The Influence of Packaging on Palatability and Shelf Life Stability of Horse Treats.

This research shows that the type of packaging used for horse treats affects both their shelf life and the horses’ preference for them. The study involved testing different types of packaging over a year and measuring changes in the treats’ moisture content and other variables, as well as tracking horses’ reactions to the treats.

Research Objectives

This research had two main objectives:

• To assess the impact of packaging on the shelf life of horse treats.
• To evaluate the impact of packaging on horse preferences for different treats.

Study Method

The study carried out three packaging treatments using a control group, a group with poly (plastic) packaging, and a group with paper packaging. The treats in these different packages were examined at five different time points over a year. The factors the researchers studied in the horse treats include:

• Moisture content
• Water activity
• Presence of mold and yeast
• pH level
• Presence of volatile organic acids

In addition, the horse preference was tested by evaluating which treatment the horses sniffed first, consumed, and finished, as well as the number of treats they consumed.

Significant Findings

The research found that the moisture content and water activity in all the types of packaging increased from the beginning to the end of the year. The paper-packaged treats had greater fluctuations and had visible mold growth by the end of the year. There were no significant differences in the first treat sniffed, consumed, or finished by the horses. However, the researchers noted a trend that the number of treats consumed rose with the plastic packaging and declined with the paper packaging. This indicates that the horses showed a preference for treats in plastic packages, and that the paper packaging may not have adequately protected the treats from environmental factors.

Conclusion

The type of packaging used for horse treats has a significant impact on both their shelf-life and the horses’ preference for them. Paper-packaged treats are more susceptible to moisture and molds and appear to be less preferred by horses, whereas plastic-packaged treats seem to fare better in both aspects. Therefore, packaging should be carefully considered when producing and storing horse treats.