Effects of two alfalfa preparations with different particle sizes on the gastric mucosa in weanlings: alfalfa chaff versus alfalfa pellets

Prevalence and Risk Factors for the Presence of Gastric Ulcers in Pleasure and Breeding Horses in Italy

Equine Squamous Gastric Disease (ESGD) and Equine Glandular Gastric Disease (EGGD) are two terms used to indicate the presence of lesions of the squamous and glandular mucosa of the stomach. Prevalences, pathophysiology, and risk factors are different, and the latter have been investigated in different populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of ESGD and EGGD in a cohort of pleasure, breeding, and retired horses in Italy. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate such a diverse population of animals and the first one that includes a large number of animals in Italy. Gastroscopies were performed in 316 animals, with and without clinical signs of gastric ulcers, and a questionnaire about signalment, management, activity, and health was given to the owners or caretakers. Prevalence of ESGD was similar to the current literature reports in comparable populations, and the disease was associated with signalment, time with the current owner or caretaker, management (time and type of paddock, hay, and supplementary feed administered), and activity performed. In this population, EGGD was present in a lower percentage of animals and, of the parameters evaluated, was associated only with the signalment, while management does not seem to influence the development of lesions in the glandular mucosa in this population.

The effect of feeding a commercial feedstuff on gastric squamous gastric disease (ESGD) healing and prevention of recurrence

Feedstuffs are often recommended to mitigate potential damage from acid associated with equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). In acidic conditions, pectin alters its structure to one like mucus and binds the stomach mucosa, whilst alfalfa has a strong intrinsic acid buffering capacity. The study aimed to determine whether feeding a commercial beet pulp/alfalfa/oat fibre mix aids ESGD healing and/or prevention of recurrence. Ten adult horses with naturally occurring ESGD were included. All animals were treated with omeprazole as per the attending veterinarian's recommendation and randomly allocated to also be fed a commercial beet pulp/alfalfa/oat fibre mix (1Kg/horse divided into 2 meals/day; n=5) or no additional feed (n=5) for one month. Gastroscopy was then repeated to assess response to therapy. If the ESGD had healed, omeprazole therapy was discontinued, and the commercial feed given to all horses for a further month. Gastroscopy was repeated to determine ESGD recurrence. The mean (±SD) age of the horses was 11.6 (±3.8) years; 4 mares and 6 geldings; various breeds were represented; and the median (range) initial ESGD grade was 2 (2-4). ESGD had healed (grade 0/4) in all animals after one month. After a further month, ESGD had recurred in significantly (p=0.04) more animals that did not receive the commercial feed initially (3/5; 60%; mean [range] ESGD grade 3 [0,4]) compared to those that did (0/5; 0%; mean [range] ESGD grade 0 [0,0]). Thus, the commercial beet pulp/alfalfa/oat fibre mix aided prevention of ESGD recurrence when fed during the healing and prevention phases.

The effects of feeding sodium chloride pellets on the gastric mucosa, acid-base, and mineral status in exercising horses

BACKGROUND

Electrolyte supplementation may be a risk factor for gastric mucosal lesions, but relevant evidence is limited in horses.

HYPOTHESIS

Investigate the effects of PO sodium chloride (NaCl) supplementation on the gastric mucosa of exercising horses. We hypothesized that NaCl supplementation would neither cause nor exacerbate existing gastric mucosal damage.

ANIMALS

Fifteen 3-year-old healthy Warmblood stallions from a stud farm.

METHODS

Placebo-controlled study with a crossover design. Horses were fed either a NaCl pellet at a dosage adequate to replace the electrolyte losses in 10 L sweat or a placebo for 19 days with a washout period of 14 days between treatments. The gastric mucosa was evaluated by gastroscopy before and after treatment. Blood samples were collected for evaluation of acid-base status, packed cell volume (PCV), and total protein, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen concentrations. Urine was collected, and urine specific gravity, electrolyte, creatinine, and urea concentrations were measured.

RESULTS

The initial prevalence of gastric mucosal lesions was 85%. Sodium chloride pellets did not adversely affect the gastric mucosa and treatment did not significantly alter the hematologic and serum biochemical variables. Urine creatinine concentrations significantly decreased and urinary sodium concentrations significantly increased after supplementation with NaCl pellets. Water intake did not significantly differ between treatments.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Daily NaCl pellet supplementation is a palatable and safe way to replace electrolyte losses from sweating in exercising horses and has no negative effects on the gastric mucosa.

Effect of diet composition on glandular gastric disease in horses

BACKGROUND

Nutritional factors are suggested to influence the incidence and severity of glandular gastric disease (GGD) in horses.

OBJECTIVES

To retrospectively assess whether dietary fermentable carbohydrates increase the severity of GGD and to prospectively evaluate whether the partial substitution of concentrates by dehydrated alfalfa would decrease GGD severity scores.

ANIMALS

In total, 82 trotters from 4 training centers exercised ≥5 days/week.

METHODS

Multicenter retrospective observational study, and prospective 2-arm randomized trial. Glandular mucosae were observed by gastroscopy and scored (0-4 severity scale) at day 0 (D0). Biochemical composition of the diet fed was compared between ulcerated and nonulcerated groups. After D0, horses either received the same diet (control, n = 41) or pelleted dehydrated alfalfa substituting 50% concentrates (alfalfa, n = 41). Glandular scores were recorded in both groups after 21 (D21) and 42 days (D42). The first end point was a successful outcome, defined as a horse with a glandular score of 2 to 4 on D0, decreasing to a score of 0 to 1 on days 21 or 42.

RESULTS

Horses scored 0 to 1 at D0 ingested more (P = .01) soluble sugars from concentrates than those scored 2 to 4 before D0 (77.5 g/kg BW; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 71.1-84.0, vs 59.1 g/kg BW; 95% CI: 48.0-70.3), whereas starch intake did not differ between groups (P = .24). Among horses scored 2 to 4 at D0, fewer were scored 2 to 4 in the alfalfa group (1 out of 6) compared with the control group (6 out of 6) at D42 (P = .02). Clinical success was 47.7 times more likely in horses fed alfalfa compared with horses in the control group (95% CI: 1.6-1422.8).

CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL IMPORTANCE

Relationships were found between diet composition and integrity of the glandular mucosa. Feeding pelleted dehydrated alfalfa could help to reduce the incidence and severity of GGD.

A high-starch vs. high-fibre diet: effects on the gut environment of the different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract

Background

Horses are often fed high amounts of starch in their diets despite the well-established benefits of a fibre-based diet to promote gut health and animal welfare. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two different diets – one based on high amounts of starch (HS) vs. one base on high amounts of fibre (HF) – on specific parameters of the gut environment across different intestinal compartments of the horse digestive tract. To this end differences in the gastrointestinal environment between HS vs. HF fed horses were assessed in terms of dry matter, organic matter and ash content; the particle size distribution and volatile fatty acid composition were also investigated.

Results

Nineteen Bardigiano horses of 14.3 ± 0.7 months of age and destined to slaughter were divided into two group pens – one fed with high amounts of starch (HS; n = 9; 43% hay plus 57% starch-rich pelleted feed); vs. fed with high amounts of fibre (HF; n = 10; 70% hay plus 30% fibre-rich pelleted feed). Horses fed HS diet presented a higher dry matter content in the right dorsal colon. Moreover, they showed a higher organic matter and ash content in the sternal flexure, pelvic flexure, right dorsal colon and rectum. In these latter intestinal compartments, horses fed a HS diet also showed a higher proportion of particles retained on an 8 mm sieve and a higher proportion of particles that washed through the finest sieve (< 1 mm). Moreover, the total amounts of volatile fatty acids as well as valeric acid were found to be significantly higher in horses fed the HS vs. HF diet.

Conclusions

A high-starch diet causes significant changes in the horse gut environment. We observed an increase in the dry matter content in the right dorsal colon, as well as reduced particle sizes and an increase in the production of valeric acid in all the gut compartments studied. High-starch diets should be avoided in favour of fibre-based diets with the goal of safeguarding gut health in horses.

Manifestation of gastric ulcers in horses used in public safety

ABSTRACT We evaluated 28 horses from a squad applied in public safety in Paraná (Brazil), in order to check the incidence of gastric ulcers and its correlation with mounted policing activity, considering the initial and maintenance training to which such animals are submitted. Horses were divided in two groups, one named control with 14 individuals, used in policing community activities, and the 14 others named as target group, these were used in restoration and maintenance of public order. Both groups have differentiated maintenance training protocols, and all had been evaluated for fecal occult blood, clinical evaluation, gastroscopy and histopathological. There were no significant changes that proved the development of gastric ulcers in horses used in public safety due to initial and maintenance training, and the main factor for prevention was the diversified diet with emphasis in hayed alfalfa.

How Can Nutrition Help with Gastrointestinal Tract-Based Issues?

Many horses are fed differently than their wild ancestors. They often have limited access to pasture and are fed conserved forage and concentrates rich in starch and sugars, in only 2 meals per day. Feeding practices in contrast to natural feeding behavior can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Standard nutritional evaluation is warranted because of its important role in prevention and in treatment and management of diseases. When medical and nutritional treatments are combined, success rates are higher. New techniques to characterize equine microbiota have been used, allowing for microbiota manipulation to prevent and treat intestinal diseases.

The Effect of a Seaweed-Derived Calcium Supplement on Gastric Juice pH in the Horse

Low gastric pH for extended periods of time can increase the risk of gastric ulceration in horses. Therefore, nutritional interventions that buffer stomach acid may be helpful to decrease ulcer risk. The objective of this trial was to evaluate whether the incorporation of calcified Lithothamnion corallioides and Phymatolithon calcareum (Calmin; Celtic Sea Minerals, Cork, Ireland) into an equine ration would buffer equine gastric juice. Nine mature, Thoroughbred-cross horses, including 6 geldings and 3 mares (524 ± 49 kg) were housed in stalls and fed 2 kg/day of a texturized concentrate (Purina Omolene 100) and 1.5% BW grass hay/day. On testing days 0, 7, and 14, the horses received one of three pelleted dietary treatments (CON, MIN1 ×, MIN2 ×) in a randomized, crossover design. CON contained no added Calmin, MIN1 × provided Calmin at a 1 × concentration, and MIN2 × provided a 2 × dose. All horses underwent gastroscopy (Karl Storz, El Segundo, CA) prior to feeding the treatments, and at 2 and 4 hours postfeeding. Gastric juice was aspirated and pH measured using a benchtop pH meter (ThermoOrion pH Meter Model 410A). Overall, there was a significant time effect (P < .0001) with an increase in gastric juice pH from time 0 (2.31 ± 0.58) to 2 hours (5.52 ± 0.48) and 4 hours (3.59 ± 0.48). Gastric juice pH at 2 hours was higher (P = .0122) in MIN1 × (5.92 ± 0.58) and MIN2 × (5.92 ± 0.57) than CON (5.08 ± 0.58). These results demonstrate that adding Calmin to a meal increases buffering capacity at 2 hours postfeeding.

High intake of sugars and starch, low number of meals and low roughage intake are associated with Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome in a Belgian cohort

Equine gastric ulcer syndrome (EGUS) is a pathological condition affecting the glandular and squamous regions of the stomach. It is characterized by non-specific clinical signs, behavioural changes or can also be found without any overt clinical manifestations. Nutritional factors such as intermittent feeding, high sugars and starch intake, large amounts of straw as forage and prolonged time without access to forage have all been associated with an increased risk of equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD). The aim of this study was to investigate which nutritional practices are commonly seen in clinical ESGD cases in Belgium. Medical records of 27 horses referred to the equine nutritional service at Ghent University (2013-2018) due to equine gastric ulcer lesions were reviewed. Twenty-one healthy horses referred for dietary evaluation during the same period were selected as control cases (CC). Dietary evaluation was performed on an individual basis. Forage/concentrate ratio on dry matter basis, forage content in the diet, total dietary sugars and starch intake per day and per meal were analysed. Retrospective descriptive and statistical analyses were performed. Significantly, higher amounts of forage intake (%DM per BW) in the CC vs. ESGD group were noted (p ≤ .05) with average values of 1.39 (SD ± 0.27) and 1.27 (SD ± 0.70) respectively. There were no significant differences for sugars and starch intake in g/kg BW/day (p = .18). However, the sugars and starch intake per meal (g/kg BW/meal) in the CC group (average value 1.06, SD ± 0.56) was significantly (p < .001) lower than in the EGUS group (average value 1.85 SD ± 0.78). Forage intake below the recommended absolute minimum value as well as high sugars and starch intake were most commonly associated with EGUS in the present case series. An adequate diet formulation taking into account these main nutritional factors is therefore essential to avoid gastric problems in horses.

Effect of Changing Diet on Gastric Ulceration in Exercising Horses and Ponies After Cessation of Omeprazole Treatment

Diet is an accepted risk factor for equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD), but there is little published evidence for the benefit of dietary change (DC). This study evaluated the effect of DC with or without initial omeprazole medication. Twelve pairs of exercising horses with ESGD Grade 2/4 (EM) and 17 pairs with ESGD Grade ≥3/4 (ES), were monitored. Paired horses had similar management, feeding times, workloads, and initially feed or forage. One of each pair was randomly assigned, postgastroscopy (Scope1), to a specified restricted starch ration; the other remained on their original diet. Omeprazole (4 mg/kg per os SID) was given to all ES pairs for 4 weeks. Gastroscopies were scored, without dietary knowledge, after 4 and 10 weeks (Scopes 2 and 3). Workloads remained similar throughout. McNemar's tests identified any changes in ESGD grade. Within the EM group, DC had no additional effect. For the ES group remaining on their original diet, there was significant improvement in ESGD grade from Scopes 1 to 2 (P < .001) but a worsening between Scopes 2 and 3 (P = .005), with Scope 3 being no different from Scope 1 (P = .08) reflecting no apparent long-term medication benefit. For the DC group, there was significant improvement in ESGD grade from Scopes 1 to 2 (P < .001) and between Scopes 1 and 3 (P = .003); In addition, there was no significant difference between Scopes 2 and 3 (P = .32). Although limited by the small number of pairs evaluated, this study provides evidence that appropriate DCs can be a beneficial management strategy for ESGD.