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Soybean hulls as an alternative feed for horses
J A Coverdale1, J A Moore, H D Tyler
1Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames 50011, USA. jcover@uga.edu
Journal of Animal Science
|June 26, 2004
Summary
Soybean hulls can replace hay in horse diets, stimulating cecal fermentation and increasing volatile fatty acid production. Digestibility of fiber components remained unaffected, indicating suitability for equine nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Equine Nutrition
- Digestive Physiology
- Animal Science
Background:
- Soybean hulls are an economical fiber source for ruminants.
- They are a highly digestible, starch-free feedstuff.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate soybean hulls as a fiber replacement in horse diets.
- To assess the impact of soybean hulls on cecal fermentation and nutrient digestibility in horses.
Main Methods:
- Four cecally cannulated Quarter Horse geldings were used in a 4x4 Latin square design.
- Diets included 0%, 25%, 50%, or 75% soybean hulls replacing alfalfa/bromegrass hay.
- Cecal samples and total fecal collections were analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFA), pH, and nutrient digestibility.
Main Results:
- Total cecal VFA production increased linearly with higher soybean hull inclusion.
- Propionate proportions increased, while butyrate and acetate:propionate ratio decreased.
- Apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, NDF, ADF, cellulose, and hemicellulose did not differ.
- Nitrogen digestibility decreased linearly, associated with increased cecal fermentation.
Conclusions:
- Soybean hulls stimulate cecal fermentation in horses.
- They are a suitable replacement for hay in equine diets without negatively impacting fiber digestibility.
- Increased VFA production suggests enhanced hindgut fermentation.