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Animals
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Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses
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Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses

A special issue of Animals (ISSN 2076-2615). This special issue belongs to the section "Equids".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 March 2023) | Viewed by 12634

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Meriel Moore-Colyer

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Equine Management and Science, Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, UK
Interests: digestive physiology; fiber diets; stable environment; feeding systems
Dr. Rasmus Bovbjerg Jensen

E-Mail Website
Co-Guest Editor
Faculty of Biosciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), 1430 Ås, Norway
Interests: equine nutrition and feeds; nutrition physiology; GI tract
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues, 

Trainers and owners are well aware that good gastrointestinal health is key to good performance in horses. Horses are highly individualistic and rarely can they be fed on a herd basis. Balancing nutrient intake with energy demands, while maintaining natural feeding patterns and minimising nutrition-related disorders can be very challenging. This Special Issue is entitled “Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses”. The editors will welcome novel research or insightful reviews on feed types, gut physiology, factors that influence the hind–gut microbiome and metabolomics, the gut–brain axis, feeding systems, and nutrition-related metabolic disorders. Additionally, aspects such as the impact that travelling has on digestive health, the growing issue of obesity in horses, managing grazing systems and current industry knowledge on equine nutrition will all be topics of interest.

Prof. Dr. Meriel Moore-Colyer
Dr. Rasmus Bovbjerg Jensen
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Animals is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • digestive disorders
  • feeding systems
  • metabolic disorders
  • gut physiology
  • microbiome
  • novel feeds

