Black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) have the potential to be incorporated into equine feed as a sustainable and nutritionally dense insect-derived source of protein and fat. The purpose of this study was ...to investigate the suitability of whole dried BSFL as a novel protein source in equine diets based on acceptability, palatability, and various health parameters. Seventeen horses (15.2 ± 7.0 years; 596 ± 122 kg body weight (BW) (mean±SD)) and three ponies (19.7 ± 0.6 years; 364 ± 53 kg) were separately fed a BSFL-based supplement (TRT) and a roasted soybean-based supplement (CON) (0.75 g crude protein per kg BW0.75) for 28-days using a cross-over study design. Feed intake was recorded throughout the feeding periods to assess the acceptability of the novel ingredient. Body weight, body condition score (BCS), plasma biochemistry, and complete blood counts were assessed at the beginning and end of each treatment period as markers of health status. After the cross-over study, two-bowl tests were used to assess the palatability of the BSFL supplement, with or without the presence of other concentrates. Minimal differences were observed between treatment groups for biochemical analytes and complete blood counts, and BW and BCS did not change throughout the study period. Both supplements were willingly consumed by the horses over the 28-day feeding periods, though feed intake was 8% greater in the CON compared to the TRT group (P<0.01). For the palatability tests, horses first approached (P=0.03) and first consumed (P=0.03) the CON more frequently than the TRT supplement when the supplements were supplied with other concentrates. When the supplements were offered in the absence of other concentrates, there was no difference in which bucket was approached first, but horses tended to first consume the CON rather than the TRT supplement. Overall, these data indicate that dietary consumption of BSFL for 28 days at a low-inclusion rate results in no negative health outcomes in horses; however, longer-term studies are warranted to further examine physiological effects of consuming BSFL and at higher inclusion rates. Though horses did favour the CON supplement based on palatability parameters, horses willingly consumed the BSFL supplement, indicating that BSFL at low inclusion rates may be considered a palatable ingredient in equine diets.
•Black soldier fly larva is safe in equine diets at low inclusion.•Whole dried black soldier fly larvae comparable to roasted soybean meal as protein rich ingredient for equine diets.•Black soldier fly larva is palatable for horses at low inclusion rates.
The main goal of recent study was the impact assessment of a commercially available fermented herbal feed supplement on the digestion of horses and the intestinal microflora. The experiment was made ...with four adult horses. The product was consumed by the animals for seven days in addition to the usual oats and hay diet, in an amount of 200g. Sampling was made before and immediately after the treatments and 21 days later. From the fresh faecal samples the number of lactic acid and coliform bacteria was determined. At the end of the experiment, the dry matter, crude protein, crude fiber, and acid-insoluble ash (AIA) content of hay, oats and faecal samples were measured. According to our results it can be concluded that the horses participating in the experiment responded favourably to the treatments. The positive effect of the product was clearly evident for all nutrients only 21days after the treatments. Based on our results, the lactobacillus content of the product was relatively low. Thus, we concluded that the positive effect of the product is mainly due to the beneficial effect of herbs. The favourable values obtained by crude fiber suggest that the tested product had a positive effect on the bacterial processes in the post-intestine and the efficiency of fiber breakdown. The results of the recent experiment are also confirm the important role of herbs and plant extract in the modern equine nutrition.
Several concerns exist regarding horse rearing such as environmental pollution, antibiotics resistance, digestive disorders, mycotoxins contamination of animal feed, gut health management, and ...improvement of feed efficiency. Nanoparticles have the potential to address these issues and thus could be used as feed additive. Citrate reduces and stabilizes gold nanoparticles, alongside biosynthesized silver nanoparticles have the potential to prolong and improve digestive enzyme activity, which would enhance starch digestibility in the stomach. Zinc oxide and selenium nanoparticles could be used to improve feed digestibility and volatile fatty acids production. Magnesium oxide, silver, and copper nanoparticles exhibit strong antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative microbes and weaken the biofilm formation of the microbial community. Calcium, zinc, and silver nanoparticles could be used to prevent periodontal disease in horses. In addition, silver nanoparticles may be applied as antifasciolitics and potentially against other gastrointestinal parasites. Environmental concern of equines could be addressed by using cerium oxide, silver, and cobalt nanoparticles to reduce methane emission and zinc oxide could help to reduce fecal mineral output. Fullerol C60OH24, a honey-derived silver nanoparticle and zinc oxide nanoparticles exhibit attractive antibacterial properties because of increased specific surface area as the reduced particle enhance unit surface reactivity. Gut health management of equines could be solved with nanoparticles because of the ability of ferrous oxide and copper nanoparticles to improve microbial growth, whereas zinc oxide improves villus height, crypt depth, and villous surface area. It is required to explore in depth the beneficial effects of these nanoparticles as a novel area in the equine industry's both in vitro and in vivo before recommendation to equine owners.
