The Effect of Hay Net Design on Rate of Forage Consumption When Feeding Adult Horses

Modern horse management systems tend to limit a horse's opportunity to forage. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effect of hay net design on the rate of forage consumption when feeding horses. Eight adult horses were fed in individual stalls in a replicated Latin square design, with two horses per treatment per week. Horses were fed hay off the stall floor (control), or from one of three hay nets: large (15.2 cm openings), medium (4.4 cm openings), and small (3.2 cm openings). Horses had access to hay for two 4-hour periods each day. When horses could not consume all forage from the medium and small hay nets in 4 hours, a second study using a crossover design gave horses an unlimited amount of time to feed from the hay nets. Stopwatches were used to calculate time to consumption and dry matter intake rates (DMIR). Mean time to consumption was 3.1 and 3.4 hours for the control and large hay net, respectively, in study 1, and 5.1 and 6.5 hours for the medium and small hay nets, respectively, in study 2. Mean DMIR during the 4-hour feeding period were 1.5, 1.3, 1.1, and 0.9 kg/hr for the control, large, medium, and small hay nets, respectively; all treatments were different (P < .0001). These results demonstrate that hay nets were effective at decreasing the rate of forage consumption when feeding adult horses. Long-term studies are warranted to determine if horses will adapt to feeding from hay nets.     

The Effect of Soaking on Protein and Mineral Loss in Orchardgrass and Alfalfa Hay

Nonstructural carbohydrates are usually targeted for reduction during hay soaking, however, other essential nutrients may also be lost. The objectives of this research were to determine the impact of water temperature and time of soaking on reduction of protein and minerals from alfalfa and orchardgrass hay. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with six replications (n = 192). Hay types included bud and flowering alfalfa (Medicago sativa L) and vegetative and flowering orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L). Flakes were soaked for 15, 30, and 60 minutes in 25 L of cold (22°C) and warm (39°C) water, and for 12 hours in cold water. Changes in crude protein concentration after soaking had no effect (P > .05) on alfalfa-bud or flowering orchardgrass hay. However, crude protein concentration increased (P = .02) as soaking length increased in vegetative orchardgrass, and decreased as soaking length increased (P < .001) in flowering alfalfa hay. Soaking did not affect (P > .05) calcium (Ca) concentrations in flowering alfalfa and orchardgrass; however, Ca (P < .001) was reduced as soaking length increased in alfalfa-bud and vegetative orchardgrass hay. Reductions in phosphorus (P), potassium, and magnesium concentrations occurred with longer soaking times, resulting in high Ca:P ratios after 12 hours of soaking (P < .001). Soaking for 15-60 minutes did not result in nutrient deficiencies based on the requirements of a 500-kg horse in light work. However, supplementation of P after feeding hay soaked for 12 hours would be necessary to address high Ca:P ratios.     

Dry Matter Intake,Body Weight,and Body Condition Scores of Blanketed and Nonblanketed Horses in the Upper Midwest

Thermoregulation is an energy-expensive process, which can be mitigated by blanketing horses in cold climates, potentially preventing weight loss or leading to decreased feed intake. The objective of this study was to evaluate feed intake, body weight (BW), and body condition scores (BCSs) in blanketed and nonblanketed horses. In October 2019, 16 mature adult horses were blocked by breed and BCS and randomly assigned to a blanketed (n = 8) or nonblanketed (n = 8) treatment; blankets were placed. Data were collected in December 2019 and January 2020 in River Falls, Wisconsin. During the study, horses were housed in dry lots and fed grass-legume mixed round bales. At the start of each trial period, BW and BCSs of horses were taken, hay cores were taken for nutritive analysis, and hay bales were weighed. Hay waste was collected daily, and when hay could no longer be consumed ad libitum, the remaining hay was removed from both pens (orts) and new bales were fed. Hay waste and orts were dried and daily dry matter intake was estimated as the difference between hay provided minus hay waste and orts during the trial period divided by the total BW of the pen. The average bale weight, forage nutritive value, BW, and BCS did not differ across treatment groups (P ≥ .05). However, the daily dry matter intake differed (P ≤ .05) at 2.31% BW for blanketed horses and 2.51% BW for nonblanketed horses. These results suggest blanketed horses conserve energy leading to decreased feed intake.     

