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PloS one2013; 8(9); e73858; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073858

Temporal feeding pattern may influence reproduction efficiency, the example of breeding mares.

Abstract: Discomfort in farm animals may be induced by inappropriate types or timing of food supplies. Thus, time restriction of meals and lack of roughage have been shown to be one source of emergence of oral stereotypies and abnormal behaviour in horses which have evolved to eat high-fibre diets in small amounts over long periods of time. This feeding pattern is often altered in domestic environment where horses are often fed low fibre meals that can be rapidly consumed. This study aimed at determining the effect of the temporal pattern of feeding on reproductive efficiency of breeding mares, One hundred Arab breeding mares were divided into two groups that differed only in the temporal pattern of roughage availability: only at night for the standard feeding pattern group (SFP mares), night and day for the "continuous feeding" group (CF mares). The total amount of roughage provided was the same as the CF mares received half of the hay during the day while in paddock (haynets). Mares were tested for oestrus detection by teasing with one stallion and were then examined clinically by rectal palpations and ultrasound before being mated naturally or inseminated by fresh or frozen semen. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse data. The treatment affected significantly the reproductive efficiency of the mares with fewer oestrus abnormalities (p = 0.0002) and more fertility (p = 0.024) in CF mares (conception rate = 81% versus 55% in SFP mares). Ensuring semi-continous feeding by providing roughage may be a way of fulfilling the basic physiological needs of the horses' digestive system, reducing stress and associated inhibitors of reproduction. To our knowledge, this study provides the first evidence of an impact of temporal feeding patterns on reproductive success in a Mammal. Temporal patterns of feeding may be a major and underestimated factor in breeding.
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Publication Date: 2013-09-30 PubMed ID: 24098636PubMed Central: PMC3787043DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073858Google 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 tests how different feeding schedules could potentially impact the reproductive efficiency of breeding horses. More specifically, the study reveals that mares fed continuously throughout the day exhibited improved reproductive health and fertility rates compared to mares fed only at night.

Background

  • The researchers observe that discomfort in farm animals, particularly horses, can be caused by inappropriate types or timing of their meals.
  • Noting that horses in a natural environment eat high fiber diets in small amounts over extended periods, it’s suggested that disruption of this feeding pattern in domestic settings can lead to health issues.

Study Design and Procedure

  • The breeding mares used in the study were divided into two groups – one group received feed only at night (Standard Feeding Pattern, or SFP), and the other was fed continuously throughout the night and day (Continuous Feeding, or CF).
  • The mares were clinically examined for signs of oestrus, or heat, and their fertility was assessed through natural mating or insemination.
  • The total amount of feed (roughage) provided to the mares was the same for both groups. The only variable was the timing of the feed.

Results and Analysis

  • The study applied multivariate logistic regression for data analysis and found significant effects of the feeding schedule on reproductive efficiency.
  • The CF mares showed fewer oestrus abnormalities and a higher fertility rate (81% conception) compared to the SFP mares (55% conception).

Conclusion

  • The study surmises that a semi-continuous feeding pattern, closer to a horse’s natural eating habits, better meets the physiological needs of the animal’s digestive system. This helps reduce stress and eradicates potential inhibitors of reproduction.
  • This research, according to the authors, is the first to demonstrate an impact of different feeding patterns on mammalian reproductive success, suggesting that feeding schedules could be a significant, yet overlooked, factor in breeding.

Cite This Article

APA
Benhajali H, Ezzaouia M, Lunel C, Charfi F, Hausberger M. (2013). Temporal feeding pattern may influence reproduction efficiency, the example of breeding mares. PLoS One, 8(9), e73858. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0073858

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 8
Issue: 9
Pages: e73858
PII: e73858

Researcher Affiliations

Benhajali, Haifa
  • UMR CNRS 6552 Ethologie Animale et Humaine, Université de Rennes I, Rennes, France ; Haras national de Sidi Thabet, Sidi Thabet, Tunisia.
Ezzaouia, Mohammed
    Lunel, Christophe
      Charfi, Faouzia
        Hausberger, Martine

          MeSH Terms

          • Animals
          • Estrous Cycle / physiology
          • Feeding Methods / veterinary
          • Female
          • Fertility / physiology
          • Horses / physiology
          • Logistic Models
          • Time Factors
          • Tunisia

          Conflict of Interest Statement

          The “Haras National of Sidi Thabet” made its horses available for the present study but had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. Dr Ezzaouia was affiliated to this company. This does not alter the authors' adherence to all the PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials.

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          Citations

          This article has been cited 3 times.
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