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10 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shift in Circulating Serum Protein Fraction (SPF) Levels of Pregnant Jennies and Nutritional Related Aspects at Early-, Mid- and Late Gestation

by Maria Grazia Cappai, Petra Wolf, Annette Liesegang, Giovanni Paolo Biggio, Andrea Podda, Antonio Varcasia, Claudia Tamponi, Fiammetta Berlinguer, Ignazio Cossu, Walter Pinna and Raffaele Cherchi

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2646; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092646 - 9 Sep 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2265

Abstract

A viable tool for the monitoring of the systemic condition of the pregnant jenny may be the determination of serum protein fraction (SPF) levels, including metabolic profiling. Tissue development and composition of the growing fetus requires the mother to provide adequate nutrients to [...] Read more.

A viable tool for the monitoring of the systemic condition of the pregnant jenny may be the determination of serum protein fraction (SPF) levels, including metabolic profiling. Tissue development and composition of the growing fetus requires the mother to provide adequate nutrients to its body parts and organs. In this regard, body fluid distribution and strategic molecule transportation can be screened using SPF electropherograms and analysis of intermediate metabolites. The nutritional and health status of 12 jennies (age: 5–8 years; BW at the start: 135–138 kg; Body Condition Score, BCS [1 to 5 points] = 2.25–2.50; 4th month of gestation) were monitored throughout gestation (approximate gestation period 350–356 d). All animals were pasture-fed and were offered hay ad libitum. Individual blood samples were collected within the 4th, 7th, and 10th month following conception (ultrasound scanning). Serum biochemistry, in particular, the analysis of 6 fractions of serum proteins was carried out. The significant decrease in circulating albumin in jennies from mid- to late-gestation (p < 0.001) suggests a considerable role of dietary amino acids in the synthesis of protein for fetal tissue formation as well as body fluid distribution and blood pressure control of the jenny in those stages. Moreover, α₁-globulin decreased significantly in late gestation (p < 0.047), corresponding to major organ development in the terminal fetus and supported by lipid transportation in the bloodstream of the jenny. Similarly, α₂-globulin decreased in late gestation (p < 0.054) as haptoglobin, an important component for the transport of free circulating hemoglobin, is likely used for fetal synthesis. Mid-gestation, appears to be a crucial moment for adequate dietary nutrient supplementation in order to prevent homeostasis perturbation of jennies, as observed in this trial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

14 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feeding and Management of Horses with and without Free Faecal Liquid: A Case–Control Study

by Katrin M. Lindroth, Jan-Erik Lindberg, Astrid Johansen and Cecilia E. Müller

Animals 2021, 11(9), 2552; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11092552 - 30 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2948

Abstract

Free faecal liquid (FFL) in horses is characterised by the excretion of faeces in two phases (one solid and one liquid), which may cause dermatitis on the hindlegs. The causes of FFL are not known. Results from previous studies have indicated that feed [...] Read more.

Free faecal liquid (FFL) in horses is characterised by the excretion of faeces in two phases (one solid and one liquid), which may cause dermatitis on the hindlegs. The causes of FFL are not known. Results from previous studies have indicated that feed ration composition and management factors may play important roles in the occurrence of FFL. A case–control study was therefore performed in which data on feed rations, feeding practices and management factors were compared between horses with (case) and without (control) FFL on 50 private farms in Sweden and Norway. The comparisons show that case and control horses were reported to be fed similar average amounts of wrapped forage (p = 0.97) and to be subject to similar management practices, but case horses were fed higher proportions of concentrates in their diet (p < 0.001) and lower average amounts of straw and lucerne (p < 0.05) compared to control horses. Case horses were reported to be fed twice as much concentrate per 100 kg BW and day as control horses and a higher daily intake of starch and water-soluble carbohydrates (p < 0.05). Case horses also had a lower daily intake of digestible crude protein and neutral detergent fibre compared to control horses (p < 0.05). These differences were small but are of interest for further studies of factors causing FFL. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

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15 pages, 929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigations on the Effects of Different Calcium Supply Exceeding the Requirements on Mineral Serum Concentrations and Bone Metabolism in Young Warmblood Stallions

by Dana Carina Schubert, Lisa-Theresa Neustädter, Manfred Coenen, Christian Visscher and Josef Kamphues

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082439 - 19 Aug 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3251

Abstract

Since mineral supplements for horses commonly contain macro minerals, although the requirement for such is usually covered by roughage-based diets, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different dietary calcium levels on mineral serum concentrations and bone metabolism. The [...] Read more.

