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Longland AC, Barfoot C, Harris PA. Strip grazing: Changes in biomass, nutrient content and digestibility of temperate, midsummer pasture by strip-grazed or 'free'-grazing ponies, over 4 weeks. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 131:104957. [PMID: 37890600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The digestibility and nutritive values of pastures that were either freely or strip-grazed for 28 days were compared. Twelve ponies were individually grazed in adjacent, 10 m wide, rectangular paddocks. On day -1, each paddock length was adjusted to contain a 28-day supply of herbage DM at 1.5 % of pony BW/d. Ponies, (4/treatment) either accessed the entire 28-day supply from day 1 (TA), or gradually via strip-grazing treatments, SG1 and SG2. SG1 had a 'lead' fence spanning the paddock width that from day 3 was moved forward 1/26th of the paddock length daily, whereas SG2 had an additional 'back fence', that was advanced the same distance as the lead fence daily. Pasture nutrient contents and estimated nutrient digestibilities (eD) were determined weekly. From weeks 1-4, mean strip-grazed pasture contents (% DM) of water-soluble carbohydrate (WSC) and crude protein declined from 15.7-10.2 and 9.4-8.7, respectively, whereas neutral- and acid-detergent fibre increased from 53.6-60.5 and 35.2-38.0, respectively. Corresponding values for TA pastures were 17.7-5.2, 8.9-8.7, 54.6-69.2 and 35.7-43.6. Concomitantly, calculated digestible energy (cDE) (MJ/kg DM) of strip-grazed and TA pastures declined from 9.7-8.9 and 9.6-7.8, respectively and eDMD of all treatments declined (P<0.05). By week 4, TA pasture WSC, cDE and eDMD were lower and fibre contents higher (P<0.05) than the strip-grazed pastures. TA animal cDE intakes in weeks 1 and 2 exceeded requirements by 42 % vs. 8 % by strip-grazed animals. Strip-grazing delivered a steadier nutrient supply than TA, potentially conferring health benefits to animals prone to metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette C Longland
- Equine and Livestock Nutrition Services (ELNS) , Pantfallen Fach, Tregaron, Ceredigion, Wales, SY256NG, United Kingdom.
| | - Clare Barfoot
- MARS Horse Care UK Ltd, Old Wolverton Road, Old Wolverton, Buckinghamshire, MK12 5PZ, United Kingdom
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Leicestershire, UK
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Manfredi JM, Jacob S, Norton E. A one-health lens offers new perspectives on the importance of endocrine disorders in the equine athlete. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2023; 261:153-164. [PMID: 36595370 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.11.0485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Endocrine disorders are associated with joint pain and tendon injury in humans, but the effects in the horse are only starting to be understood. Similar patterns of clinical signs and injury appear to affect horses and humans for both orthopedic and endocrine disorders, supporting the use of a one-health approach to tackle these issues. In this Currents in One Health, we will discuss common equine endocrinopathies, current testing recommendations, dietary management, genetic predispositions, and endocrine disorders' effects on performance. Our aim is to use a one-health lens to describe current comparative research so that veterinarians can employ cutting-edge preventative, diagnostic, and therapeutic recommendations. Identified key gaps in knowledge include whether equine metabolic osteoarthritis exists, if steroid joint injections are safe in horses with endocrine disorders, and if the return to performance percentage improves with concurrent treatment of endocrine and musculoskeletal disorders. Key takeaways include that the relationship between endocrine disorders and musculoskeletal disease in the horse goes beyond laminitis to include lameness, muscle atrophy, suspensory ligament degeneration, osteochondritis dissecans, and potentially metabolic osteoarthritis. Approaches learned from human and equine comparative studies can offer insight into injury recognition and management, thus mitigating the impact of endocrine disorders on performance in both species. Readers interested in an in-depth description of current and future research involving pathophysiology, novel interventions, and multiomic approaches to identify individuals with athletic limitations induced by endocrine disorders are invited to read the companion Currents in One Health by Manfredi et al, AJVR, February 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane M Manfredi
- 1Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Sarah Jacob
- 1Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
| | - Elaine Norton
- 2Department of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Sibthorpe PEM, Fitzgerald DM, Chen L, Sillence MN, de Laat MA. A starch-rich treat affects enteroinsular responses in ponies. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2022; 260:S94-S101. [PMID: 36191143 DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.06.0272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a starch-rich treat, added to the daily diet of ponies for 10 days, on enteroinsular responses to meal consumption. ANIMALS 10 mixed-breed adult ponies owned by Queensland University of Technology were used in the study. Six ponies were metabolically healthy, and 4 were insulin dysregulated at the start of the study, according to the results of an in-feed oral glucose test. PROCEDURES A bread-based treat was offered twice daily for 10 days, adding 0.36 ± 0.04 g/kg body weight (BW) carbohydrates to the daily diet. Before and after treatment, the intestinal capacity for simple carbohydrate absorption was approximated with a modified D-xylose absorption test. Plasma glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), blood glucose, and serum insulin responses to eating were also measured before and after treatment. RESULTS The absorption of D-xylose (area under the curve [AUC]) increased 1.6-fold (P < .001) after 10 days of eating the treat. In addition, while basal (fasted) GLP-2 concentrations were not affected, GLP-2 AUC increased 1.4-fold in response to eating (P = .005). The treat did not change blood glucose or serum insulin concentrations, before, during, or after eating. CLINICAL RELEVANCE A small amount of additional carbohydrate each day in the form of a treat can cause a measurable change in the enteroinsular responses to eating.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poppy E M Sibthorpe
