in equine nutrition.. J Equine Vet 2015 35:510–7.
    doi: 10.1016/J.JEVS.2015.02.005google scholar: lookup
  7. Colombino E, Raspa F, Perotti M, Bergero D, Vervuert I, Valle E. Gut health of horses: effects of high fibre vs high starch diet on histological and morphometrical parameters.. BMC Vet Res 2022 18:338–9.
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-022-03433-ypmc: PMC9454146pubmed: 36076239google scholar: lookup
  8. Durham A. The role of nutrition in colic.. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2009 25:67–78.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2008.11.003pubmed: 19303551google scholar: lookup
  9. Valle E, Storace D, Sanguineti R, Carter R, Odetti P, Geor R. Association of the glycoxidative stress marker pentosidine with equine laminitis.. Vet J 2013 196:445–50.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.030pubmed: 23206662google scholar: lookup
  10. Pugh D, Passler N, Ziska S. Miniature horses and ponies. In: Nutritional management of equine diseases and special cases (2017). Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons; 1–3.
  11. Ellis AD, Fell M, Luck K, Gill L, Owen H, Briars H. Effect of forage presentation on feed intake behaviour in stabled horses.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015 165:88–94.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.01.010google scholar: lookup
  12. Ellis AD, Redgate S, Zinchenko S, Owen H, Barfoot C, Harris P. The effect of presenting forage in multi-layered haynets and at multiple sites on night time budgets of stabled horses.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2015 171:108–16.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2015.08.012google scholar: lookup
  13. Glunk EC, Hathaway MR, Weber WJ, Sheaffer CC, Martinson KL. The effect of haynet design on rate of forage consumption when feeding adult horses.. J Equine Vet 2014 34:986–91.
    doi: 10.1016/J.JEVS.2014.05.006google scholar: lookup
  14. Rochais C, Henry S, Hausberger M. “Hay-bags” and “slow feeders”: testing their impact on horse behaviour and welfare.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2018 198:52–9.
    doi: 10.1016/j.applanim.2017.09.019google scholar: lookup
  15. Bordin C, Raspa F, Harris P, Ellis AD, Roggero A, Palestrini C. Effect of pony morphology and hay feeding methods on back and neck postures.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr 2023 1–12.
    doi: 10.1111/JPN.13861pubmed: 37452526google scholar: lookup
  16. Merkies K, Paraschou G, McGreevy PD. Morphometric characteristics of the skull in horses and donkeys—a pilot study.. Animals 2020 10:1–11.
    doi: 10.3390/ani10061002pmc: PMC7341236pubmed: 32521777google scholar: lookup
  17. Brooks SA, Makvandi-Nejad S, Chu E, Allen JJ, Streeter C, Gu E. Morphological variation in the horse: defining complex traits of body size and shape.. Anim Genet 2010 41:159–65.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2052.2010.02127.xpubmed: 21070291google scholar: lookup
  18. Spoormakers TJP, Veraa S, Graat EAM, van Weeren PR, Brommer H. A comparative study of breed differences in the anatomical configuration of the equine vertebral column.. J Anat 2021 239:829–38.
    doi: 10.1111/JOA.13456pmc: PMC8450477pubmed: 33991425google scholar: lookup
  19. Winton CL, McMahon R, Hegarty MJ, McEwan NR, Davies-Morel MCG, Morgan C. Genetic diversity within and between British and Irish breeds: the maternal and paternal history of native ponies.. Ecol Evol 2020 10:1352–67.
    doi: 10.1002/ECE3.5989pmc: PMC7029099pubmed: 32076519google scholar: lookup
  20. Fleurance G, Fritz H, Duncan P, Gordon IJ, Edouard N, Vial C. Instantaneous intake rate in horses of different body sizes: influence of sward biomass and fibrousness.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2009 117:84–92.
    doi: 10.1016/J.APPLANIM.2008.11.006google scholar: lookup
  21. Campbell TE, Doughty H, Harris PA, de Laat MA, Sillence MN. Factors affecting the rate and measurement of feed intake for a cereal-based meal in horses.. J Equine Vet 2020 84:102869.
    doi: 10.1016/J.JEVS.2019.102869pubmed: 31864455google scholar: lookup
  22. Engelke E, Gasse H. An anatomical study of the rostral part of the equine oral cavity with respect to position and size of a snaffle bit.. Equine Vet Educ 2003 15:158–63.