Since mineral supplements for horses commonly contain macro minerals, although the requirement for such is usually covered by roughage-based diets, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different dietary calcium levels on mineral serum concentrations and bone metabolism. The trial was conducted in 30 young warmblood stallions (2–3 years) that were divided into two groups for a five-month feeding trial. The groups were fed a hay- and oat-based diet and were either supplied with high (Ca-High) or moderate (Ca-Moderate) calcium excess. While in Ca-High calcium supply was about 2–2.5-fold of the requirement, in Ca-Moderate calcium requirements were slightly surpassed (1.5–1.6-fold). In order to monitor the effects of the different calcium supply, blood samples were taken during the trial and analysed for levels of macro and trace elements as well as concentrations of two bone markers. In Ca-Moderate a trend towards higher phosphorus serum levels compared to Ca-High was observed which was significant at the end of the trial (p = 0.0002). Furthermore, results showed no influence of the diet on bone markers. Results support the idea that forage-based rations for horses do not necessarily have to be supplemented with macro minerals but with trace elements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

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13 pages, 744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Associative Effects between Forages and Concentrates on In Vitro Fermentation of Working Equine Diets

by Mónica Gandarillas, Juan Pablo Keim and Elisa María Gapp

Animals 2021, 11(8), 2212; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11082212 - 26 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3739

Abstract

Background: Horses are hindgut fermenters, and it is therefore important to determine the postgastric nutritive value of their feedstuffs and diets. Moreover, it has been demonstrated in other animal species that the fermentation of diets results in different values than those expected from [...] Read more.

Background: Horses are hindgut fermenters, and it is therefore important to determine the postgastric nutritive value of their feedstuffs and diets. Moreover, it has been demonstrated in other animal species that the fermentation of diets results in different values than those expected from pure ingredients. Therefore, the general objective of this work is to evaluate the gas production (GP) and volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentration, as well as the associative effects, of mixtures of different forages and concentrated foods, which are representative of the traditional diets of high-performance horses. Methods: An in vitro gas production experiment was conducted to assess the fermentation of two forages and three concentrates that are typical in horse diets. The combination of 70% of forage and 30% concentrates was also assessed to determine potential associative effects. Results: Concentrates and grains produced higher GP and VFA than forages when evaluated alone. When experimental diets were incubated, GP parameters and VFA concentrations of forage–concentrate mixtures had unexpected differences from the values expected from the fermentation of pure ingredients, suggesting the occurrence of associative effects. Conclusions: Our results indicate that there is a need to evaluate the fermentation of diets, rather than predicting from the values of pure ingredients. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

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11 pages, 265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

NEFA, BHBa, UREA and Liver Enzyme Variation in the Bloodstream of Weaned Foals up to 18 Months of Age

by Maria Grazia Cappai, Andrea Taras, Giovanni Paolo Biggio, Corrado Dimauro, Domenico Gatta, Ignazio Cossu, Raffaele Cherchi and Walter Pinna

Animals 2021, 11(6), 1746; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11061746 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3762

Abstract

The pattern of selected metabolites for interpreting homeostasis during the growth of foals can be used as an indicator of energy balance state and liver health. Against this background, the literature on circulating parameters of foals across growth stages is scanty. We hypothesized [...] Read more.

The pattern of selected metabolites for interpreting homeostasis during the growth of foals can be used as an indicator of energy balance state and liver health. Against this background, the literature on circulating parameters of foals across growth stages is scanty. We hypothesized that circulating metabolites indicating energy distribution such as non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), β-hydroxy-butyric acid (BHBa), UREA and liver enzyme-like γ-glutamyl-transferase (γ-GT) [interpreted in the light of circulating total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] may be used to monitor the energy balance of growing foals. A total of 12 Anglo-Arab (AA) foals from the same stable were enrolled in this trial. All foals were serially weighed on a digital scale and sampled for total blood at weaning, at 12 and 18 months of age. Feeding and keeping conditions were similar for all the foals involved. Animals appeared healthy and no signs of poor growth performance were pointed out. The peak of circulating NEFA mobilized from body depots was reached at one year of age but markedly dropped at 18 months, when BHBa increased (p < 0.001) alongside with liver enzyme. BHBa and γ-GT levels turned out to positively correlate (p = 0.051). However, at 6, 12 and 18 months, γ-GT dropped in the physiological reference range for the horse, thus showing no prognostic value. ALT and UREA significantly increased (p = 0.008 and p = 0.006, respectively) when NEFA also increased (p = 0.001). Liver enzyme increase could be associated with fat mobilization and ketone bodies production meanwhile amino acid transamination for energy purposes led to the increase of UREA in the bloodstream. However, no prognostic value to liver enzyme could be attributed in this trial. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

15 pages, 3020 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Studying the Shape Variations of the Back, the Neck, and the Mandibular Angle of Horses Depending on Specific Feeding Postures Using Geometric Morphometrics

by Federica Raspa, Angela Roggero, Claudia Palestrini, Martina Marten Canavesio, Domenico Bergero and Emanuela Valle

Animals 2021, 11(3), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11030763 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 20536

Abstract

The effects of specific feeding positions upon the horse’s shape variations of the back and neck postures as well as the variations of the mandibular angle have never been objectively studied. For this reason, geometric morphometrics was applied. Six horses, aged 14 ± [...] Read more.

