Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026
08:02
Fecal Glucocorticoid Analysis: Non-invasive Adrenal Monitoring in Equids
Published on: April 25, 2016
Pasture nonstructural carbohydrates and equine laminitis
Annette C Longland1, Bridgett M Byrd
1IGER, Aberystwyth, Wales, UK. annette.longland@bbsrc.ac.uk
The Journal of Nutrition
|June 15, 2006
Summary
Pasture grasses can accumulate high levels of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), a key factor in equine laminitis. Managing pasture NSC content and grazing intake is crucial for horses at risk.
Area of Science:
- Equine nutrition and pasture management.
- Ruminant and equine science.
- Animal and veterinary sciences.
Background:
- Fresh forages, primarily grasses, form a significant portion of equine diets globally.
- Pasture grasses can accumulate high concentrations of nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC), including sugars, starch, and fructans.
- Elevated NSC levels in forages are experimentally linked to the induction of laminitis in horses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine environmental factors influencing NSC accumulation in pasture grasses.
- To estimate daily NSC intake by grazing horses.
- To outline strategies for reducing pasture NSC and managing equine intake to mitigate laminitis risk.
Main Methods:
- Review of environmental factors affecting NSC accumulation in pasture grasses.
- Estimation of potential daily NSC intake by grazing horses.
- Discussion of management strategies for pasture NSC reduction and equine intake control.
Main Results:
- Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) can accumulate to over 400 g/kg of dry matter in pasture grasses.
- Environmental factors significantly impact NSC levels in forages.
- Daily NSC intake by grazing horses can be substantial.
Conclusions:
- Accurate forage analysis is essential for developing appropriate feeding regimens for horses at risk of laminitis.
- Management strategies targeting pasture NSC content and equine grazing habits are vital for laminitis prevention.
- Understanding NSC dynamics in pastures is critical for equine health and welfare.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Dietary Connections
In biological systems, most metabolic pathways are interconnected. The cellular respiration processes that convert glucose to ATP—such as glycolysis, pyruvate oxidation, and the citric acid cycle—tie into those that break down other organic compounds. As a result, various foods—from apples to cheese to guacamole—end up as ATP. In addition to carbohydrates, food also contains proteins and lipids—such as cholesterol and fats. All of these organic compounds are used as energy sources to produce...
01:40Overview of Metabolism
Living cells constantly carry out various chemical reactions which are necessary for their proper functioning. These reactions are interlinked to one another via multiple pathways. The collection of these chemical reactions is known as metabolism.
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...
01:10Sugars as Energy Storage Molecules
Sugar (a simple carbohydrate) metabolism (chemical reactions) is a classic example of the many cellular processes that use and produce energy. Living things consume sugar as a major energy source because sugar molecules have considerable energy stored within their bonds. Consumed carbohydrates have their origins in photosynthesizing organisms like plants. During photosynthesis, plants use the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide gas into sugar molecules, like glucose. Because this...
01:36Carbohydrate Metabolism
Carbohydrates are polymers composed of molecules containing atoms of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. One gram of carbohydrate can provide four kilo-calories of energy, which makes it the most efficient instant energy source.
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in the...
03:25Chemistry of Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are an essential part of the diet in humans and animals. Grains, fruits, and vegetables are natural sources of carbohydrates that provide energy to the body, particularly through glucose, a simple sugar that is a component of starch and an ingredient in many staple foods. The stoichiometric formula (CH2O)n, where n is the number of carbons in the molecule represents carbohydrates. In other words, the ratio of carbon to hydrogen to oxygen is 1:2:1 in carbohydrate molecules. This...
01:34Introduction to Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are the primary macronutrients in the human diet. However, carbohydrates are the most favored source of energy in the body. They can be found in a wide variety of foods, including whole grains, fruit, and vegetables, in various forms, such as sugars, starch, and dietary fiber. Based on their structure, carbohydrates are classified into three main classes— monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. The body's cells can only utilize simple...