    doi: 10.1111/J.2042-3292.2003.TB00235.Xgoogle scholar: lookup
  23. Raspa F, Tarantola M, Bergero D, Nery J, Visconti A, Mastrazzo CM. Time-budget of horses reared for meat production: influence of stocking density on behavioural activities and subsequent welfare.. Animals 2020 10:1334.
    doi: 10.3390/ANI10081334pmc: PMC7460472pubmed: 32752257google scholar: lookup
  24. Rohlf FJ. tpsDig 2.31.. .
  25. Rohlf FJ. tpsUtil 1.82.. .
  26. Rohlf FJ. tpsSmall 1.36.. .
  27. Hodgson S, Bennett-Skinner P, Lancaster B, Upton S, Harris P, Ellis AD. Posture and pull pressure by horses when eating hay or haylage from a haynet hung at various positions.. Animals 2022 12:2999.
    doi: 10.3390/ANI12212999pmc: PMC9659009pubmed: 36359123google scholar: lookup
  28. Friard O, Gamba M. BORIS: a free, versatile open-source event-logging software for video/audio coding and live observations.. Methods Ecol Evol 2016 7:1325–30.
    doi: 10.1111/2041-210X.12584google scholar: lookup
  29. Bernátková A, Ceacero F, Oyunsaikhan G, Sukhbaatar D, Šimek J, Komárková M. Novel observation of play behaviour between a harem holder and a bachelor group of Przewalski’s horses in the wild.. Acta Ethol 2023 26:145–50.
    doi: 10.1007/s10211-023-00421-9google scholar: lookup
  30. Davis KM, Iwaniuk ME, Dennis RL, Harris PA, Burk AO. Effects of grazing muzzles on behavior and physiological stress of individually housed grazing miniature horses.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020 231:105067.
    doi: 10.1016/J.APPLANIM.2020.105067google scholar: lookup
  31. Trösch M, Cuzol F, Parias C, Calandreau L, Nowak R, Lansade L. Horses categorize human emotions cross-modally based on facial expression and non-verbal vocalizations.. Animals 2019 9:862.
    doi: 10.3390/ani9110862pmc: PMC6912773pubmed: 31653088google scholar: lookup
  32. Rohlf FJ. tpsSmall 1.36.. .
  33. Palestrini C, Roggero A, Nova LKH, Giachino PM, Rolando A. On the evolution of shape and size divergence in Nebria (Nebriola) ground beetles (Coleoptera, Carabidae).. Syst Biodivers 2012 10:147–57.
    doi: 10.1080/14772000.2012.685775google scholar: lookup
  34. Tocco C, Roggero A, Rolando A, Palestrini C. Interspecific shape divergence in Aphodiini dung beetles: the case of Amidorus obscurus and A. immaturus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea).. Org Divers Evol 2011 11:263–73.
    doi: 10.1007/s13127-011-0055-1google scholar: lookup
  35. Puth MT, Neuhäuser M, Ruxton GD. Effective use of Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient.. Anim Behav 2014 93:183–9.
    doi: 10.1016/J.ANBEHAV.2014.05.003google scholar: lookup
  36. Prion S, Haerling KA. Making sense of methods and measurement: Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient.. Clin Simul Nurs 2014 10:587–8.
    doi: 10.1016/j.ecns.2014.07.010google scholar: lookup
  37. Raspa F, Roggero A, Palestrini C, Canavesio MM, Bergero D, Valle E. Studying the shape variations of the back, the neck, and the mandibular angle of horses depending on specific feeding postures using geometric morphometrics.. Animals 2021 11:763.
    doi: 10.3390/ani11030763pmc: PMC7998216pubmed: 33801885google scholar: lookup
  38. Maśko M, Wierzbicka M, Zdrojkowski Ł, Jasiński T, Sikorska U, Pawliński B. Comparison of donkey, pony, and horse dorsal profiles and head shapes using geometric morphometrics.. Animals 2022 12:931.
    doi: 10.3390/ani12070931pmc: PMC8997093pubmed: 35405919google scholar: lookup
  39. Heck L, Sanchez-Villagra MR, Stange M. Why the long face? Comparative shape analysis of miniature, pony, and other horse skulls reveals changes in ontogenetic growth.. PeerJ 2019 7:e7678–19.
    doi: 10.7717/peerj.7678pmc: PMC6752190pubmed: 31576240google scholar: lookup
  40. Heck L, Wilson LAB, Evin A, Stange M, Sánchez-Villagra MR. Shape variation and modularity of skull and teeth in domesticated horses and wild equids.. Front Zool 2018 15:1–17.