•Citrate-reduced and -stabilized gold nanoparticles, which could improve starch digestion.•Calcium, zinc, and silver nanoparticles have antiperiodontitis potential in equines.•Cerium dioxide, cobalt, silver, magnesium, and zinc oxide could mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.•Fullerol, zinc oxide, and silver nanoparticles could reduce mycotoxin synthesis.•Ferrous oxide and nanocopper could be used in probiotic supplements for equines.
Veterinarians are a primary trusted source of information regarding equine nutrition. Thus, veterinarians need to know best practices for equine nutrition or have access to referral nutrition ...services. Previous literature has reported variable confidence levels of veterinarians regarding nutrition-related conditions. The objectives of this project were to determine the confidence level of veterinarians in the Upper Midwest regarding equine nutrition topics and to identify the preferred types of resources for receiving this information. A survey of 433 Upper Midwestern veterinarians was conducted. Respondents (n = 125) had an average confidence level ranging from 3.2 (obesity) to 2.1 (equine polysaccharide storage myopathy) on a five-point Likert scale (1 = not at all confident; 5 = very confident). The average likelihood of using information tailored for South Dakota audiences developed by an equine nutritionist was 6.8/10 (n = 122; 0 = never use, 10 = use on regular basis). Most respondents (57%) preferred that equine nutrition resources be written with wording for both veterinarians and horse owners side by side. Handouts/summaries, fact sheets, and email/newsletters were the preferred formats for receiving equine nutrition resources. Respondents identified equine nutrition topics of greatest benefit to serve their clientele including geriatrics (senior) horses, laminitis, and hard keepers. Respondent comments provided additional insight into needs for continuing education on equine nutrition and improving equine caregiver implementation of recommendations. The current findings detail specific, self-reported needs of equine practitioners in the Upper Midwest regarding equine nutrition.
•Veterinarians' average confidence levels for equine nutrition topics were 3.2 to 2.1.•Handouts/summaries are the preferred format for equine nutrition–related resources.•Veterinarians prefer materials to be written for both owners and veterinarians.•Identified key nutrition topics that would help to better serve current clientele.
Background: L-Glutamine (Gln), the most abundant free alpha amino acid in the body, plays a major role in the transport of nitrogen and carbon between tissues, and is an important source of ...respiratory energy for intestinal and immune system cells. Mares lose lean body mass during lactation, when plasma and milk Gln levels change significantly. However, supplementation with Gln combined with other amino acids may not alter equine plasma Gln levels. The work reported here was designed to test the hypothesis that supplementation with a mixture of glutamine and glutamate (AminoGut) alters blood and milk free glutamine and glutamate levels in pasture-fed lactating mares.Materials, Methods & Results: This study involved 31 multiparous Quarter Horse mares, which were divided into three groups immediately postpartum, as follows: G-CON (n = 19); G-50 g supplemented with 50 g of Gln + Glu plus 200 g of concentrate (n = 6); and G-100 g, supplemented with 100 g of Gln + Glu plus 200 g of concentrate (n = 6). Blood and milk samples were collected on the day of parturition prior to supplementation, and monthly until weaning. The milk samples were used to analyze the Gln, Glu composition and levels, while the blood samples were used for further analysis of blood biomarkers. The results were analyzed by ANOVA and by Tukey’s test and the P value was set at 5%. The G-CON group showed a significant reduction of 11-35% in the mean blood glutamine levels from the first month postpartum and throughout lactation. In contrast, blood glutamine levels in groups G-50 g and G-100 g did not change significantly from parturition through 5 months of lactation. The supplemented groups showed no significant differences in blood variables such as protein, albumin, urea, creatinine, cholesterol, triglycerides and minerals. Free glutamine levels in milk did not change from parturition through the end of lactation in the G-CON group, but groups G-50 g and the G-100 g showed a marked rise in milk glutamine levels throughout the first three months of lactation (~3x), which remained high (~2x) until the foals were weaned (P > 0.05).Discussion: The results of this study indicate that Gln + Glu supplementation successfully increased Gln levels in mare milk in the first three months of lactation, and Glu levels in G-100 g in the first four months, without affecting the levels of these amino acids in the animals’ blood, which remained similar to data obtained at parturition. In fact, the Gln levels in both supplemented groups exceeded 1,000 mmol/mL throughout lactation, unlike those of the control group and of the samples obtained at parturition. Moreover, supplementation did not produce significant changes in blood biomarkers, including those pertaining to protein metabolism (urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin and total proteins), indicating that the product used for supplementation did not interfere in these biomarkers, which remained within the normal physiological variations for the species. It was concluded that daily dietary supplementation with 50 g of a mixture of glutamine and glutamate produced an effect similar to supplementation with 100 g/day. Both supplementation protocols succeeded in raising glutamine levels in mare milk in the first three months of lactation, without interfering in blood biomarkers or milk composition. In view of the cost of the product, we recommend that the daily diet of mares during lactation be supplemented with 50 g of a mixture of Gln + Glu in order to produce the desired nutritional effects.
