FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 10000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Veterinary sciences2022; 9(5); doi: 10.3390/vetsci9050226

The Hygienic Status of Different Forage Types for Horses-A Retrospective Study on Influencing Factors and Associations with Anamnestic Reports.

Abstract: The hygienic quality of forage for horses is discussed as a potential health hazard, especially regarding respiratory diseases, colic, and hepatopathies. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the possible relations between microbiological counts, as well as endotoxin levels and disease symptoms. Data from microbiological examination reports were analyzed retrospectively, including the results of sensory examination, microbiological counts, and lipopolysaccharide contents. Sensory analysis gave an indication of deficiencies in microbiological analysis, but both methods did not give consistently equivalent results regarding the hygienic status of forage. The strongest agreements between sensory and microbiological findings were demonstrated in haylage regarding mold contamination. The influences of dry matter content on microbiological quality could be shown in haylage and hay, whereas this did not apply to straw. Deviations regarding molds and the detection of Aspergillus species occurred, especially in haylage, with values above 70% DM detected (39.6%, p=0.0021 and 47.2%, p = 0.0393). Aspergillus was detected more frequently, and average counts were higher in samples that were suspected to induce coughing in horses (p = 0.0118 and p = 0.0313, respectively). The results of the present study emphasize the importance of feed hygiene for equine respiratory health and the need for the microbiological examination of feedstuffs, since sensory analysis cannot provide an error-free prediction of microbial counts.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2022-05-06 PubMed ID: 35622753PubMed Central: PMC9143553DOI: 10.3390/vetsci9050226Google 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 focuses on the potential health risks posed by the hygienic quality of forage for horses, particularly looking at the possible links between the presence of microbes and toxins and symptoms of illness. The study used findings from the sensory examination, microbial counts, and toxin levels of forage to establish these links.

Research Objectives

  • The research aimed to investigate any potential links between the microbiological counts and endotoxin levels detected in horse feed and symptoms of diseases in horses.
  • The sensory analysis of the feed was conducted to identify deficiencies in the microbiological analysis.
  • The researchers sought to compare the results provided by the sensory analysis and microbiological analysis to check for consistency in indicating the hygienic state of the feed.

Key Findings

  • The most significant alignment between results from sensory and microbiological findings was displayed in haylage regarding mold contamination.
  • The dry matter content of the feed was found to influence its microbiological quality in haylage and hay, but not in straw.
  • In haylage, especially when their dry matter content was above 70%, there were specific deviations regarding molds and species detection, indicating higher microbial contamination.
  • The presence of a specific mold species (not mentioned in the summary) was linked to instances of coughing in horses, shedding light on the importance of feed hygiene on equine respiratory health.

Implications

  • The findings of this research emphasize the need for the consistent microbiological examination of feedstuffs for horses.
  • The research shows that sensory analysis alone cannot accurately predict microbial counts, indicating a potential gap in current methods of feed analysis.
  • Understanding the links between the microbiological quality of forage and equine health can significantly impact how feed is managed and prepared for horse health and performance.

Cite This Article

APA
Intemann S, Reckels B, Schubert D, Wolf P, Kamphues J, Visscher C. (2022). The Hygienic Status of Different Forage Types for Horses-A Retrospective Study on Influencing Factors and Associations with Anamnestic Reports. Vet Sci, 9(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci9050226

Publication

Veterinary sciences
ISSN: 2306-7381
NlmUniqueID: 101680127
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 5

Researcher Affiliations

Intemann, Sandra
  • Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany.
Reckels, Bernd
  • Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany.
Schubert, Dana
  • Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany.
Wolf, Petra
  • Institute for Nutrition Physiology and Animal Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of Rostock, Justus-von-Liebig-Weg-6, 18059 Rostock, Germany.
Kamphues, Josef
  • Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany.
Visscher, Christian
  • Institute for Animal Nutrition, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bischofsholer Damm 15, 30173 Hanover, Germany.

