Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 13, 2026
08:15
Recapitulating Suckling-to-Weaning Transition In Vitro using Fetal Intestinal Organoids
Published on: November 15, 2019
Digestive capacity in weanling and mature horses.
J E Earing1, L M Lawrence, S H Hayes
1Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40546, USA.
Journal of Animal Science
|March 7, 2013
Summary
Young and mature horses show similar digestion of dry matter, organic matter, and NDF when fed alfalfa cubes and concentrate. This indicates comparable nutrient utilization across different age groups in equine diets.
Area of Science:
- Equine nutrition and digestive physiology.
- Comparative studies on animal feed digestibility.
Background:
- Understanding nutrient digestibility in horses is crucial for formulating optimal diets.
- Age-related differences in digestive capacity can influence feed efficiency and growth in young horses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) between weanling colts and mature geldings.
- To assess potential age-related variations in digestive function in horses fed a common diet.
Main Methods:
- Six weanling colts and six mature geldings were adapted to a diet of 67% alfalfa cubes and 33% concentrate.
- Chromium-EDTA (Co-EDTA) and ytterbium-labeled hay fiber were used as markers to determine mean retention time (MRT) of fluid and particulate digesta.
- Fecal samples were collected over 5 days to measure DM, OM, and NDF digestibility (DMD, OMD, NDFD).
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in DMD, OMD, or NDFD between weanling colts and mature geldings.
- Dry matter intake (DMI) was similar between the two age groups (91.4 g/kg BW(0.75) for colts and 91.2 g/kg BW(0.75) for geldings).
- Mean retention times for both fluid and particulate digesta phases did not differ significantly between colts and mature geldings.
Conclusions:
- Weanling colts and mature geldings exhibit similar capabilities in digesting DM, OM, and NDF when provided with a diet rich in alfalfa cubes and concentrate.
- The digestive efficiency of this specific diet does not appear to be significantly influenced by age in the studied equine population.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
00:59Tonicity in Animals
The tonicity of a solution determines if a cell gains or loses water in that solution. The tonicity depends on the permeability of the cell membrane for different solutes and the concentration of nonpenetrating solutes in the solution within and outside of the cell. If a semipermeable membrane hinders the passage of some solutes but allows water to follow its concentration gradient, water moves from the side with low osmolarity (i.e., less solute) to the side with higher osmolarity (i.e.,...
01:16Tonicity in Animals
Tonicity describes the amount of solute in a solution. The measure of the tonicity of a solution, or the total amount of solutes dissolved in a specific amount of solution, is called its osmolarity. Three terms—hypotonic, isotonic, and hypertonic—are used to relate the osmolarity of a cell to the osmolarity of the extracellular fluid that contains the cells. In a hypotonic solution, such as tap water, the extracellular fluid has a lower concentration of solutes than the fluid inside the cell,...
01:47Lung Capacity
The air in the lungs is measured in volumes and capacities. Lung volume measures reflect the amount of air taken in, released, or left over after a lung function, like a single inhalation. Lung capacity measures are sums of two or more lung volume measures.
01:20Digestive Functions of the Large Intestine
The large intestine is where the final stages of digestion happen. When the cecum receives chyme, it contains undigested carbohydrates that undergo fermentation. Gut bacteria ferment these carbohydrates to produce short-chain fatty acids that provide some energy and help synthesize essential vitamins.
As the chyme moves to the colon, it triggers two characteristic sluggish contractions - haustral churning and mass peristalsis. Haustral churning involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation...
As the chyme moves to the colon, it triggers two characteristic sluggish contractions - haustral churning and mass peristalsis. Haustral churning involves the rhythmic contraction and relaxation...
01:22Respiratory Volumes and Capacities
The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...
01:29Oxygen Requirements and Growth Patterns
Microorganisms exhibit diverse oxygen requirements and growth patterns driven by their metabolic strategies and environmental adaptations. Oxygen, while essential for many organisms, can also be toxic under certain conditions, shaping how microorganisms grow and survive.Oxygen Requirements of MicroorganismsMicroorganisms are classified based on their ability to use or tolerate oxygen:● Obligate aerobes like Mycobacterium tuberculosis need oxygen for energy production, as it serves as the...