Interaction of Grazing Muzzle Use and Grass Species on Forage Intake of Horses

The impact of horse preference and grass morphology on grazing muzzle effectiveness has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of grazing muzzle use at reducing forage intake when horses grazed grasses with different morphology and preferences. The study was conducted in 2012 and 2013. Four horses were grazed in 2012, and three horses were grazed in 2013. Four species of perennial cool-season grasses were grazed in 2012 including Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), meadow fescue (Schedonorus pratensis Huds.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.). In 2013, only Kentucky bluegrass and reed canarygrass were grazed because of winter kill of other species. Horses were allowed to graze a small pasture seeded with an individual species for 4 hours each day in June and August of 2012 and August and September of 2013. Horses grazed the same grass species for two consecutive days, one day with a muzzle and one day without. Before and after each grazing, a strip was mechanically harvested to determine initial and residual herbage mass. The difference was used to estimate forage intake. The effectiveness of a grazing muzzle was not affected by forage species (P ≥ .05). Use of a grazing muzzle decreased the amount of forage consumed by an average of 30% compared with not using a grazing muzzle (P < .0001). Results will aid horse owners and professionals in estimating forage intake of muzzled horses on pasture.     

The Feeding Practices and Estimated Workload in a Cohort of New Zealand Competition Horses

Data on the feeding, management, and training schedules during the week before the competition were collected via a face-to-face survey of riders competing in dressage, show jumping, or eventing at 1* and 3* level competitions. Data were collected using a pro forma recording sheet, and measurements of horse height, weight, and body condition score (BCS) were also obtained. A total of 158 of 582 riders (and horses) were surveyed, providing a response rate of 27%. The mean height, weight, and median BCS of the horses were 162 ± 1 cm, 533 ± 5 kg, and 6 (interquartile range [IQR], 5–7), respectively. The majority of horses were at pasture, most (68%, 107 of 158) 24 hr/d and fed supplementary feed either once (42%, 67 of 158) or twice daily (54%, 86 of 158). The supplementary feed was predominately a commercial premix feed (90%, 142 of 157) with additional alfalfa chaff or ensiled chopped alfalfa. The horses were offered approximately 60 MJ digestible energy (DE)/d (33–86 MJ DE/d) from supplementary feed. The horses worked for a median of 6 d/wk (IQR, 5–6 d/wk) with one rest day. The median total time trained during the week was 200 minutes (135–265 minutes), which consisted of eight separate training activities. There was no difference in time spent on different activities between the disciplines. Individual training activities were 30–40 minutes, and the median number of competitions per month was 2 (IQR, 2–3). Training workload and pattern of work were similar to reports from other countries, with the exception that many riders regularly added a “hack out” after training.     

采食行为与饲喂方式对猪生产性能的影响

猪的一些采食行为对饲料的利用率有着明显的不良影响，采食浪费量可高达总消耗饲料量的10%～15%，一些研究表明，通过科学的饲喂方式和使用合理的饲喂设备可明显减少采食浪费，提高养分消化吸收率，本文就采食行为，饲喂方式和饲喂设备对猪生产性能影响的研究进展作一综述。     

收获期和干燥方法对苜蓿干草质量的影响

本试验研究不同收获期和不同干燥方法对第-茬苜蓿干草营养成分的影响,结果表明:①随着收获期的推迟,苜蓿干草的粗蛋白(CP)和胡萝卜素含量显著下降,中性洗涤纤维(NDF)和酸性洗涤纤维(ADF)含量显著上升(P<0.01),灰分含量差异不显著。上述化学分析结果表明,在现蕾期刈割的干草营养成分最好,其次是初花期、盛花期和结荚期。②压扁处理能显著提高干草的CP、胡萝卜素含量,降低NDF、ADF含量。与日光处理和阴干处理相比,压扁处理明显地缩短了田间的干燥时间,从而减少叶片损失和牧草的呼吸作用,以及光化学作用和酶活动的损失,达到提高干草质量的目的。压扁处理明显优于日光曝晒和阴干这两种干燥方法。     

The Effect of Training on the Jumping Parameters of Inexperienced Warmblood Horses in Free Jumping

Seven Warmblood horses without sport experience were trained and filmed four times during free jumping, with a 1-month interval between each investigation. Jumping parameters were measured on selected frames by means of video image analysis. Linear and angular parameters describing takeoff, landing, and lifting of limbs above the obstacle were studied. Statistical analysis revealed that the following parameters were affected by training: hind limbs distances at takeoff and landing, lifting of the limbs above the obstacle, and the angle of bascule.     

