Effect of feeder style on intake rate of equine concentrates

There are many different concentrate feeders available to horse owners, but little data exists on feeder effect of equine intake rate. Rapid consumption ("bolting") is associated with issues such as esophageal obstruction.

The objective of this study was to evaluate three common concentrate feeders on intake rate. We hypothesized horses would have the slowest intake rate when fed from the trough.

Four geldings were fed 0.454 kg of concentrate from a pan on the ground (P), shallow trough (T), or hanging feeder (H). Horses were randomly assigned a first feeder and then rotated through all three for ten days in the first trial (T1) and five in the second (T2). Total time for consumption (TIME) and eating bouts (BOUT) were recorded and used to calculate bout rate (BR). ORTS and WASTE were collected.

TIME was greater for T (261 ± 11.70 s) than both H (182 ± 8.16 s) and P (182 ± 8.16 s). T had a lower BR (1.72 ± 0.22 BOUT/min) than H (2.42 ± 0.31 BOUT/min) and P (2.65 ± 0.34 BOUT/min). WASTE was greater for P (131.3 ± 31.0 g) than H (87.9 ± 25.4 g), or T (33.8 ± 15.7 g). ORTS for H (3.06 ± 2.93 g) was less than P (11.87 ± 5.76 g) and T (16.12 ± 6.71 g).

Troughs slowed overall consumption time and feed waste, while hanging feeders reduced orts. This may offer an alternative solution for horses who bolt feed.