Abstract

P>The aim of the present study was to compare digestibility and metabolic response in Icelandic and Standardbred horses fed two grass haylages harvested at different stages of maturity. Six horses of each breed were used in a 24-day change-over design. A total collection of faeces was made on days 15-17 and 22-24. Blood samples were collected on day 24 of each period and analysed for total plasma protein (TPP), plasma urea, non-esterified fatty acids, cortisol and insulin concentration. There were no differences in digestibility coefficients of crude protein, neutral detergent fibre or energy between breeds but organic matter digestibility was higher in the Standardbred horses. On both haylages, the Icelandic horses gained weight whereas the Standardbred horses lost weight. The Icelandic horses had higher TPP, plasma insulin and lower plasma urea concentrations. Our results indicate that the Icelandic horse may be more prone to maintain positive energy balance in relation to the Standardbred horse, but there were no indication of a better digestive capacity in the Icelandic horses.

Keywords

body weight; breed; body condition score; forage; insulin; urea

Published in

Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
2011, Volume: 95, number: 3, pages: 273-279
Publisher: WILEY-BLACKWELL

SLU Authors

• Jansson, Anna

  • Department of Animal Nutrition and Management, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    

UKÄ Subject classification

Veterinary Science
Animal and Dairy Science


Publication Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01049.x

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/46955