雨淋及干燥方式对紫花苜蓿干草品质的影响

在紫花苜蓿(Medicago sativa L.)收获调制期间,极易遭遇雨淋,雨淋及干燥方式对紫花苜蓿干草品质的影响较大。本研究以未雨淋和雨淋紫花苜蓿为对象,分别对其进行烘干、晒干和阴干处理,并分析紫花苜蓿干草的营养品质。结果表明:雨淋后紫花苜蓿的中性洗涤纤维含量显著升高,水溶性碳水化合物含量显著降低,相对饲用价值降低;雨淋对紫花苜蓿干草粗蛋白、木质素和酸性洗涤纤维含量没有显著影响。经烘干和晒干处理的紫花苜蓿干草粗蛋白、水溶性碳水化合物含量及相对饲用价值显著高于阴干处理,酸性洗涤纤维含量则是烘干和晒干处理显著低于阴干处理;干燥方式对紫花苜蓿干草中性洗涤纤维和木质素含量没有显著影响。雨淋和干燥方式的交互作用显著影响了紫花苜蓿干草的营养成分和相对饲用价值,未雨淋×烘干处理下的粗蛋白、水溶性碳水化合物含量及相对饲用价值最高,中性和酸性洗涤纤维及木质素含量最低。总之,未雨淋紫花苜蓿的品质和相对饲用价值高于雨淋后的紫花苜蓿。干燥方式以烘干最能保存紫花苜蓿的品质,其次是晒干,效果最差的干燥方式为阴干。遭受雨淋后,采用烘干和晒干的方式能较好的保存紫花苜蓿干草营养成分。     

刈割时期和调制方法对紫花苜蓿干草质量的影响

为筛选紫花苜蓿适宜的干草调制方法,开展了不同刈割时期和调制方法对紫花苜蓿干草质量影响的研究。结果表明:(1)单从紫花苜蓿的营养品质考虑,最适宜的刈割时期是现蕾期,其次是始花期。由现蕾期至结荚期,紫花苜蓿的干草质量随着生育期延迟显著下降(P<0.05)。(2)烘干和机械压扁茎秆可显著缩短紫花苜蓿的干燥时间,提高紫花苜蓿的干草质量(P<0.05)。(3)灰色关联综合评价结果表明,紫花苜蓿的适宜刈割时期是现蕾期和始花期,适宜的干燥方法是烘干和机械压扁茎秆,另从资金投入和可操作性考虑,认为机械压扁茎秆资金投入少,操作简单易行,在生产中可优先选用。     

饲喂青海草原毛虫对小鼠体重及血液指标的影响

 为建立青海草原毛虫对放牧家畜口腔黏膜危害的动物模型,给20只试验小白鼠每日按0.5~1个/只数量饲喂草原毛虫,并在试验后每隔5 d对小鼠体重及9项血液指标进行检测,以了解饲喂草原毛虫对试验小白鼠体重及主要血液指标的影响。结果表明：在连续饲喂的15 d内试验小鼠体重有明显的下降,小白鼠舌表面有黑斑,牙龈处有溃疡;试验小白鼠平均血细胞体积（MCV）、淋巴细胞比率（LY%）、单核细胞比率（MO%）、中性细胞比率（GR%）在试验期间无明显变化（P>0.05）;白细胞（WBC）、红细胞（RBC）、血红蛋白（HGB）、血小板（PLT）、淋巴细胞（LY）等在试验的15 d后明显降低（P<0.05）,初步说明草原毛虫能引起试验动物口腔黏膜病变、体重下降以及部分血液指标变化。     

Effects of Feeding Distiller's Dried Grains with Solubles on Growth and Feed Efficiency of Weanling Horses

The effects of replacing corn and soybean meal with distiller's dried grains and solubles in the weanling horse diet were examined. Sixteen weanling horses, 12 fillies and four colts, were fed completely pelleted diets consisting of 50% alfalfa in addition to 50% of a concentrate containing either corn and soybean meal (CS), or 30% of the concentrate replaced with distiller's dried grains with solubles (DDGS). There were no significant differences (P > .05) between the two diets in either average daily gain or gain-to-feed ratio. The CS diet had a higher apparent dry matter digestibility (P < .0001), and higher apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) (P < .01). It was concluded that replacing a portion of the corn and soybean meal with distiller's dried grains with solubles in the weanling horse diet did not lead to significant growth depression. However, the diet containing DDGS had reduced apparent digestibility of dry matter, CP, and fiber. Therefore, it was concluded that it may not be advisable to replace more than 30% of the concentrate portion or 15% of the total diet with distiller's dried grains and solubles when alfalfa is used as the forage source constituting 50% of the weanling diet. Even less DDGS may be desirable to substitute for corn and soybean meal in weanling horse diets if the forage source is one with lower protein quality than alfalfa. It is possible that using DDGS for less than 30% of the concentrate portion of the diet along with high-quality alfalfa forage may produce comparable gain and feed efficiency results with less depression of apparent digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, and fiber.     

