Academic literature on the topic 'Equine digestive system'

Light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy were employed to provide further data on the putative origins of the immunogenic secretory–excretory product (ESP) of Strongylus vulgaris (Looss 1900). The sharply delineated but superficial attachment to the equine caecum by the mouth leaves behind an oval area devoid of epithelial cells. Attachment does not extend deeply enough to reach the muscularis mucosa layer of the equine intestine. The progressive digestion of the ingested plug of tissue (epithelial cells, blood cells and mucous) was visualized. The coelomocytes, floating cells and membranous structures located in the pseudocoelom and intimately associated with the digestive, excretory and reproductive systems, and with the somatic muscles are described. The secretory–excretory system comprises two, ventrally-located, secretory–excretory glands connected to tubular elements. These glands synthesize granules of various sizes and densities that are delineated.

Abstract Scoring systems have been implemented in veterinary practice to indicate the severity of pathologies, such as lameness and gastric ulceration. The need for a scoring system of equine dentition in relation to digestive health has been identified. A scoring system would allow veterinarians, owners, and researchers to more accurately assess dental health and the resulting impact it may have on chewing ability. A proposed system, the Equine Dental Scoring System (EDSS), was developed via collaboration of a team of veterinarians and equine nutritionists familiar with equine dental abnormalities. The EDSS was designed to assign higher scores corresponding to increasing severity of dental abnormalities that would impede proper chewing. The proposed scoring system ranges from 0 to 5 as follows: 0) no sharp enamel points, soft tissue damage, or malocclusion, (1) sharp enamel points, but no soft tissue damage or malocclusion, (2) sharp enamel points and soft tissue damage, but no malocclusion, (3) mild malocclusion with all aligned teeth meeting level (ex. ramps, hooks), (4) moderate malocclusion with all teeth meeting but not level (ex. wave, smile, diagonal, frown), (5) major malocclusion with one or more teeth not meeting or inhibited temporomandibular joint movement (ex. step, shear, retained cap), and/or infection, and/or pain while chewing. The EDSS was validated by assessing agreement via the Cohen’s kappa statistic between four trained professionals scoring ten images of horse dentition. Both the weighted (к = 0.62) and unweighted (к = 0.73) kappa statistics indicated substantial agreement between scorers, signifying reliable repeatability of the EDSS. Presenting dental health in the form of a score would indicate severity of dental pathologies and allow for quantitative and statistical evaluation of dental health in nutrition research and veterinary medicine.

ABSTRACT Essential oils (EO) such as carvacrol represent a wide range of mainly volatile aromatic plant compounds which hold antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal potential, in addition to other properties of interest to animal health, such as the ability to modulate the microbiome. Current horse care commonly involves an intensive management system with an excessive use of concentrated feed, which can lead to severe digestive and metabolic disorders. Studies with EO in horses are limited, but the use of carvacrol essential oil (CEO) can promote benefits in microbial fermentation. The objective was to investigate the effect of different quantities of CEO on the apparent total digestibility of nutrients, microbial profile in the feces and postprandial blood glucose and insulin response when added to the equine diet. Eight Mini-Horse geldings were used (42±6 months; 135±15 kg BW) and fed with a proportion of 60% concentrate and 40% grass hay. The treatments were: 0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm of CEO. The addition of CEO up to 300 ppm did not influence the apparent digestibility of nutrients or the postprandial plasma glucose and insulin response. The use of CEO maintained the fermentative digestive health of horses fed with concentrate diets.

AbstractThis paper describes how experimental adaptation of the mobile bag and in situ porous bag techniques for use in nutrition studies with equines, combined with mathematical modelling of feed degradation profiles and digesta passage rates, allows the quantitative partition of feed degradation amongst the major segments of the equine digestive tract. Dry matter effective degradability values in the small intestine (pre–caecal), caecal and colonic segments of the equine digestive tract for four fibre feeds are presented. Measurement of digesta passage rates in the caecum and total tract of equines are also discussed. Further studies are now required to capitalise on this development and partition degradation of individual feed constituents in common equine feeds across each of the major segments of the equine digestive tract. This would allow optimum, balanced and healthy diets to be formulated in practice across a wide range of equine husbandry systems.

