The Influence of Topically Applied Oil-Based Palatants on Eating Behavior in Horses.
Abstract: Palatants may be added to equine feed and medication either during or after manufacturing to enhance product acceptance. Prior studies have examined a variety of palatants but results have been limited and inconsistent. Therefore, the objective of this research was to evaluate topically applied oil-based palatants on feeding preferences in horses. Stock-type horses (n = 10) were used in this paired preference test across a two-phase study. Phase one compared six palatants (banana, anise, peppermint, apple, spearmint, and orange) to a control (corn oil), whereas phase two compared preference among palatants (anise, apple, and peppermint). Feeding stocks were utilized and horses were allowed 15 seconds for olfaction followed by 3 minutes for consumption. Variables recorded included first diet sniffed and consumed, first action, aversive behaviors, excessive salivation, and consumption. Each trial was also video-recorded and number of chews were counted. Data were analyzed using chi-square and t tests in SAS version 9.4 with P < .05 established as significant. Findings from phase one reveal excessive salivation was observed less frequently (P < .05) for most palatants with the exception of peppermint and orange. Orange negatively impacted palatability indicated by less consumption when compared with the control (P = .02), although there was no impact on chews per gram. No difference between control and treatment diets for first sniff or first consumed was observed when analyzed individually in either phase one or two, although there was a moderate positive correlation (ф = 0.39, P = .04) between olfaction and consumption during the peppermint and anise comparison. Consumption as the first action was consistent across all trials (P < .05). Anise was preferred over apple and peppermint as indicated by higher total consumption (P < .05) in phase two. These data indicate that oil-based palatants can affect feed preferences in horses with increased palatability from anise and decreased palatability from orange flavors.
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020-04-09 PubMed ID: 32684247DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102995Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study investigates the impact of using different oil-based flavorings (referred to as palatants) on horse feeding preferences. The findings indicate that horses tend to prefer anise flavor and are averse to orange flavor.
Introduction to Palatants
- The research focuses on palatants, which are substances added to horse feed or medication to make them more acceptable to horses, enhancing their taste or smell.
- Prior studies have examined different types of palatants, but the results have been inconsistent and limited. Therefore, this study aimed to better understand the influences of different palatants on horse eating behavior.
Method Used in the Study
- 10 stock-type horses were used in the two-phase study. In the first phase, the horses’ preferences for six palatants (banana, anise, peppermint, apple, spearmint, and orange) were compared with corn oil (control).
- In the second phase, preferences between anise, apple, and peppermint were compared.
- The horses were given 15 seconds to smell the feed and three minutes for consumption, and behaviors such as first diet sniffed, consumed, first action, and any aversive behavior were tracked.
- Additionally, signs of excessive salivation and the number of chews were recorded.
- The data were then analyzed using statistical methods.
Key Findings from the Study
- In the first phase of the study, results showed that most palatants except for peppermint and orange induced less excessive salivation, which is generally considered a sign of aversion.
- Orange flavor negatively influenced palatability, causing a reduction in the amount of feed consumed when compared with the control, though it did not influence the number of chews per gram.
- There was no substantial difference between the control and treatment diets for the first sniff or first consumed.
- The second phase showed that anise was most preferred by horses, which was indicated by the increased total intake in comparison to apple and peppermint.
Conclusions from the Study
- The study concludes that oil-based palatants can indeed influence the feed preferences of horses.
- Among the flavors tested, anise was found to increase palatability while orange decreased palatability.
Cite This Article
APA
Francis JM, Neander CR, Roeder MJ, Perry EB.
(2020).
The Influence of Topically Applied Oil-Based Palatants on Eating Behavior in Horses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 91, 102995.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.102995 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science Food & Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL. Electronic address: jessefrancis@siu.edu.
- Department of Animal Science Food & Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.
- Purina Animal Nutrition, Gray Summit, MO.
- Department of Animal Science Food & Nutrition, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Candy
- Corn Oil
- Diet
- Eating
- Feeding Behavior
- Horses
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Stachurska A, Tkaczyk E, Różańska-Boczula M, Janicka W, Janczarek I. Horses' Response to a Novel Diet: Different Herbs Added to Dry, Wet or Wet-Sweetened Oats. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 24;12(11).
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