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 3065 KiB  
Article
Factors Affecting Weigh Tape Reading in the Measurement of Equine Body Weight
by Katie Grimwood, Bryony Lancaster and Ian Handel
Animals 2023, 13(8), 1330; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081330 - 13 Apr 2023
Viewed by 1903
Abstract
Accurate measurement of equine body weight is important for evaluating medication dosages and feed quantities. Different methods exist for measuring body weight, including weigh tapes (WT), though accuracy varies. Measurements could be affected by external variables, such as time of day, human error, [...] Read more.
Accurate measurement of equine body weight is important for evaluating medication dosages and feed quantities. Different methods exist for measuring body weight, including weigh tapes (WT), though accuracy varies. Measurements could be affected by external variables, such as time of day, human error, or uneven surfaces, and also horse-based variables, such as height and body condition score (BCS). The aim of this study was to investigate how different horse-based variables affect WT reading. A retrospective analysis was performed using anonymised data from feed company nutrition consultations (Baileys Horse Feeds). Data included a range of horse-based variables, a WT reading, and true body weight measured on a weighbridge. All horses were over two years of age. Likelihood ratio tests were used to assess whether adding different horse-based variables significantly improved the fit of the quadratic regression model. The variables included were height, BCS, breed, muscle top-line score, and bone type. Exploratory analysis showed that the WT generally underestimated body weight, particularly for horses with higher body weight. Adding height and muscle top-line scores did not significantly improve the fit of the model, suggesting no influence on WT reading over and above actual body weight. Adding breed groupings, BCS, and bone density did improve the fit. Each 0.5 unit increase in BCS increased the WT estimate by 1.24 kg (p < 0.001). These results confirm that a WT does not provide accurate body weight measurements, and generally underestimates body weight, though more so for heavier horses, being more accurate in pony breeds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses)
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13 pages, 249 KiB  
Article
Where Are We Now? Feeds, Feeding Systems and Current Knowledge of UK Horse Owners When Feeding Haylage to Their Horses
by Meriel Moore-Colyer, Amy Westacott, Lucile Rousson, Patricia Harris and Simon Daniels
Animals 2023, 13(8), 1280; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13081280 - 07 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1494
Abstract
Despite our improved understanding of equid digestive health and accurate rations formulations, obesity in the UK horse population remains high. Study aims: (1) to determine how owners are feeding their horses and what influences their choices, (2) to understand owners’ knowledge of haylage [...] Read more.
Despite our improved understanding of equid digestive health and accurate rations formulations, obesity in the UK horse population remains high. Study aims: (1) to determine how owners are feeding their horses and what influences their choices, (2) to understand owners’ knowledge of haylage and (3) to identify key areas that require additional education. Data were collected in 2020 from 1338 UK horse owners via two online surveys. Survey 1 was on general feeding practices, and Survey 2 was specifically on the feeding of haylage. Data were processed using chi square analyses + Bonferroni tests, with a significance p < 0.05. Equal numbers of leisure and performance horse owners completed both surveys. For Survey 1, 67% fed hay as the only forage, 30% fed forage (hay/haylage) + balancer, 36% fed haylage and hay to manage energy intake, 84% added a cube or coarse mix, 88% did not do forage analyses, 74% did not see the need for it and 16% did not know analyses could be done. In Survey 2, those who were not feeding haylage, 66% were not sure how to feed it, 68% worried about aerobic spoilage and 79% said the bale size was unsuitable. Body weight measurements (Survey 1 and Survey 2) were rarely performed (11%). Aspects of ration formulations, the value of feed analyses and how to interchange hay and haylage require additional education to owners for improved ration compilation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses)
12 pages, 296 KiB  
Article
Effects of Differences in Fibre Composition and Maturity of Forage-Based Diets on the Fluid Balance, Water-Holding Capacity and Viscosity in Equine Caecum and Colon Digesta
by Sara Muhonen, Christelle Philippeau and Véronique Julliand
Animals 2022, 12(23), 3340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12233340 - 29 Nov 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1473
Abstract
Horses are herbivores, and their hindgut functions as a fluid reservoir as forage fibre properties have great impact on the water content of digesta and the milieu in the ecosystem. Our objective was to compare the effect of grass fibre maturity and legume [...] Read more.
Horses are herbivores, and their hindgut functions as a fluid reservoir as forage fibre properties have great impact on the water content of digesta and the milieu in the ecosystem. Our objective was to compare the effect of grass fibre maturity and legume forage on the water-holding capacity (WHC) and viscosity of the equine hindgut and the body weight (BW) and fluid balance of horses. Three diets: concentrate and late harvested grass haylage (35:65 energy ratio) (C); early and late harvested grass haylage (80:20) (G); lucerne and late harvested grass haylage (80:20) (L) were fed to six caecum and colon fistulated horses for 28 days in a Latin-square design. Total water intake and BW were higher when the horses were fed Diet L, but the digesta WHC was higher when fed Diet G. Total water excretion (via faeces + urine) and the difference in total water intake—output was higher when fed Diet L. Viscosity, measured on centrifuged digesta fluid, did not differ between diets, but the individual colon data of one horse were higher. In conclusion, early harvested forage might be beneficial for the fluid balance of athletic horses providing a higher WHC of hindgut digesta without increasing BW. The importance of digesta viscosity in relation to equine diets needs further investigations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses)
10 pages, 6144 KiB  
Article
Comparison of the Mineral Profile of Two Types of Horse Diet, Silage and Commercial Concentrate, and Their Impacts on Hoof Tensile Strength
by Gabriel Rueda-Carrillo, René Rosiles-Martínez, Luis Corona-Gochi, Anaid Hernández-García, Gabriela López-Navarro and Francisco Trigo-Tavera
Animals 2022, 12(22), 3204; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12223204 - 18 Nov 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1609
Abstract
The type of diet that a horse consumes is one of the most important factors determining the mineral profile and tensile strength of its hooves, so the quality and nutritional value of the supplied feed are fundamental to achieving satisfactory hoof quality. The [...] Read more.
The type of diet that a horse consumes is one of the most important factors determining the mineral profile and tensile strength of its hooves, so the quality and nutritional value of the supplied feed are fundamental to achieving satisfactory hoof quality. The objective of this study was to compare the differences in the mineral concentrations of sodium (Na), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and Iron (Fe) between two diets, namely silage and a commercial concentrate, using atomic absorption spectrometry and to determine which led to higher increases in the hoof tensile strength of horses consuming these diets. Thirty-two Spanish horses were randomly divided into two groups, where the diet of the horses in group 1 was silage oat hay, and that of the horses in group 2 was a commercial concentrate and oat hay. Both diets were provided for 12 months. The hoof tensile strength was then measured using an Instron universal testing machine. Mg and Fe levels were higher (p < 0.05) in the silage than in the commercial concentrate, and hoof Mg, Zn, K, and tensile strength were also influenced by the hormonal stage (p < 0.05). The type of diet directly affected the hoof Mg, Zn, K, Na, and tensile strength (p < 0.05), which Mg, K and Na were higher in horses fed with concentrate. It was found that for each unit of Zn (μg/g and Na (μg/g)), in the hoof, the tensile strength is affected by −0.10 N/mm2 and −0.003 N/mm2, respectively for each mineral. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses)
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10 pages, 523 KiB  
Article
Dietary Iron Unlikely to Cause Insulin Resistance in Horses
by Nancy L. McLean, Nerida McGilchrist and Brian D. Nielsen
Animals 2022, 12(19), 2510; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12192510 - 21 Sep 2022
Viewed by 2987
Abstract
Racehorses are often supplemented extra iron with the expectation that the iron will improve overall performance and health. A survey of 120 U.S. Thoroughbred trainers, representing 1978 Thoroughbreds from various regions of the U.S., was conducted to determine the average amount of dietary [...] Read more.
Racehorses are often supplemented extra iron with the expectation that the iron will improve overall performance and health. A survey of 120 U.S. Thoroughbred trainers, representing 1978 Thoroughbreds from various regions of the U.S., was conducted to determine the average amount of dietary iron fed to Thoroughbred racehorses per day. Survey results indicated racehorses were fed an average of 3900 mg of iron per day from hay and grain alone. This exceeds the 0.8 mg/kg BW or 400 mg for a 500 kg working horse that the NRC 2007 recommends per day. Supplements increased the daily average intake of iron by an additional 500 mg Fe. Some equine nutritionists propose that excess dietary iron may be a causative factor in insulin resistance (IR). However, the occurrence of IR in Thoroughbred racehorses is very rare. This study did not find one confirmed veterinary diagnosis of IR in any of the surveyed trainers’ Thoroughbred horses, whether racing, on a layoff, or retired. Given the iron content in these diets easily exceeds the NRC minimum daily requirements, it seems unlikely that dietary iron is an independent causative factor in IR. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses)
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Review