Grant Funding

  • LE 824/10-1 / Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

References

This article includes 64 references
  1. Harris PA, Ellis M, Fradinho J, Jansson J, Julliand V, Luthersson N, Santos AS, Vervuert I. Review: Feeding conserved forage to horses: Recent advances and recommendations.. Animal 2017;11:958–967.
    doi: 10.1017/S1751731116002469pubmed: 27881201google scholar: lookup
  2. Müller C, Udén P. Preference of horses for grass conserved as hay, haylage or silage.. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 2007;132:66–78.
    doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2006.02.013google scholar: lookup
  3. Müller CE. Silage and haylage for horses.. Grass Forage Sci. 2018;73:815–827.
    doi: 10.1111/gfs.12387google scholar: lookup
  4. Thompson F. Horses in European Economic History: A Preliminary Canter.. British Agricultural History Society; London, UK: 1983. Horses and Hay in Britain; pp. 1830–1918.
  5. Särkijärvi S, Saastamoinen M. Silage Digestibility in Equine Diets. Proceedings of the NFJ-Seminar, Production and Utilization of Silage, with Emphasis on New Techniques; Lillehammer, Norway. 27 September 2001; pp. 119–124.
  6. Holmquist S, Müller C. Problems Related to Feeding Forages to Horses. Proceedings of the XIIIth International Silage Conference, South Ayrshire Council; Auchincruive, Scotland. 11–13 September 2002; pp. 11–13.
  7. Besier J, Strickler B, Niederhäusern RV, Wyss U. Hay or haylage for horses: A comparison.. Rech. Agron. Suisse 2013;4:264–271.
  8. Kamphues J, Wolf P, Coenen M, Eder K, Iben C, Kienzle E, Liesegang A, Männer K, Zebeli Q, Zentek J. Supplemente zur Tierernährung für Studium und Praxis.. M. & H. Schaper; Hannover, Germany: 2014. Beurteilung von Futtermitteln; pp. 181–188. (In German).
  9. Jansson A, Harris P, Davey SL, Luthersson N, Ragnarsson S, Ringmark S. Straw as an Alternative to Grass Forage in Horses—Effects on Post-Prandial Metabolic Profile, Energy Intake, Behaviour and Gastric Ulceration.. Animals 2021;11:2197.
    doi: 10.3390/ani11082197pmc: PMC8388405pubmed: 34438656google scholar: lookup
  10. Hansen D, Webb GW, Webb SP. Digestibility of wheat straw or ammoniated wheat straw in equine diets.. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 1992;12:223–226.
    doi: 10.1016/S0737-0806(06)81450-4google scholar: lookup
  11. Kamphues J. A systematic approach to evaluate the hygienic quality of feedstuffs for horses.. Pferdeheilkunde 2005;21:15–18.
    doi: 10.21836/PEM20050705google scholar: lookup
  12. Kamphues J. Feed Hygiene and Related Disorders in Horses.. In: Geor RJ, Harris PA, Coenen M, editors. Equine Applied and Clinical Nutrition. Saunders; Philadelphia, PA, USA: 2013. pp. 367–380.
  13. Stickdorn T, Ellis A, Kienzle E. Forages and Grazing in Horse Nutrition.. Wageningin Academic Publishers; Wageningen, The Netherlands: 2012. Horse Feed Hygiene Evaluation with Microbial and Sensory Examination; pp. 255–262.
  14. Wolf P, Kloetzer P, Paulus C, Kamphues J. A Survey on the Hygienic Standard of Feeds for Horses and Its Implication for Environmental Conditions and Animal Health. Proceedings of the 14th International Congress of the International Society for Animal Hygiene (ISAH); Vechta, Germany. 19–23 July 2009; pp. 1085–1088.
  15. Kamphues J. Futtermittelhygiene: Charakterisierung, Einflüsse und Bedeutung.. Landbauforsch. Völkenrode Sonderh. 2007;306:41–55.
  16. EU. Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council Laying down Requirements for Feed Hy-giene.. 2005. L35/31-L35/22. [(accessed on 12 January 2021)]. Available online: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/ALL/?uri=CELEX:32005R0183.
  17. Meyer H, Coenen M. Schadwirkungen durch Futtermittel.. In: Meyer H, Coenen M, editors. Pferdefütterung. Enke Verlag; Hannover, Germany: 2014.
  18. DeNotta SL, Divers TJ. Clinical pathology in the adult sick horse: The gastrointestinal system and liver.. Vet. Clin. Equine Pract. 2020;36:105–120.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2019.11.004pmc: PMC7127838pubmed: 31982231google scholar: lookup
  19. Divers TJ. The Equine Liver in Health and Disease. Proceedings of the AAEP Proceedings; Las Vegas, NV, USA. 5 December 2015; pp. 66–103.
  20. Leclere M, Lavoie-Lamoureux A, Lavoie JP. Heaves, an asthma-like disease of horses.. Respirology 2011;16:1027–1046.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1843.2011.02033.xpubmed: 21824219google scholar: lookup
  21. Bracher V, Von Fellenberg R, Winder CN, Gruenig G, Hermann M, Kraehenmann A. An investigation of the incidence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in random populations of Swiss horses.. Equine Vet. J. 1991;23:136–141.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1991.tb02738.xpubmed: 2044507google scholar: lookup
  22. Beeler-Marfisi J. Induction and Mechanisms of Recurrent Airway Obstruction in Horses.. Ph.D. Thesis. University of Guelph; Guelph, ON, Canada: 2010.