Geriatric horses, like other animals (and humans), suffer from various diseases called old-age diseases. This publication has been developed in response to the needs of owners and caretakers of a growing number of geriatric horses. Since the horse has a long life span, the geriatric stage can encompass up to 1/3 of the animal’s lifetime and can quite often last more than 10 years. This paper aims at systematizing the information of the most prevalent geriatric diseases in horses which inhibit their performance and considerably lower their quality of life. Knowledge of these diseases can help to avoid mistakes when keeping and managing such horses and may provide guidelines for maintaining welfare and preventive treatments. This article reviews the most prevalent old age health problems, their origin, diagnostics, course and effects for the body. Information about the most common diseases of old age in horses is found in 119 references. The nine sub-chapters include the diseases of the digestive system, especially the oral cavity, the stomach and bowels’ diseases, the respiratory system, the cardiovascular system, dysfunctions of the locomotor system, eye diseases, endocrine and neuroendocrine diseases as well as the immune system, neoplasms and general body condition. It should be emphasized that there is the possibility to maintain the well-being of geriatric horses through progress in veterinary medicine and sharing knowledge of equine functioning and health protection. Preventive health care should include regular blood testing, regular dental check-ups and adequate nutrition adapted to the overall condition, dental condition, physical activity and comorbidities. Adequate individual supplementation recommended by a nutrition specialist and a veterinarian is also essential.

Abstract Calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFAs) frequently are fed to ruminants, but their fate in the equine digestive system is unknown. The purpose of this study was to compare Enertia s/f, a proprietary CSFAs, and soybean (SB) oil with respect to impact on apparent total tract nutrient digestion and cecal fermentation parameters in horses. Eight cecally cannulated Quarter Horses were used in a crossover design in which horses consumed a diet for 32 d consisting of 1.5% body weight (BW) (as-fed) smooth bromegrass hay and 0.5% BW (as-fed) pelleted concentrate containing 4.9% CSFAs or 4.1% SB oil. Fecal samples were collected every 4 h from day 30 to 32 of each period and analyzed for apparent total tract digestibilities of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF), and gross energy (GE) using acid detergent insoluble ash as an internal marker. Cecal digesta was obtained at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 h following the morning meal on day 29 of each period and analyzed for pH and concentrations of volatile fatty acid (VFA) and long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs). Serum was collected on day 33 of each period following a 16-h fast and analyzed for triglycerides and cholesterol. Apparent total tract digestibilities of DM, NDF, ADF, CP, CF, and GE were unaffected by lipid source (P > 0.10). Serum triglycerides tended to be greater in horses consuming CSFAs compared to SB (P = 0.10); however, serum cholesterol was not different (P = 0.45). In horses consuming SB, cecal pH decreased below baseline (hour 0) at hours 2, 4, and 6 (P < 0.01), whereas cecal pH in horses consuming CSFAs was below baseline at hours 4 and 6 (P < 0.01). There were no treatment or time effects on cecal pH (P > 0.10). Cecal concentrations of total VFAs were greater in horses consuming SB compared to CSFAs at hour 2 (P = 0.01). Cecal concentrations of acetate, propionate, acetate:propionate (A:P), and butyrate were affected by time (P < 0.01). Propionate was less at hour 2 in horses fed CSFAs compared to horses fed SB (P = 0.04). A treatment × time interaction was detected for total cecal LCFAs concentration (P < 0.01); LCFAs concentration was greater at hour 2 for horses consuming CSFAs compared to horses fed SB (P = 0.02). SB oil and CSFAs have similar effects on the digestion of DM, NDF, ADF, GE, CF, and CP.

SummarySince the 1980’s, two feed evaluation systems, the NRC and the INRA, have been proposed, suggesting allowances for energy and protein (Cuddeford, 1998). NRC recommendations include suggestions for digestible energy (DE) and digestible crude protein (DCP in 1978) and later crude protein (CP in 1989). INRA, (from 1984-1990), have firstly suggested the Net Energy System (NE), also referred to as the UFC system in French, (so called, as the NE system relies on expressing the NE value of a feed relative to a reference feed [barley], or Horse Feed Unit). The INRA have also gone on to recommend the Horse Digestible Crude Protein system (HDCP, or MADC in French). Whilst the INRA and NRC systems have both proposed nutritional requirements, the NRC is exclusive in its use of a protocol called the ‘factorial method’.The factorial method was initially contrived to allow for the determination of physiological expenditure, where the efficiencies of the nutrients were known and relevant. Other influences could then be considered by implementing feed trials to determine allowances which would take into account most environmental factors. Both the NRC and the INRA have proposed a range of Dry Matter Intake (DMI) values, which intend to meet the nutritional requirements of differing types of horses. DMI values provided by the INRA have been drawn directly from feeding experiments conducted over the last 30 years. Ingestibility of the main types of forages have also been extensively measured in horses, using feeding trials devoted to that purpose. The following chapter will review existing methods and suggest a progression strategy towards a common rationing system.