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Danielle M Fitzgerald
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lan Chen
- Central Analytical Research Facility, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Martin N Sillence
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melody A de Laat
- School of Biology and Environmental Science, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Molle G, Cannas A, Gregorini P. A review on the effects of part-time grazing herbaceous pastures on feeding behaviour and intake of cattle, sheep and horses. Livest Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livsci.2022.104982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Burns TA. "Feeding the Foot": Nutritional Influences on Equine Hoof Health. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:669-684. [PMID: 34674915 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition plays an important role in equine health, including that of the foot. Deficiencies and excesses of dietary components can affect the growth and function of the foot and have been associated with important podiatric diseases. The recognition, prevention, and treatment of specific notable nutritional diseases of the foot are discussed, as well as information regarding specific ingredients included in supplements meant to improve equine hoof quality. Ensuring provision of a balanced diet, maintaining horses in appropriate body condition, and seeking guidance from an equine nutritionist when creating dietary recommendations will prevent most equine foot disease related to nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa A Burns
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Cameron A, Harris P, Longland A, Horseman S, Hockenhull J. UK Horse Carers' Experiences of Restricting Grazing When Aiming to Prevent Health Issues in Their Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2021; 104:103685. [PMID: 34417001 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Laminitis and obesity are leading welfare issues for UK leisure horses. Limiting grass intake is a common preventative measure but may result in other aspects of welfare being compromised. This study aimed to determine how commonly different restricted grazing methods are used in the UK, barriers limiting their accessibility, and the potential benefits and welfare issues associated with each. A cross-sectional online survey was distributed with questions relating to horse carers' opinions of different restricted grazing practices, which methods they used, and how they implemented these. Closed questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Free text questions underwent content analysis. 503 respondents completed the questionnaire, 468 (93.0%) had practiced restricted grazing. Strip grazing was the most commonly tried method (67.7% of restricted grazers), followed by grazing muzzles (61.3%), starvation paddocks (57.4%), stabling (49.9%), crew yards (27.5%) and track systems (15.3%). Perception of welfare impact differed significantly between methods for both those who had (P < .001) and had not (P < .001) restricted grazing. Both groups considered strip grazing best for welfare and stabling worst. Barriers (including ease of implementation [52.0%], yard restrictions [24.0%], cost/affordability [23.7%]) prevented some from using their preferred methods. Respondents had similar priorities when choosing a restricted grazing method but did not agree which methods met these criteria. Strip grazing was favored by the greatest proportion of respondents whilst grazing muzzles and stabling polarized opinion. This study has provided initial insights into the challenges faced by horse carers when aiming to restrict grazing to combat equine health issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amelia Cameron
- Animal Welfare and Behavior Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Pat Harris
- Equine studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Freeby Lane, Waltham-on-the-Wold, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Annette Longland
- Equine Livestock and Nutrition Services, Tregaron, Ceredigion, Wales, UK
| | - Susan Horseman
- Animal Welfare and Behavior Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jo Hockenhull
- Animal Welfare and Behavior Group, Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Harris P, Shepherd M. What Would Be Good for All Veterinarians to Know About Equine Nutrition. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:1-20. [PMID: 33820603 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrition and management have enabling and supporting roles to play in the health, welfare, and performance of equines. Poor or inappropriate nutrition may therefore impose limits on an animal's ability to perform and adversely affect health and welfare. Understanding the gastrointestinal tract from a nutrition perspective can help to reduce the risk of certain clinical problems. This article outlines key factors with respect to the equine digestive tract and discusses relevant aspects of ration formation. Forage is highlighted, because inappropriate forage provision is one of the key limitations in many horse diets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Harris
- Head of Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE14 4RT, UK.
| | - Megan Shepherd
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Phase II Duck Pond Drive, Virginia Tech Mail Code 0442, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Abstract
Equine obesity is common, reducing quality of life and requiring dietary energy restriction. Equine obesity is identified using subjective body condition scoring. Considerations are given for life stage and health status when managing obese equines. Every effort should be made to maximize feeding duration, and minimize time spent without feed while meeting all essential nutrient requirements. Limiting total daily dry matter intake to 2% of current bodyweight per day of a low caloric, forage-based diet may result in adequate body weight loss. Weight loss and weight management plans should be monitored for success and potential gastrointestinal, metabolic, and/or behavioral complications.
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Hesta M, Shepherd M. How to Perform a Nutritional Assessment in a First-Line/General Practice. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract 2021; 37:21-41. [PMID: 33820607 DOI: 10.1016/j.cveq.2020.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Inappropriate nutrition is a priority welfare challenge. Nutritional mistakes are common and can lead to adverse events, such as poor growth and performance, colic, laminitis, and obesity. A detailed nutritional assessment involving evaluating the equine patient, current diet/ration, and management is essential in creating an effective nutritional plan. Goal(s) should be established and used to inform the plan. Management or resource barriers should be considered. Effective communication and a team-based approach versus an authoritarian one are likely to enhance the success of the nutritional plan. Developing a plan should be an interactive process, adjusting as needed after intentional monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam Hesta
- ECAN Equine and Companion Animal Nutrition, Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke 9820, Belgium.
| | - Megan Shepherd
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Phase II Duck Pond Drive, Virginia Tech Mail Code 0442, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Longland AC, Barfoot C, Harris PA. Strip-grazing: Reduces pony dry matter intakes and changes in bodyweight and morphometrics. Equine Vet J 2020; 54:159-166. [PMID: 33369770 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obesity can negatively impact upon equine welfare and bodyweight (BW) of pastured equines is often difficult to manage. OBJECTIVES To compare the effects of three restricted grazing regimens on changes in pony BW and morphometric measurements. STUDY DESIGN Randomised study. METHODS Twelve mature ponies were individually grazed in 10m wide, rectangular, electric fenced paddocks. The dry matter (DM) herbage yield of each paddock was determined, and paddock length adjusted on Day 1 to provide 1.5% of individual pony BW as herbage DM daily, for 28 days. There were four ponies per treatment. Treatments were: total paddock area (TA) and strip grazing treatments, SG1 and SG2. SG1 had a 'lead' fence spanning the paddock width being moved a set distance along the paddock length daily to provide 1.5% of pony BW as fresh pasture DM (as determined on Day -1). SG2 also had a 'back fence' 7-12m behind the 'lead' fence which was moved the same distance as the lead fence daily. Calculated dry matter intakes, changes in cresty neck score (CNS), body condition score (BCS) and percentage changes in BW, heart girth (HG), belly girth (BG) and rump width (RW) were compared between treatments. RESULTS Mean (±SD) calculated pasture DM intakes (as % BW/d) by TA ponies were 2.33 ± 0.50, being significantly higher (P < 0.05) than 1.82 ± 0.43 (SG1) and 1.59 ± 0.42 (SG2). Mean percentage BW changes were higher (P < 0.05) for TA ponies at 4.82 ± 1.36 vs. 1.16 ± 0.39 (SG1) and 1.54 ± 1.35 (SG2). SG1 and SG2 pony BW changes were not significantly different. TA, but not SG1 or SG2 animals showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in BCS1/9 (+0.94 ± 0.32), CNS1/5 (+0.5 ± 0), RW (+2.11 ± 3.6) and BG (+4.15 ± 2.29). SG1 and SG2 ponies showed significant (P < 0.05) decreases in HG (-0.05 ± 2.12) and BG (-5.53 ± 4.89) respectively. MAIN LIMITATIONS Small sample size. CONCLUSIONS Strip grazing limited pony bodyweight gains and upward changes in morphometric parameters.
