SPILLERS Brand Proud To Be Associated With 14 Research Papers Presented At The Equine Science Society Symposium
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The makers of SPILLERS™ were proud to be associated with 14 research abstracts at the Equine Science Society’s biennual symposium last week in Texas, where the latest equine research was shared by leading equine professionals from around the world.
The feed brand’s ongoing research projects are conducted via the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group and their international collaborators. The work is shared at many of the key global equine science meetings, including the long-established ESS of which Dr Pat Harris, who is head of the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group, has been president for the past two years. Dr Harris was the first President of the ESS to be based outside of North America.
The Equine Science Symposium took place in Texas USA from 6th- 9th June 2023 and SPILLERS was the most represented UK feed brand at the event. The 14 SPILLERS-associated papers presented at ESS covered:
Bite and mouth shape variation assessment during different slow-feeding management in ponies: a geometric morphometric evaluation This novel study looked at the effect of hay feeding practices on mouth shape in ponies.
Effects of storage-handling methods on nutrient analysis of mixed-grass pasture samples This paper indicated that storage-handling method and time can affect the nutrient content of fresh forage thus, samples need to be handled carefully before analysis.
Effects of meal frequency on plasma amino acid concentrations in horses of various body condition scores This abstract concluded that feeding smaller, more frequent meals could be a simple way to improve protein and AA bioavailability in equine diets. Also, when investigating plasma AA profiles related to disease states, it is important to report body condition, in addition to diet and fed/fasting state, as it may affect underlying protein metabolism.
Development of a rapid screening assay for monitoring the relative nutritional value of pasture samples This work identified a less labour-intensive, faster throughput test than traditional wet chemistry forage analytical methods to help monitor the influence of biotic and abiotic factors on the relative proportions of key nutrients in pasture. This could help to inform grazing strategies.
Water-soluble carbohydrate content in equine pasture – Impact of fertilisation, season, and grass species This study suggested that season and grass species composition can have a greater effect on WSC concentrations in pasture than fertiliser treatment. Further studies are warranted, to estimate the impact of fertiliser on other aspects of grass chemical composition that may have implications for managing pasture for grazing animals.
How challenging is it to find non-insulin dysregulated horses in an apparently clinically healthy herd of university horses? This paper suggested that Body Condition Scoring alone was not sufficient to determine insulin dysregulation (ID) status and supported the practice of using an oral sugar test to screen for ID status, especially when choosing animals for dietary studies.
Confidence in care: exploring native pony management in Scotland and the role of experience and confidence in undertaking action This paper concluded that management practices supporting a reduction in risk for laminitis and obesity in native ponies were more likely to be implemented by owners currently managing a pony with metabolic disease associated dietary requirements.
Faecal microbial metabolite profiles are unaltered by laminitis history This work concluded that the similar faecal metabolite profile of previously laminitic and non-laminitic ponies evaluated in pairs, fed a similar diet, indicated that laminitis may not result in significant, long-term alteration of microbial metabolism.
Effect of sampling and storage conditions upon equine faecal microbial community This paper identified a selection of comparably effective sample collection conditions which preserve microbial diversity in equine faecal samples.
A survey of general road transportation of horses in the United States This study provided insight into the main reasons why horses are being transported by road in the U.S. and the most frequent types of journey.
Management of horses transported by road in the U.S. on journeys of three hours or less This work, based on a survey, suggested that for those transporting horses by road the biggest concern was potential injury to the horse, followed by stress and then dehydration or overheating. The biggest factors when planning to travel were season or weather, trip length, horse health and traffic.
U.S. senior horses: when are they considered ‘old’ and how does that affect their management? This study concluded that horses were often considered old at distinct ages (20 and 25 years), with changes in fitness level, health status, and physical characteristics reported as the main reasons. For almost all horses, management was adjusted once they were considered old, and changes mainly pertained to exercise regimen and diet.
U.S. senior horses: Prevalence of medical conditions and routine preventative veterinary care. This study concluded that about 2/3 of senior horses (aged 15+ years) were affected with at least one veterinarian-diagnosed condition, most frequently osteoarthritis. Most horses had received at least one routine preventative veterinary care visit within the previous year, but retired senior horses were at high risk of not having any recent preventative veterinary care.
Can a common cereal grain be used to indicate the presence of insulin dysregulation? Results of this research suggest that using dehulled oats (with no further processing) may be an alternative feedstuff for use in an oral sugar test, as Karo syrup is not available in all countries. However, more work is needed to define cut-off values for diagnosis of insulin dysregulation vs. not, as well as to evaluate individual variation.
Following the Equine Science Symposium Dr Harris is attending the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) Forum to give a talk on dietary management of laminitic animals as part of a session on hyperinsulinemia- associated Laminitis: risk factors, diagnosis and management. The SPILLERS brand will also be associated with two papers presented at ACVIM, on research related to pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) and insulin dysregulation.
“Our scientific contributions to global events such as ESS and ACVIM demonstrate the brand’s ongoing commitment to high quality research,” said Sarah Nelson, Product Manager at Mars Horsecare, home of the SPILLERS brand. “The results of such work continue to enhance our knowledge and provide practical applications to help champion equine health and welfare worldwide.”
To find out more about the SPILLERS range contact our Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com.
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