  23. Pirie RS, Couëtil LL, Robinson NE, Lavoie J-P. Equine asthma: An appropriate, translational and comprehendible terminology?. Equine Vet. J. 2016;48:403–405.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12586pubmed: 27292020google scholar: lookup
  24. Clarke A. Environmental monitoring in relation to equine respiratory disease.. Curr. Ther. Equine Med. 1992;3:310–315.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.1992.tb00348.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  25. Couëtil LL, Ward MP. Analysis of risk factors for recurrent airway obstruction in North American horses: 1444 cases (1990–1999). J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2003;223:1645–1650.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2003.223.1645pubmed: 14664454google scholar: lookup
  26. Eder C, Crameri R, Mayer C, Eicher R, Straub R, Gerber H, Lazary S, Marti E. Allergen-specific IgE levels against crude mould and storage mite extracts and recombinant mould allergens in sera from horses affected with chronic bronchitis.. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 2000;73:241–253.
    doi: 10.1016/S0165-2427(00)00154-9pubmed: 10713338google scholar: lookup
  27. Pirie R, Collie D, Dixon P, McGorum B. Inhaled endotoxin and organic dust particulates have synergistic proinflammatory effects in equine heaves (organic dust-induced asthma). Clin. Exp. Allergy 2003;33:676–683.
    doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2222.2003.01640.xpubmed: 12752598google scholar: lookup
  28. Franchini M, Gill U, Fellenberg RV, Bracher VD. Interleukin-8 concentration and neutrophil chemotactic activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of horses with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following exposure to hay.. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2000;61:1369–1374.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2000.61.1369pubmed: 11108181google scholar: lookup
  29. Vandenput S, Duvivier DH, Votion D, Art T, Lekeux P. Environmental control to maintain stabled COPD horses in clinical remission: Effects on pulmonary function.. Equine Vet. J. 1998;30:93–96.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb04466.xpubmed: 9535063google scholar: lookup
  30. Dixon P, Railton D, McGorum B, Tothill S. Equine pulmonary disease: A case control study of 300 referred cases. Part 4: Treatments and re-examination findings.. Equine Vet. J. 1995;27:436–439.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb04424.xpubmed: 8565940google scholar: lookup
  31. Leblond A, Villard I, Leblond L, Sabatier P, Sasco A. A retrospective evaluation of the causes of death of 448 insured French horses in 1995.. Vet. Res. Commun. 2000;24:85–102.
    doi: 10.1023/A:1006408522233pubmed: 10720095google scholar: lookup
  32. Tinker MK, White N, Lessard P, Thatcher C, Pelzer K, Davis B, Carmel D. Prospective study of equine colic risk factors.. Equine Vet. J. 1997;29:454–458.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03158.xpubmed: 9413718google scholar: lookup
  33. Pilliner S, Davies Z. Equine Science.. John Wiley & Sons; Hoboken, NJ, USA: 2013.
  34. Feige K, Fürst A, Wehrli Eser M. Auswirkungen von Haltung, Fütterung und Nutzung auf die Pferdegesundheit unter besonderer Berücksichtigung respiratorischer und gastrointestinaler Krankheiten.. Schweiz. Arch. Für Tierheilkd. 2002;144:348–355.
    doi: 10.1024/0036-7281.144.7.348pubmed: 12174682google scholar: lookup
  35. Gieselmann A. Nutritive Anamnese bei Kolikfällen des Pferdes.. University of Vetreinary Medicine Foundation; Hannover, Germany: 1994.
  36. White A, Lessard P. Equine Acute Abdomen.. Lea & Febiger; Philadelphia, PA, USA: 1990. Evaluation of the Horse Farm for a Problem with Colic; pp. 148–151.
  37. Cohen N, Gibbs P, Woods A. Dietary and Other Management Factors Associated with Equine Colic. Proceedings of the AAEP; Albuquerque, NM, USA. 8 December 1999; pp. 96–98.
  38. Cohen N, Matejka P, Honnas C, Hooper R. Case-control study of the association between various management factors and development of colic in horses.. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 1995;206:667–673.
    pubmed: 7744689
  39. Reeves M. What really causes colic in horses? Epidemiology’s role in elucidating the ultimate multi-factorial disease.. Equine Vet. J. 1997;29:413–414.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1997.tb03150.xpubmed: 9413710google scholar: lookup
  40. Hudson JM, Cohen ND, Gibbs PG, Thompson JA. Feeding practices associated with colic in horses.. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2001;219:1419–1425.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2001.219.1419pubmed: 11724182google scholar: lookup
  41. Meyer H. Krampfkolik beim Pferd–Vorstellungen zu einer alimentären Genese.. Pferdeheilkunde 2001;17:463–470.
    doi: 10.21836/PEM20010507google scholar: lookup