    doi: 10.1186/s12983-018-0258-9pmc: PMC5907714pubmed: 29713365google scholar: lookup
  41. Stover KK, Williams SH. Intraspecific scaling of chewing cycle duration in three species of domestic ungulates.. J Exp Biol 2011 214:104–12.
    doi: 10.1242/JEB.043646pubmed: 21147974google scholar: lookup
  42. Hallam S, Campbell EP, Qazamel M, Owen H, Ellis AD. Effects of traditional versus novel feeding management on 24 hour time budget of stabled horses. In: Saastamoinen M, Fradinho MJ, Santos AS, Miraglia N, editors. Forages and grazing in horse nutrition. Wageningen: Wageningen Academic Publishers; (2012). 319–22.
  43. Hongo A, Akimoto M. The role of incisors in selective grazing by cattle and horses.. J Agric Sci 2003 140:469–77.
    doi: 10.1017/S0021859603003083google scholar: lookup
  44. Lloyd AS, Martin JE, Bornett-Gauci HLI, Wilkinson RG. Horse personality: variation between breeds.. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2008 112:369–83.
    doi: 10.1016/J.APPLANIM.2007.08.010google scholar: lookup
  45. Ellis AD, Longland AC, Coenen M, Miraglia N. eds. The impact of nutrition on the health and welfare of horses. Wageningen: Wageningen Academic Publishers; (2010).
  46. Morgan R, Keen J, McGowan C. Equine metabolic syndrome.. Vet Rec 2015 177:173–9.
    doi: 10.1136/VR.103226pmc: PMC4552932pubmed: 26273009google scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
  1. Reemtsma FP, Giers J, Horstmann S, Stoeckle SD, Gehlen H. Evaluation of Concentration Changes in Plasma Amino Acids and Their Metabolites in Eventing Horses During Cross-Country Competitions as Potential Performance Predictors. Animals (Basel) 2025 Dec 17;15(24).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15243640pubmed: 41463924google scholar: lookup
  2. Fei D, Xie M, Li D, Guang Y, Zhou Y. Metabolic Pathway Analysis in Chicken Induced by Selenium-Enriched Yeast: Insights from Flavoromics and Metabolomics. Foods 2025 Nov 26;14(23).
    doi: 10.3390/foods14234060pubmed: 41375998google scholar: lookup
  3. Perego M, Maffei A, Cavallini D, Santilli R. QRS complex configurations in 12-lead electrocardiograms of dogs with monomorphic ventricular tachycardia or complete bundle branch block. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1579951.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1579951pubmed: 40463797google scholar: lookup
  4. Fusaro I, Parrillo S, Buonaiuto G, Prasinou P, Gramenzi A, Bucci R, Cavallini D, Carosi A, Carluccio A, De Amicis I. Effects of hemp-based polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on membrane lipid profiles and reproductive performance in Martina Franca jacks. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1553218.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1553218pubmed: 40308695google scholar: lookup
  5. Quinn R, Masters S, Starling M, White PJ, Mills K, Raubenheimer D, McGreevy P. Functional significance and welfare implications of chewing in dogs (Canis familiaris). Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1499933.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1499933pubmed: 40206258google scholar: lookup
  6. Rajput LS, Kumar S, Pathak K, Acharya P, Goswami D, Nataraj V, Shivakumar M, Maheshwari HS, Mandloi S, Jaiswal S, Yadav A, Vishwakarma R. Morpho-cultural, pathogenic, and genetic characterization of Indian isolates of Macrophomina phaseolina causing charcoal rot in soybean. Heliyon 2025 Jan 30;11(2):e42035.
    doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e42035pubmed: 39897909google scholar: lookup
  7. Sessegolo Ferzola PH, Ringel J, Beneder E, Schulz C, Gierus M. Performance Responses and Fillet Quality of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) to Increasing Addition Levels of Dietary Supplementation of Guanidinoacetic Acid. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jan 18;15(2).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15020267pubmed: 39858267google scholar: lookup
  8. Tamer M, Kassaye M, Molla T, Kebede K, Azmeraw Y. A potential cause for extensive dieback of Acacia mearnsii plantation in highland districts of Awi zone, northwestern Ethiopia. Heliyon 2024 Sep 15;10(17):e36957.
    doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36957pubmed: 39281451google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 106,221 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.