Variation of Hematochemical Profile and Vitamin E Status in Feral Giara Horses From Free Grazing in the Wild to Hay Feeding During Captivity

Wildlife protection and management are important priorities for landscape identity and biodiversity preservation. Feeding practices of fauna confined in facilities during temporary captivity are fundamental to support animal health and natural behavior. Appropriate provision of feedstuffs appears to be necessary to support the best practices in respect of animal species-specific natural diet. This investigation explored the variation of the metabolic profile by means of selected metabolite and respective circulating levels in a group feral Giara horses undergoing the change of the diet, moving from natural free grazing in the wild to temporary captivity. Six Giara horses (4 mares and 2 stallions; estimated age: 2.5–3 years; body weight: 163–170 kg) were captured to monitor the serological reaction to equine infectious anemia (EIA; screening at Coggins test). Animals were sheltered in a wildlife rescue center for a duration of 4 weeks, and all received the same hay-based diet (ad libitum). On 0 and 28 days of captivity, blood serum alpha-tocopherol (α-TOH) concentration was determined alongside selected metabolites (liver enzymes, total protein and fractions, cholesterol, triglycerides, and macrominerals and trace elements). Comparative feces quality and composition were also assessed. Both serum samples (0 vs. 28 days) displayed α-TOH levels below (<2 μg/mL) adequacy established for the domestic horse. Initial levels markedly (P = .020) decreased after the 4 weeks of captivity (Δ = −32.5%). Vitamin E status and ALT levels varied significantly, but serum protein fractions did not point to significant variations before and after captivity. All horses tested negative to EIA. Monitoring of vitamin E status of wild and feral herbivores may be recommendable in the context of adequate feeding practices during captivity to prevent potential deficiency or excessive depletion.     

高寒地区施肥对短芒老芒麦草产量和种子产量的影响(简报)

短芒老芒麦(Elymus breviaristatus Keng)是禾本科披碱草属多年生疏丛型牧草,属上繁草,适于刈割利用.因其分蘖力强,耐寒,叶量丰富,产草量高且草质柔软,是高寒牧区人工草地的优势草种.     

The impact of genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of ewe genetic merit on ewe performance and efficiency parameters. The study consisted of three genetic merit groups (New Zealand [NZ], High Irish, and Low Irish) and ran from 2016 to 2019, inclusive. Each genetic merit group contained 30 purebred Suffolk and 30 purebred Texel ewes, which were selected based on their maternal genetic indexes in their country of origin, namely Ireland (€uro-star Replacement index) or New Zealand (New Zealand Maternal worth). Ewe body condition score (BCS), ewe body weight (BW), milk yield, milk composition, dry matter intake (DMI), and efficiency parameters were all analyzed using linear mixed models. Ewe BW was similar across all genetic merit groups at each time point (P > 0.05). In comparison to both High and Low Irish ewes, NZ ewes had a higher BCS at mating, mid-pregnancy, lambing, week 10 post-lambing (PL, P < 0.05). Ewe BW change was similar across genetic merit groups, except between mating and mid-pregnancy where ewe BW loss was greater for NZ ewes than Irish ewes (P < 0.05) and between weeks 6 PL and 10 PL, where NZ ewes gained BW and High and Low Irish ewes lost BW (P < 0.01). Ewe milk yield, milk fat, total solids, and gross energy content were superior for milk produced by NZ ewes at week 6 PL in comparison to milk produced by High Irish and Low Irish ewes (P < 0.01). NZ ewes produced a greater quantity of milk solids/kg of BW at week 6 PL compared with High Irish ewes (P < 0.01), whereas Low Irish ewes did not differ from either NZ or High Irish (P > 0.05). Low Irish ewes had a greater daily DMI than High Irish ewes in late lactation (week 10 PL, P < 0.05) and had a greater DMI/kg of ewe BW compared with the High Irish ewes at the same time point (P < 0.05). NZ ewes weaned a litter BW equivalent to 60.4% of their mating BW, which was more than the Low Irish ewes who weaned 57.1% of the ewe’s BW at mating (P < 0.01), whereas the High Irish ewes did not differ from either the NZ or Low Irish ewes at 59.3% of the ewe’s BW at mating (P > 0.05). This study presents a range of parameters across ewes of high and low genetic merit, demonstrating the ability to achieve gains through selection of animals of high genetic merit. Sheep producers should consider genetic indexes as a tool to assist in the decision-making process of selecting replacement ewes and/or breeding rams, once satisfied the animal is correct, and meeting the breeding objectives of the system.     