Anaerobic digestion is a system that can have a high environmental impact through the use of different wastes to obtain biogas and its consequent use for the generation of renewable energy. The objective of this study was to implement a polyethylene biodigester, using polystyrene for thermal insulation in a dog kennel, using canine feces collected in the same place during a period of 5 months to obtain biogas and energy. The results indicated that biogas production started on day 30 and stopped during the winter period with low temperatures; therefore, from day 54 onwards, equine manure was added to continue producing biogas. Although biogas was obtained, the biodigester did not function optimally, due to the fact that the materials used in its construction did not provide efficient insulation from the low external temperatures; the low C/N ratio of the canine feces, which led to a reduction in the processing of the methanogenic bacteria; and the low amount of feces collected for use. In general, the use of a biodigester can provide a tool for the biological processing and management of organic waste, yielding a cumulative source of renewable energy and ensuring environmental safety.

Orientação: Ana Maria Duque de Araújo Munhoz
A produtividade dos equinos, independentemente da finalidade a que se destinam pode ser afetada pelos parasitas gastrointestinais. A gasterofilose é uma das parasitoses mais frequentes em equinos, tendo como agente etiológico larvas de dípteros do género Gasterophilus que se localizam no aparelho digestivo. Trata-se de uma doença de ocorrência cosmopolita, com alta prevalência em equinos de áreas temperadas, em regime de estabulação ou em pastagens. A espécie com maior distribuição mundial é Gasterophilus intestinalis. Em Portugal, para além desta espécie, considerada a mais prevalente, encontram-se descritas mais cinco espécies: G. haemorrhoidalis, G. inermis, G. nasalis, G. nigricornis e G. pecorum. Neste estudo foram analisados o aparelho digestivo de 95 equinos abatidos num Matadouro da Área Metropolitana de Lisboa, onde foram quantificadas e classificadas 19360 larvas presentes assim como correlacionar estas informações com as obtidas em estudos anteriores com o objetivo de estudar a prevalência da parasitose, quais as espécies mais frequentes e relacionar os dados obtidos à cronobiologia do parasita. Constatou-se que 80% dos animais (76/95) deste estudo estavam parasitados, tendo sido observadas larvas de segundo e terceiro estádio no aparelho digestivo. Foram quantificadas e identificadas larvas de terceiro estádio (L3) de quatro espécies: 85,1% de G. intestinalis (16474), 9,0% de G. nasalis (1743), 0,1% de G. nigricornis (18) e apenas uma larva de G. inermis. Em relação à cronobiologia do parasita, verificou-se uma maior presença de larvas L3 no aparelho digestivo dos equinos entre os meses de fevereiro e maio. Concluindo, existe um risco elevado de infeção por Gasterophilus spp. em áreas de clima temperado mediterrâneo como Portugal logo, é importante a adoção de medidas de controlo com base nos estudos da fenologia das diversas espécies com o objetivo de controlar o parasita.
Equine productivity, regardless of their intended purpose may be affected by gastrointestinal parasites. Gasterophilosis is one of the most frequent parasitic diseases in horses caused by larvae of Gasterophilus flies that are found in the digestive tract of domestic and wild horses. It has been diagnosed in all regions of the world, with a very high prevalence in horses located in temperated areas, possibly in those who remain long in the pasture. The most common species in the world is Gasterophilus intestinalis and in Portugal, besides being the most prevalent species, are described five more species: G. haemorrhoidalis, G. inermis, G. nasalis, G. nigricornis and G. pecorum. In this study, 95 horses slaughtered in a slaughterhouse of the Lisbon Metropolitan Area were analyzed, and it was possible to quantify and classify the present larvae as well as to correlate this information with those obtained in previous studies with the objective of studying the prevalence of the parasite, which species are most frequent and relate to the chronobiology of the parasite. It was found that 80% of animals (76/95) in this study were parasitized, having been found in the digestive tract larvae of second and third stage. It was identified and quantified larvae of third stage of four species: 85,1% de G. intestinalis (16474/19360), 9,0% de G. nasalis (1743/19360), 0,1% de G. nigricornis (18/19360) and only one larva of G. inermis. In relation to the chronobiology of the parasite, there was a greater presence L3 larvae between the months of february and may. Concluding, there is a high risk of infection by Gasterophilus spp. in areas of mediterranean temperate climate like Portugal, so it is important to adopt control measures based on phenology studies of the various species in order to control the parasite.

