Water intake, faecal output and intestinal motility in horses moved from pasture to a stabled management regime with controlled exercise.

ABSTRACT:

Reasons for performing study

A change in management from pasture to stabling is a risk factor for equine colic.

Objectives

To investigate the effect of a management change from pasture with no controlled exercise to stabling with light exercise on aspects of gastrointestinal function related to large colon impaction. The hypothesis was that drinking water intake, faecal output, faecal water content and large intestinal motility would be altered by a transition from a pastured to a stabled regime.

Study design

Within-subject management intervention trial involving changes in feeding and exercise using noninvasive techniques.

Methods

Seven normal horses were evaluated in a within-subjects study design. Horses were monitored while at pasture 24 h/day, and for 14 d

SUBMITTER: Williams S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4303976 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature