Straw as an Alternative to Grass Forage in Horses—Effects on Post-Prandial Metabolic Profile, Energy Intake, Behaviour and Gastric Ulceration

Abstract

Straw’s low energy content means it is a roughage option for horses with low energy requirements. Previously, in a field study, straw was associated with an increased risk for gastric ulcers. This study evaluated the effect on gastric ulcers, metabolic profile and behaviour of replacing, in a forage-only ration, 50% of the daily allowance with wheat straw. Six equines were studied in a 2 × 21-day cross-over design. The control diet (CON: 100% grass forage) and the straw diet (S: 50% grass forage and 50% straw [DM basis]) were iso-energetic. Gastroscopy was performed prior to the study and on day 21 and blood samples were collected and behavioural observations were performed. Diet did not affect squamous or glandular gastric ulcer scores (p > 0.05). Feed intake time was longer (p < 0.05) plus energy intake and plasma insulin concentrations were lower on diet S compared to CON (p < 0.0001). Plasma serotonin concentrations tended to be higher on diet S compared to CON (p = 0.05). The results suggest that good hygienic quality wheat straw can be included for up to 50% of the diet without causing gastric ulcers and that it can extend feeding time and promote a metabolic profile more suitable for overweight horses.

Nutritional considerations for the management of equine pituitarypars intermediadysfunction

“…• Typically, to reduce calorie intake, recommendations are made to change to a more mature forage and/or replace some of the forage with good hygienic quality straw (Harris et al, 2017;Jansson et al, 2021;Dose et al, 2020). This needs to be adjusted for the individual, considering any dental issues either currently present or likely to develop given the age of many animals with PPID.…”

“…In addition, there are perhaps extra considerations when managing an obese animal with PPID: Muscle is typically lost during weight management programmes, and this may be even more relevant to horses with PPID, especially if they are older. Therefore: it is essential to discuss and agree on any increase in structured exercise, including a plan designed to help muscle development. it is necessary to evaluate the quality and quantity of protein intake (see Protein section). Typically, to reduce calorie intake, recommendations are made to change to a more mature forage and/or replace some of the forage with good hygienic quality straw (Harris et al., 2017; Jansson et al., 2021; Dose et al., 2020). This needs to be adjusted for the individual, considering any dental issues either currently present or likely to develop given the age of many animals with PPID.…”

Quality of tifton and alfalfa hays and equine body biometrics

“…Harris et al (2017) suggested that horses should be fed at least 15 g dry matter (DM) of forage per kg of body weight (BW) and day in order to support natural behave and health. However, for some horses, even this amount of grass or legume forage may exceed energy requirements especially during a weight loss program and therefore replacing part of the forage ration with low energy straw could be a good alternative (Jansson et al, 2021).…”

The Hygienic Status of Different Forage Types for Horses—A Retrospective Study on Influencing Factors and Associations with Anamnestic Reports

“…The main reason given for this development is the shorter wilting time in haylage preparation [ 7 ]. Straw is commonly used as a bedding material [ 8 ], and it can be used as an alternative to grass forage for horses with low energy requirements [ 9 ], to a maximum level of 50 percent of the forage diet [ 10 ].…”