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Davis KM, Iwaniuk ME, Dennis RL, Harris PA, Burk AO. Effects of grazing muzzles on behavior, voluntary exercise, and physiological stress of miniature horses housed in a herd. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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12
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Davis KM, Iwaniuk ME, Dennis RL, Harris PA, Burk AO. Effects of grazing muzzles on behavior and physiological stress of individually housed grazing miniature horses. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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13
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Fitzgerald DM, Spence RJ, Stewart ZK, Prentis PJ, Sillence MN, de Laat MA. The effect of diet change and insulin dysregulation on the faecal microbiome of ponies. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb219154. [PMID: 32098884 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.219154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The equine microbiome can change in response to dietary alteration and may play a role in insulin dysregulation. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of adding pasture to a hay diet on the faecal bacterial microbiome of both healthy and insulin-dysregulated ponies. Faecal samples were collected from 16 ponies before and after dietary change to enable bacterial 16S rRNA sequencing of the V3-V4 region. The dominant phyla in all samples were the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. The evenness of the bacterial populations decreased after grazing pasture, and when a pony was moderately insulin dysregulated (P=0.001). Evenness scores negatively correlated with post-prandial glucagon-like peptide-1 concentration after a hay-only diet (r²=-0.7, P=0.001). A change in diet explained 3% of faecal microbiome variability. We conclude that metabolically healthy ponies have greater microbial stability when challenged with a subtle dietary change, compared with moderately insulin-dysregulated ponies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Fitzgerald
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Robert J Spence
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Zachary K Stewart
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Peter J Prentis
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Martin N Sillence
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Melody A de Laat
- Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
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Harris PA, Bamford NJ, Bailey SR. Equine metabolic syndrome: evolution of understanding over two decades: a personal perspective. ANIMAL PRODUCTION SCIENCE 2020. [DOI: 10.1071/an19386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
There has been a marked increase in the incidence of equine obesity globally, especially in countries where there has been a shift away from the horse having an economically essential working role. This change in its core role, plus the increasing numbers of individual horse owners without access to traditional knowledge of animal and land management, have helped fuel this equine obesity ‘epidemic’. Other important potential contributory factors include increased availability of good grazing and/or forage, as well as supplementary feeds. Obesity now presents a major welfare issue for horses and ponies, not only because of the direct weight-associated effects, but also due to the increased risk it poses for certain clinical conditions, in particular laminitis. For many owners and veterinarians, obesity and the equine metabolic syndrome are synonymous, but this is not necessarily the case. Furthermore, as we understand more about this syndrome and the causes of endocrinopathic laminitis, the emphasis has shifted from tissue or peripheral insulin resistance to insulin dysregulation. The present paper outlines how our knowledge of equine metabolic syndrome arose and continues to develop, as well as the authors’ personal involvement in some of these advances.
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Fitzgerald DM, Pollitt CC, Walsh DM, Sillence MN, de Laat MA. The effect of different grazing conditions on the insulin and incretin response to the oral glucose test in ponies. BMC Vet Res 2019; 15:345. [PMID: 31619223 PMCID: PMC6794863 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-019-2088-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The oral glucose test (OGT) is a useful tool for diagnosing insulin dysregulation (ID) and is somewhat repeatable in ponies under consistent management. This study aimed to determine whether the insulin and incretin responses to an OGT in ponies differed after short-term access to fertilised pasture, compared to unfertilised pasture, by using a randomised, repeated measures study design. Sixteen mixed-breed ponies were classified as severely insulin-dysregulated (SD; post-prandial insulin ≥80 μIU/mL) or not severely insulin-dysregulated (NSD; post-prandial insulin < 80 μIU/mL) using an OGT prior to the study. The ponies accessed pasture that was fertilised, or unfertilised, for 5 days (4 h/day, with supplemental hay provided at 0.7% bodyweight), with a 10 day period between phases. An OGT was performed after each phase. Glucose, insulin, active glucagon-like peptide-1 (aGLP-1), and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) were measured in post-prandial blood samples. RESULTS The volume of fertilised pasture was five-fold greater than unfertilised pasture, with % non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) similar between all forages. Consuming fertilised pasture increased (P = 0.018) the serum insulin response to an OGT, compared to grazing unfertilised pasture. A limitation of the study was that pasture intake was unable to be quantified. Insulin responses were greater in SD, compared to NSD, ponies (P < 0.001) and remained well above the test cut-off at all times. A subset of ponies, initially screened as NSD, became (more) insulin-dysregulated after pasture access. Further, aGLP-1 was a significant predictor of insulin concentration in this cohort. CONCLUSIONS Whereas some insulin-dysregulated ponies were comparatively resistant to dietary intervention, others showed markedly different OGT responses following subtle changes in their forage-based diet. This implies that mild/early ID might be unmasked by dietary change, and that dietary management is important in these ponies. However, dietary management alone may not be adequate for all cases of ID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M Fitzgerald
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Martin N Sillence
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Melody A de Laat
- School of Earth, Environmental and Biological Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Rendle D, McGregor Argo C, Bowen M, Carslake H, German A, Harris P, Knowles E, Menzies-Gow N, Morgan R. Equine obesity: current perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018. [DOI: 10.12968/ukve.2018.2.s2.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David Rendle
- David is a director at Rainbow Equine Hospital, North Yorkshire, and splits his time between leading the internal medicine and critical care services and running the referral laboratory
| | - Caroline McGregor Argo
- Caroline graduated from the University of Aberdeen with Honours in Zoology and received the Kilgour Scholarship to fund PhD studies at the Rowett Research Institute
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Jaqueth AL, Iwaniuk ME, Burk AO. Characterization of the Prevalence and Management of Over-Conditioned Ponies and Horses in Maryland. J Equine Vet Sci 2018; 68:26-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2017] [Revised: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Harris
- Equine Studies Group; WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition; Melton Mowbray Leicestershire UK
| | - C. Dunnett
- Independent Equine Nutrition; Bury St Edmunds Suffolk UK
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