Orientação: Ana Maria Duque de Araújo Munhoz ; co-orientação: Gonçalo José Carmona Santana Paixão
Este estudo incidiu sobre a avaliação do parasitismo gastrointestinal de um grupo de equinos estabulados na Escola das Armas, Mafra, por meio das técnicas de McMaster e Mini-FLOTAC, comparando os seus respetivos resultados. O estudo foi composto por 30 animais, com idades compreendidas entre os 5 e os 24 anos das raças Lusitana, Cruzada Portuguesa, Puro Sangue Inglês e Puro Sangue Árabe. O sexo predominante o masculino. O estudo decorreu num período de 4 meses, com um total de 10 análises fecais. As amostras foram submetidas as técnicas qualitativas de Willis e Sedimentação Simples e as técnicas quantitativas de McMaster e Mini-FLOTAC e coprocultura. O OPG médio anterior à desparasitação foi 472 OPG através da técnica de McMaster e 351 com a técnica de Mini-FLOTAC. Pela técnica de McMaster observou-se que 76,7% dos animais encontravam-se positivos e pela técnica de Mini-FLOTAC observou-se 93% positivos para infeção por estrongilídeos gastrointestinais. Pela técnica de McMaster foi determinado o grau de infeção por estrongilídeos: 53,3% para infeções baixas, 20% para infeções moderadas e 26,7% para infeções altas. Através da técnica Mini-FLOTAC foram observadas 66,7% de infeções baixas, 10% de infeções moderadas e 23,3% de infeções altas. A técnica de Willis confirmou a presença de ovos de estrongilídeos, enquanto a técnica de Sedimentação permitiu a identificação de ovos de Parascaris spp. e oocistos de Eimeria leuckarti. Após a desparasitação com ivermectina todos os equinos foram examinados através das técnicas de McMaster e Mini-FLOTAC para comprovação do TRCOF que resultou em 100% de eficácia pela técnica McMaster e 99,7% obtido pelo Mini-FLOTAC. As coproculturas revelaram a maior prevalência do género Cyathostomum spp. Este estudo identificou a técnica de Mini-FLOTAC como mais exata e precisa quando comparada com a técnica de McMaster.
This study focused on the evaluation of the gastrointestinal parasistism in a group of equines stabled in Escola das Armas, Mafra, using the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC while comparing both techniques. The studied sample consisted on a total of 30 animals, aged between 5 and 24 years old, whose breeds were Lusitanos, Portuguese Cross Horses, Tthoroughbred and Arabian. The predominant gender were males. This study was developed during 4 months, with a total of 10 fecal analysis. The samples were analyzed through the Willis and Simple Sedimentation technique and also the quantitative McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC technique. In the period prior to deworming, the EGP were 472 with the McMaster technique and,351 with the Mini-FLOTAC. Using the McMaster technique 76,7% were positive for EPG while 93% were positive on Mini-FLOTAC technique. On the Mini-FLOTAC technique 66,7% were low infections, 10% were moderate and 23,3% were high. The Willis technique confirmed the presence of strongyles eggs, while the Sedimentation technique allowed the identification of Parascaris spp. eggs and Eimeria leuckarti oocysts. After the deworming with ivermectin all the equines were examined through the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC techniques to compare the results of the FECRT (Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test) shown 100% efficacy using McMaster technique and 99,7% using the Mini-FLOTAC technique. The coprocultures revealed the prevelance of Cyathostomum spp. This study concluded that the Mini-FLOTAC is a more exact and precise technique when compared with the McMaster technique.