•Feeding camelina oil for 16 weeks does not impact health parameters in horses.•Blood parameters and BW are similar for horses fed camelina, flax, and canola oil.•Feeding camelina or flax oil ...decreases the n-6:n-3 ratio in equine plasma.•Plasma total lipid profile reflects the fatty acid profile of the oil provided.•Camelina oil can be used as a sustainable, alternative oil supplement for horses.
Camelina (Camelina sativa) is a hardy, low-input oilseed crop that provides a rich source of the n-3 fatty acid, α-linolenic acid (ALA). The primary purpose of the present study was to assess the effects of dietary camelina oil (CAM) consumption on various health parameters, as compared to horses fed canola oil (OLA) or flax oil (FLX). Secondly, to determine how dietary CAM, FLX, and OLA alter circulating plasma total lipids across time. Thirty horses, from three separate herds, were used for this study 14.9 years ± 5.3 years; 544 ± 66 kg calculated BW (mean ± SD). After a 4-week gradual acclimation period using sunflower oil mixed with soaked hay cubes, horses were balanced by location, age, sex, weight, and breed and randomly allocated to one of three treatment oils (CAM, OLA, or FLX) at an inclusion of 370 mg of oil/kg BW/day. Horses had ad libitum access to hay and/or pasture for the duration of the study. Body condition score (BCS), BW, oil intake, complete blood counts, plasma biochemical profiles, and plasma total lipids were measured on weeks 0, 2, 4, 8, and 16 throughout the 16-week treatment period. BW, BCS, and oil intake were analyzed using an ANOVA using PROC GLIMMIX in SAS Studio. Complete blood counts and biochemical profiles were analyzed using an ANCOVA, and fatty acids were analyzed using an ANOVA in PROC MIXED in SAS Studio. No differences were observed among treatment groups for BW, BCS, oil intake, complete blood counts, and biochemical parameters. Individual fatty acids that differed among treatments and/or across time were largely reflective of the different FA profiles of the oils provided. Most notably, plasma ALA was greater for FLX than OLA, but neither differed from CAM (P = 0.01). Linoleic acid did not differ among treatments or over time (P > 0.05). The n-6:n-3 ratio decreased over time for both CAM and FLX, and ratios were lower for FLX than OLA at week 16, but not different from CAM (P = 0.02). These results suggest that dietary CAM had no adverse effects on health parameters and that daily supplementation of CAM and FLX at 370 mg of oil/kg BW/day induces positive changes (a decrease) in the n-6:n-3 status of the horse. Consequently, CAM may be considered as an alternative oil to FLX in equine diets.
•Contents of pre-caecal digestible crude protein (pcdCP) for horses were determinend in forage from species-rich grasslands.•Contents of pcdCP varied from 35.5–70.7 g/kg dry matter and from 260 to ...634 g/kg crude protein.•The contents of pcdCP followed an unspecific pattern when related to either fertilisation or growth cycle.•Plant secondary metabolites were negatively correlated with forage neutral detergent insoluble crude protein contents.