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17 pages, 371 KiB  
Review
The Role of Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae in Supporting Gut Health in Horses: An Updated Review on Its Effects on Digestibility and Intestinal and Fecal Microbiota
by Vera Perricone, Silvia Sandrini, Nida Irshad, Marcello Comi, Cristina Lecchi, Giovanni Savoini and Alessandro Agazzi
Animals 2022, 12(24), 3475; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani12243475 - 09 Dec 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2428
Abstract
To support the overall health of horses, it is essential to maintain an optimal gut health (GH) status, which encompasses several physiological and functional aspects, including the balance and functionality of intestinal microbial populations and, accordingly, the effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. [...] Read more.
To support the overall health of horses, it is essential to maintain an optimal gut health (GH) status, which encompasses several physiological and functional aspects, including the balance and functionality of intestinal microbial populations and, accordingly, the effective digestion and absorption of nutrients. Numerous biotic and abiotic stressors can lead to an imbalance of GH, such as the quality of forages and the composition of diet, e.g., the inclusion of high energy-dense feeds to meet the energy requirements of performance horses. To support the digestive function and the intestinal microbial populations, the diet can be supplemented with feed additives, such as probiotic yeasts, that promote the ability of cellulolytic bacteria in the hindgut to digest the available fiber fractions, finally increasing feed efficiency. Among the different yeasts available, S. cerevisiae is the most used in horses’ nutrition; however, results of digestibility trials, as well as data on intestinal and fecal microbial populations, are sometimes contradictory. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to summarize the effects of S. cerevisiae on in vivo and in vitro digestibility, providing an updated overview of its effects on the intestinal and fecal microbial population. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nutritional Strategies for Enhancing Metabolic Health in Performance Horses)
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