Influence of Feeding Frequency on Ingestion and Elimination Patterns and Total Plasma Protein of Horses

Abstract

Horses are natural grazers, typically spending about 10-15 hours per day foraging. The purpose of this study, which is part of a larger study, was to investigate the influence of feedingfrequency on ingestive and eliminative behaviors, as well as total plasma protein (TPP) concentrations in horses. Horses (n = 12) were stratified by age, body condition score (BCS), breed, and sex across two equal sets with a randomized order of treatments. Each treatment was given for 1 week, with 24-hr observations being taken on the 6th day and blood samples being taken on the 7th to allow for acclimation. Water was provided ad libitum, grass hay was provided in slow feed nets and given at 1.55% body weight (BW) on a DM basis, and concentrate was fed at 0.45% BW. The treatments were one (1x), two (2x), and three meals per day (3x), where meals comprised of both forage and commercial pellets split equally across feeding times. Feeding times were 0800, 0800 and 1800, and 0800, 1300, and 1800 h for 1x, 2x, and 3x, respectively. Behaviors were recorded for 24 continuous hours via cameras that were placed so that the entire stall could be viewed. Ingestive and elimination data were extracted from a larger data set of horse behaviors transcribed in Microsoft Excel. Averages for the ingestive behavior of 6 horses with completed 24-hour data sets were extracted from each feeding frequencies for analysis. These values are expressed as a percentage of 24 hr and number of occurrences(frequency). Serial plasma samples were collected from the horses (n = 12) relative to their morning meal on day 7 of each treatment. TPP was determined via refractometer. SAS 9.4 was used to determine the effects of treatment on the duration and frequency of behaviors, as well as the effects of feeding frequency on the TPP within blood. Hay ingestion behavior was significantly influenced by the feeding frequency, with horses on the 2x treatment eating hay more frequently and for a longer duration than when fed 3x (P < 0.05). Additionally, 1x had a lower duration of hay consumption than 3x (P = 0.03). Concentrate intake duration was similaracross treatments, while water intake frequency was the lowest when the horses were fed 3x, compared to 1x and 2x. These results show that feeding frequency primarily affects the pattern of intake, rather than actual nutrient consumption. The TPP increased approximately 30 minutes after the meal, which was followed by a decline of the values back towards baseline from 60-180 minutes. There was no significant effect of feeding frequency on TPP (P = 0.47), but there was a significant effect of time on TPP values (P < 0.0001). Future studies should focus on circadian rhythm patterns, actual consumption of forage and water, and the composition of feces in relation to different feeding frequencies.Ohio State ATI’s Research, Creative & Other Scholarly Activities (RCOSA) grantBuckeye NutritionA one-year embargo was granted for this item.Academic Major: Animal Science