The methodological procedure of the new German protein evaluation system for horses estimates protein supply at the duodenum on the level of pre-caecal digestible crude protein (pcdCP). Limited information is available on the pcdCP content of forage from species-rich grasslands, commonly used as forage for horses. A characteristic of forage from species-rich grasslands is elevated contents of specific phenolic compounds. The contents and variation of pcdCP were determined in forage samples from three long-term fertilisation field experiments located in the Swiss mountains. The samples were characterised by a large variation in the botanical composition (16–36 species) and were hence analysed by contrasting crude nutrient composition and contents of total extractable phenols (TEP), total tannins (TT) and condensed tannins (CT). The contents of neutral detergent soluble CP (NDSCP) and pcdCP were calculated and the potential influences of varying TEP contents on the pcdCP analysed. Forage (N = 64) crude protein (CP) contents ranged from 67.3–144 g/kg dry matter (DM). On average, the contents of pcdCP varied from 35.5–70.7 g/kg DM and from 260 to 634 g/kg CP. The contents of pcdCP, NDSCP and neutral detergent insoluble crude protein (NDICP) followed an unspecific pattern across all investigated swards when related to either fertilisation or growth cycle. There was a positive correlation (r = 0.4030, P < 0.05) between pcdCP (g/kg DM) and CP (g/kg DM) and between forage NDICP contents and CP (r = 0.7090, P < 0.05). Negative correlations were determined between NDICP and TEP (r = -0.2490, P < 0.05) and TT (r = -0.3550, P < 0.05). Forage NDICP and CT were negatively correlated in both forages from the generative (rg = -0.4010) or vegetative harvest (rv = -0.5570) or as a sum of both growth cycles (r = -0.3710) (P < 0.05). Therefore, the new German protein evaluation system for horses requires further evaluation in vivo to examine whether the contents of pcdCP are predicted adequately in forage with elevated contents of phenolic compounds.
•There was great variation in the prevalence of abnormal behaviors.•No significant difference between questionnaires and direct observations was found.•Incorrect nutritional management is indicated ...as the main cause of abnormal behaviors.
Researchers believe that the development and prevalence of abnormal behaviors in horses may be caused by several environmental and biological factors, and the literature offers numerous reports that discuss the causes and effects of stereotypies in these animals. In this light, this study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of the scientific literature, summarizing the main risk factors associated with the development of abnormal behaviors in horses. The searches were conducted over the course of four years in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. The publications reviewed were full text research thesis or articles that addressed issues within the following criteria: (1) presentation of epidemiological information on the studied population; (2) prevalence of abnormal behaviors in equine populations; (3) factors associated with the development or prevalence of stereotypies. Data were extracted from each study and inserted into an Excel spreadsheet to be analyzed through descriptive statistics. In addition, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to verify the existence of significant differences between the methodologies (direct observation/questionnaires). The dataset was also analyzed through data mining to identify the main factors that influence the prevalence of abnormal behaviors in the studied population. The results showed a great variation in the mean prevalence of abnormal behaviors, with no significant difference between research conducted through questionnaires or direct observation, and the data mining technique identified that incorrect nutritional management may be the main factor influencing the development and prevalence of abnormal behaviors in horses.
Mangalarga Marchador foals in Minas Gerais, Brazil, are usually weaned during the dry season, when there is a scarcity of forage. Although sorghum silage has been used to feed weanlings, the effect ...on their feeding behavior in comparison with grass hay has not been reported. Twelve Mangalarga Marchador weanlings were randomly assigned to two groups of six animals: SS: sorghum silage; VH: Vaquero hay. Both groups received commercial concentrate in the proportion of 1.2 kg.100 kg−1 of the live weight and forage ad libitum. The animals were filmed for 48 hours, being timed: forage intake time, water intake time (WIT), concentrate intake time, and leisure time (LT). Tukey's test was used to compare the parameters between SS and VH groups. Forage intake time and WIT were higher (P < .05) in VH group because the hay had low moisture content, stimulating water intake. Feeding behavior of weanlings kept in individual stalls and consuming sorghum silage was different than those consuming grass hay, providing less forage intake time and longer LT spent in comparison with VH.
•Sorghum silage has been used in equine feeding in Brazil.•Weaning foals received sorghum silage or hay grass.•They were filmed to evaluate feeding behavior.•Feeding behavior of weanlings consuming sorghum silage was different than those consuming grass hay.
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