苜蓿打捆前的含水量对营养价值和产草量的影响

该试验于１９９６年５－６月在山东省无棣县神内农牧结合示范中心苜蓿试验区进行。头茬苜蓿于盛花期收割，研究高，低含水量条件下打捆对产草量和粗蛋白质产量的影响。研究雨淋对苜蓿干草整株和茎，叶的影响。结果表明：（１）随着打捆前含水量的逐渐下降，茎叶比显著增加，叶片损失率增大，其茎叶比与打捆前干物质的含量呈一元非线性相关，相关方程Ｙ＝３．５１０２Ｘ＾４．９６３＋１．０５。干草的ＣＰ含量显著降低，ＮＤＦ，ＡＤ     

营养条件对荷斯坦公犊生长发育及血液中激素水平的影响

选择同期出生的48头中国荷斯坦公犊,在其1月龄时随机分为4组,Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ、Ⅳ组分别采用全乳、全乳+精料、代乳粉(料)和精料(对照组)进行饲养,研究不同日粮饲喂犊牛对其生长发育的影响。结果表明:Ⅰ组的体重在2～6月龄时均显著高于Ⅲ、Ⅳ组(P<0.05);尽管Ⅲ组的体重和日增重在2月龄时显著低于另3组(P<0.05),但到6月龄时,其日增重达到1.35kg/d,且与Ⅰ组无显著差异(P>0.05)并明显高于Ⅳ组(P<0.05)。说明代乳料饲喂的犊牛在后期的生长能够接近全乳饲喂的水平。4组间体长指数和髋胸指数在分组饲养后的开始几个月里存在显著性差异(P<0.05)。体重、日增重以及多数体尺指标均与T3和GH浓度呈显著(P<0.05)或极显著(P<0.01)相关,T4和INS浓度仅与体斜长、体长指数和髋胸指数呈显著(P<0.05)相关,且日增重仅与T3浓度有极显著相关(P<0.01)。Ⅰ组犊牛的血清中T3浓度在2～6月龄时均显著高于Ⅳ组(P<0.05),且除6月龄以外,其余各月龄时均显著高于Ⅲ组(P<0.05)。说明血清中T3浓度可能是能反映并监控荷斯坦犊牛生长发育和营养情况的重要指标。     

微囊化与非微囊化胆囊收缩素卵黄抗体对小鼠促生长免疫效果的比较研究

试验选用70只健康小鼠随机分为7组,每组10只。试验1~7组分别为口服0 mg/kg胆囊收缩素（cholecystokinin,CCK）对照组、口服0 mg/kg空囊组、口服1 mg/kg CCK-卵黄抗体（yolk immunoglobulin,IgY）-低剂量微囊组、口服5 mg/kg CCK-IgY-高剂量微囊组、注射0 mg/kg CCK对照组、注射1 mg/kg CCK-IgY-低剂量非微囊组、注射3 mg/kg CCK-IgY-高剂量非微囊组。单笼饲养,试验期40 d。以小鼠体重、日采食量及血液中CCK抗体D值为评价指标,对CCK-IgY及其微胶囊进行促生长及免疫效果比较研究。结果表明,从试验全期来看,试验3组平均体重和平均日采食量均极显著高于试验4组（P<0.01）,但与试验1组相比差异不显著（P>0.05）;随着注射CCK-IgY剂量的增加,D值也随之升高,试验7组D值极显著高于试验5组（P<0.01）,而CCK-IgY微囊组均未达到与注射一致的效果。口服微囊化CCK-IgY和腹腔注射非微囊化CCK-IgY均可刺激机体产生相应的免疫应答反应,腹腔注射非微囊化CCK-IgY具有较明显的促生长效果,但CCK-IgY微囊饲喂效果不够明显,需进一步研究。     

施磷水平对青引1号燕麦饲草产量和蛋白产量的影响

对青引1号燕麦采用不同施磷处理,探讨不同施磷对其饲草产量和蛋白产量的影响,找出最佳的施磷量,为青海省燕麦饲草生产提供了理论依据。结果表明：青引1号燕麦在不同施磷处理下,总分蘖数、株高无显著变化。在施磷量90kg／hm^2时有最大有效分蘖数（2．00个／蘖）,在施磷75kg／hm^2时有最大茎粗（0．584cm）。青引1号燕麦在施磷量60kg／hm^2,乳熟期收获时可获得较高的饲草产量（29855．0kg／hm^2）。青引1号燕麦在施磷量75kg/hm^2,开花期收获可获得较高的蛋白产量（2177．2kg／hm^2）。各时期饲草产量和蛋白产量（Y）与施磷量（P）的数量关系均可用Y=a＋bp＋cP^2表示。