  42. Meyer H, Heckotter E, Merkt M, Bernoth E, Kienzle E, Kamphues J. Current problems in veterinary advice on feeding. 6. Adverse effects of feeds in horses.. Dtsch. Tierarztl. Wochenschr. 1986;93:486–490.
    pubmed: 3542479
  43. Kaya G, Sommerfeld-Stur I, Iben C. Risk factors of colic in horses in Austria.. J. Anim. Physiol. Anim. Nutr. 2009;93:339–349.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2008.00874.xpubmed: 19646108google scholar: lookup
  44. Coenen M. Fütterung und Kolik.. Pferdeheilkunde 2013;29:176–182.
  45. Frape D. Equine Nutrition and Feeding.. John Wiley & Sons; Hoboken, NJ, USA: 2008.
  46. Kamphues J, Böhm K. Krampfkoliken bei Pferden nach Fütterung von verdorbenem Hafer.. Dtsch. Tierärztl. Wschr. 1990;97:367–368.
    pubmed: 2242735
  47. Anacker G. Mikrobiologische Futterqualität−Ursache für Gesundheitsprobleme in Milchviehherden?. Viehwirtsch. Fachtag. 2010;40:93–100.
  48. Kellerman TS, Marasas WFO, Pienaar J, Naudé T. A mycotoxicosis of equidae caused by Fusarium moniliforme sheldon. A preliminary communication.. Onderstepoort J. Vet. Res. 1972;39:205–208.
    pubmed: 4664322
  49. Visscher C, Mischok J, Sander S, Schmicke M, Peitzmeier EU, von dem Busche I, Rohn K, Kamphues J. Nutrient digestibility, organ morphometry and performance in vaccinated or non-vaccinated Lawsonia intracellularis infected piglets.. BMC Vet. Res. 2018;14:323.
    doi: 10.1186/s12917-018-1662-2pmc: PMC6211558pubmed: 30382876google scholar: lookup
  50. Kamphues J. Lipopolysaccharide in Futtermitteln–mögliche Bedeutung, Bestimmung und Gehalte.. Übers Tierernährg. 1986;14:131–156.
  51. VDLUFA. VDLUFA Methodenbuch, Band III—Die Untersuchung von Futtermitteln.. VDLUFA-Verlag; Darmstadt, Germany: 2017.
  52. Sander S, Verspohl J, Wolf P. Organic rooting materials like straw in pig husbandry-a hazard for animal health?. Prakt. Tierarzt. 2016;97:140–146.
  53. Müller C, Hultén C, Gröndahl G. Assessment of hygienic quality of haylage fed to healthy horses.. Grass Forage Sci. 2011;66:453–463.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2494.2011.00803.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  54. Roussel S, Reboux G, Dalphin J, Bardonnet K, Millon L, Piarroux R. Microbiological evolution of hay and relapse in patients with farmer’s lung.. Occup. Environ. Med. 2004;61:e3-e3.
    pmc: PMC1757806pubmed: 14691284
  55. O’brien M, O’kiely P, Forristal P, Fuller H. Fungal contamination of big-bale grass silage on Irish farms: Predominant mould and yeast species and features of bales and silage.. Grass Forage Sci. 2008;63:121–137.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2494.2007.00620.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  56. O’Brien M, O’Kiely P, Forristal PD, Fuller HT. Visible fungal growth on baled grass silage during the winter feeding season in Ireland and silage characteristics associated with the occurrence of fungi.. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 2007;139:234–256.
    doi: 10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2007.01.010google scholar: lookup
  57. Müller CE. Fermentation patterns of small-bale silage and haylage produced as a feed for horses.. Grass Forage Sci. 2005;60:109–118.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2494.2005.00457.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  58. McGorum B, Dixon P, Halliwell R. Responses of horses affected with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to inhalation challenges with mould antigens.. Equine Vet. J. 1993;25:261–267.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1993.tb02960.xpubmed: 8354208google scholar: lookup
  59. Ward MP, Couëtil LL. Climatic and aeroallergen risk factors for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in horses.. Am. J. Vet. Res. 2005;66:818–824.
    doi: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.818pubmed: 15934609google scholar: lookup
  60. Pirie R, Dixon P, Collie D, McGorum B. Pulmonary and systemic effects of inhaled endotoxin in control and heaves horses.. Equine Vet. J. 2001;33:311–318.
    doi: 10.2746/042516401776249732pubmed: 11352355google scholar: lookup
  61. Clarke AF, Madelin T. Technique for assessing respiratory health hazards from hay and other source materials.. Equine Vet. J. 1987;19:442–447.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb02639.xpubmed: 3678187google scholar: lookup
  62. Burrell MH. Endoscopic and virological observations on respiratory disease in a group of young Thoroughbred horses in training.. Equine Vet. J. 1985;17:99–103.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02059.xpubmed: 2985380google scholar: lookup
  63. Anacker G. Mikrobiologische Belastung von Hauptfutterkomponenten—Ursache für Gesundheitsprobleme in Milchviehherden.. Thüringer Landesanstalt für Landwirtschaft; Jena, Germany: 2007.
  64. ADLER A. Orientierungswerte für Keimzahlen in Heu. Proceedings of the ALVA-Tagung St. Virgil; Salzburg, Austria. 18–19 May 2009; p. 193.

Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Bouverat VMA, Pradervand N, Wichert BA, Greim E, Dolf GJ, Gerber V. Sensory Assessment of Hay Samples: Abnormal Odor Predicts Increased Dust Levels and Impurities Suggest Microbiological Contamination. Animals (Basel) 2025 Sep 14;15(18).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15182688pubmed: 41007933google scholar: lookup
  2. Mańkowska A, Witkowska D. The Most Common Environmental Risk Factors for Equine Asthma-A Narrative Review. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jul 14;14(14).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14142062pubmed: 39061524google scholar: lookup
  3. Diez de Castro E, Fernandez-Molina JM. Environmental Management of Equine Asthma. Animals (Basel) 2024 Jan 30;14(3).
    doi: 10.3390/ani14030446pubmed: 38338089google scholar: lookup
  4. Pisch C, Wensch-Dorendorf M, Schwarzenbolz U, Henle T, Greef JM, Zeyner A. Effect of Hay Steaming on the Estimated Precaecal Digestibility of Crude Protein and Selected Amino Acids in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Nov 10;12(22).
    doi: 10.3390/ani12223092pubmed: 36428320google scholar: lookup
  5. Intemann S, Reckels B, Schubert DC, Wolf P, Kamphues J, Visscher C. The Microbiological Quality of Concentrates for Horses-A Retrospective Study on Influencing Factors and Associations with Clinical Symptoms Reported by Owners or Referring Vets. Vet Sci 2022 Aug 5;9(8).
    doi: 10.3390/vetsci9080413pubmed: 36006328google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 100,129 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.