The effect of current grain feeding practices on hindgut starch fermentation and acidosis in the Australian racing Thoroughbred.

The study aimed to investigate the effect of popular grain feeding methods on Australian racing thoroughbred horses’ digestive health. The researchers discovered that current feeding practices contribute to incomplete starch digestion and a subsequent decrease in gut health.

Methodology

• The researchers commenced by conducting a survey involving 72 thoroughbred trainers across various regions in New South Wales. The purpose of this survey was to clearly identify and understand the grain feeding strategies adopted in the Australian thoroughbred racing industry.
• They evaluated and analyzed both the grain fed to the horses and their corresponding faecal samples. This two-pronged approach helped identify possible digestive concerns resulting from their grain diets.

Findings

• Based on the survey data, they determined that racehorses were being fed an average of around 7.3 kg of grain concentrate daily. Most commonly used grains were oats, commercial pre-mixed diets, and corn.
• The feeding of extruded, micronised, and steam-flaked grains was found to be uncommon, indicating a prevalent reliance on traditional grain forms.
• The combined results from grain and faecal samples uncovered that incomplete starch digestion in the equine small intestine was common, causing hindgut starch fermentation and low pH levels therein.

Conclusion

• These findings suggest that the prevalent grain feeding practices in the thoroughbred racing industry may have negative effects on the horses’ gut health. Observations pinpoint that the issue lies in how these feeding routines lead to incomplete starch digestion, sequentially causing detrimental aftereffects like hindgut starch fermentation and lower hindgut pH levels.
• The study recommends more thought being placed on grains’ starch digestibility characteristics when choosing ones to feed the racehorses. This suggestion aims at developing feeding practices that foster better digestive health in thoroughbred horses.