The effects of specific feeding positions upon the horse’s shape variations of the back and neck postures as well as the variations of the mandibular angle have never been objectively studied. For this reason, geometric morphometrics was applied. Six horses, aged 14 ± 8 years (mean ± standard deviation, SD), were video-recorded while using three different feeding positions: on the ground—control position (CP); neck held 15 ± 3° below withers height with low hay net position (LP); neck held 15 ± 3° above withers height with high hay net position (HP). Data were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), and partial least squares (PLS). A mixed model procedure was applied to evaluate differences in the magnitude of the mandibular angle. Whilst differences between individual horses were confirmed by canonical variate analysis (CVA), PCA analysis showed that a characteristic feeding position could also be identified on a group level. During the HP hay net position, the back and neck postures as well the mandibular angle were different compared to those exhibited by horses feeding from CP. In LP hay net position, the back posture more closely resembled those exhibited while feeding from CP; however, no similarity between LP and CP was found for neck posture and mandibular angle. Since only a few degrees of variation of the feeding position can influence back and neck postures, this aspect should be further investigated. The right compromise between horse welfare, horse safety, and management practices need to be further explored and long-term effects should be investigated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

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12 pages, 246 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Dietary Flaxseed Oil Supplementation on the Redox Status, Haematological and Biochemical Parameters of Horses’ Blood

by Iwona Sembratowicz, Grzegorz Zięba, Ewelina Cholewinska and Anna Czech

Animals 2020, 10(12), 2244; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10122244 - 30 Nov 2020

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3139

Abstract

This study compared the effect of two dietary vegetable oils on plasma biochemical indices, haematological parameters, and redox status of horses. Forty riding horses (20 mares and 20 stallions) of the Malopolski breed were divided equally into two groups that were similar in [...] Read more.

This study compared the effect of two dietary vegetable oils on plasma biochemical indices, haematological parameters, and redox status of horses. Forty riding horses (20 mares and 20 stallions) of the Malopolski breed were divided equally into two groups that were similar in terms of age, sex, and body weight (on average 530 ± 30 kg). The horses received soybean oil (SO) or flaxseed oil (FO) in the amount of 25 mL per 100 kg BW/day. After 60 days, blood was collected for biochemical and haematological analyses. The results show that horses receiving FO as compared to the SO group had significantly lower plasma levels of glucose, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and triacylglycerols, as well as the activities of alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase. In turn, %HDL-TC and lactate dehydrogenase activity were significantly higher in the FO group. The inclusion of FO in the diet contributed to an increase in antioxidant indices: creatinine, vitamin C, copper, and zinc contents and also superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. The level of the end product of lipid peroxidation, i.e., malonyl dialdehyde, in the FO group as compared to the SO group was significantly lower. Moreover, FO caused an elevation in red blood cell indicators, lymphocyte count and lysozymes. In conclusion, FO exerts a beneficial effect by stimulating antioxidant defence mechanisms of horses and reducing the severity of oxidative stress. FO also improved the lipid profile and haematological parameters of the blood. The replacement of SO by FO is recommended based on these findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

12 pages, 665 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of In Vivo and In Vitro Digestibility in Donkeys

by Sonia Tassone, Riccardo Fortina, Emanuela Valle, Laura Cavallarin, Federica Raspa, Silvia Boggero, Domenico Bergero, Mauro Giammarino and Manuela Renna

Animals 2020, 10(11), 2100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10112100 - 12 Nov 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3517

Abstract

We compared in vivo and in vitro dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility in donkeys using feces as microbial inoculum. Four donkeys were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of [...] Read more.

We compared in vivo and in vitro dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility in donkeys using feces as microbial inoculum. Four donkeys were used in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments. The animals were fed two types of hay, with or without flaked barley. For the in vivo procedure, total feces were collected for 6 days from each donkey; digestibility was calculated as the difference between ingested and excreted DM and NDF. For the in vitro procedure, donkey feces were buffered and used as microbial inoculum in an Ankom Daisy^II Incubator; digestibility was estimated after 60 h of incubation. In vivo results showed that the addition of barley to hays did not change the digestibility values. In vivo estimates were higher than in vitro ones. The equations used to predict in vivo estimates from in vitro data were not reliable (R² = 0.47 and 0.21; P = 0.003 and 0.078 for NDF and DM digestibility, respectively). Further studies need to evaluate different sample size and digestion times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Equine Nutrition)

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