| 1. |
- Jansson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Straw as an Alternative to Grass Forage in Horses-Effects on Post-Prandial Metabolic Profile, Energy Intake, Behaviour and Gastric Ulceration
- 2021
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Ingår i: Animals. - : MDPI AG. - 2076-2615. ; 11
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Simple Summary Many leisure horses have low energy requirements and obesity is common. Straw has a low energy content and could be a forage option for these horses. However, a previous study suggested that providing straw as the only forage was associated with an increased risk for gastric ulcers. This study evaluated replacing 50% of the daily forage allowance with a good hygienic quality wheat straw. Six horses were fed both the control diet (grass forage only, CON) and the straw diet (50:50 grass forage and straw, S). Each diet was fed for three weeks and all horses were evaluated on both diets. Diet did not affect the prevalence of gastric ulcers. Feed intake time was longer and daily energy intake lower on diet S, compared to CON. Plasma insulin levels were lower on diet S compared to CON, which could be beneficial for horses with overweight or insulin dysregulation. The results suggest that good hygienic wheat straw provided at 50% of the forage ration does not cause gastric ulcers, but may prolong feeding time and promote a metabolic profile more suitable for overweight horses. Including straw as part of the ration therefore may improve welfare for horses with low energy requirements. Straw's low energy content means it is a roughage option for horses with low energy requirements. Previously, in a field study, straw was associated with an increased risk for gastric ulcers. This study evaluated the effect on gastric ulcers, metabolic profile and behaviour of replacing, in a forage-only ration, 50% of the daily allowance with wheat straw. Six equines were studied in a 2 x 21-day cross-over design. The control diet (CON: 100% grass forage) and the straw diet (S: 50% grass forage and 50% straw [DM basis]) were iso-energetic. Gastroscopy was performed prior to the study and on day 21 and blood samples were collected and behavioural observations were performed. Diet did not affect squamous or glandular gastric ulcer scores (p > 0.05). Feed intake time was longer (p < 0.05) plus energy intake and plasma insulin concentrations were lower on diet S compared to CON (p < 0.0001). Plasma serotonin concentrations tended to be higher on diet S compared to CON (p = 0.05). The results suggest that good hygienic quality wheat straw can be included for up to 50% of the diet without causing gastric ulcers and that it can extend feeding time and promote a metabolic profile more suitable for overweight horses.
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| 2. |
- Andersson, Linda, et al.
(författare)
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Exploration of body weight in 115 000 young adult dogs of 72 breeds
- 2023
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2045-2322. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- High body weight (BW), due to large size or excess body fat, has been associated with developmental and metabolic alterations, and degenerative diseases in dogs. Study objectives were to determine mean BW in young adult dogs of different breeds, including changes over a 10-year period. Body weight data from the official Swedish hip dysplasia screening program were used, including data from dogs screened at 1-2.5 years of age, in breeds with >= 15 individual observations/year during 2007-2016. Mean BW per breed and sex was established from 114 568 dogs representing 72 breeds. Estimates of breed BW showed significant change in 33 (45%) breeds over the 10-year period. Body weight increased in five breeds (2-14% change) and decreased in 26 breeds (1-8% change). In two breeds, BW increased in male and decreased in female dogs. This observational study provides extensive breed BW data on young adult dogs. The change in breed BW, noted in almost half of the breeds, could be due to changes either in size or in body fat mass. In certain breeds, the change in BW over time might have an impact on overall health. Studies with simultaneous evaluation of BW and body condition over time are warranted.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Jansson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Increased body fat content in horses alters metabolic and physiological exercise response, decreases performance, and increases locomotion asymmetry
- 2021
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Ingår i: Physiological Reports. - : Wiley. - 2051-817X. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study examined the effect of altered body weight (BW) and body fat content on exercise performance and recovery. Nine horses were divided into two groups, and changes in BW and fat content were induced by feeding a high (HA) or restricted (RA) energy allowance for 36 days in a cross-over design. In the last week of each treatment, BW and body condition score (BCS) were recorded, body fat percentage was estimated using ultrasound, and a standardized incremental treadmill exercise test (SET) and competition-like field test were performed (scored by judges blinded to treatments). Blood samples were collected, and heart rate (HR), rectal temperature (RT), and respiratory rate (RR) were also recorded. Objective locomotion analyses were performed before and after the field test. Body weight, body fat percentage, and BCS were higher (5-8%) in HA than in RA horses (p < 0.05). In SET, HA horses showed higher HR, plasma lactate concentration, RR, and RT than RA horses (p < 0.05), and lower VLa4, hematocrit (Hct), plasma glucose, and plasma NEFA concentrations (p < 0.05). Hct was also lower in HA horses in the field test, while RA horses showed higher scores (p < 0.05). After both tests, resting plasma lactate concentrations were reached faster in RA than in HA horses (p < 0.05). Objective locomotion asymmetry was higher in HA than in RA (p < 0.05). These results clearly show that increased BW and body fat content in horses lower physiological fitness in terms of VLa4, plasma lactate removal, Hct levels, plasma glucose availability and reduce true performance evaluated by blinded judges.
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| 5. |
- Jansson, Anna, et al.
(författare)
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Locomotion asymmetry in young Standardbred trotters in training and links to future racing career
- 2022
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Ingår i: Comparative Exercise Physiology. - 1755-2540 .- 1755-2559. ; 18, s. 85-92
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study evaluated whether front and hind limb symmetry patterns observed from 1.5 through 3 years of age in Standardbred trotters in training affect racing activity at older age. The hypothesis tested was that asymmetries observed during this period are linked to reduced number of lifetime races and low earnings. Sixteen Standardbreds were subjected to a controlled training and dietary programme from the age of 1.5 years until December as 3-year-olds (P1) and then continued their career with other trainers. On 17 occasions during P1, locomotion asymmetry (vector sum) in front and hind limbs during trot in hand was recorded with a sensor-based system. By 10 years of age, data on lifetime number of races and earnings of the horses were obtained from the Swedish Trotting Association. Horses were divided in groups based on the number of lifetime races performed, i.e. more or less than the median of the cohort born the same year. Mean asymmetry levels did not differ between horses performing more or less lifetime races than the cohort median. However, horses that showed the poorest lifetime race activity showed elevated hind limb asymmetry in August at the age of 3 years, compared to horses with more races (group median: 6±2 mm (P=0.02)). There were no correlations between individual mean and peak asymmetries and lifetime earnings. It is concluded that locomotion symmetry observed during trot in hand at the age of 1.5-year-olds to December as 3-year-olds was not a simple and straight-forward predictor of future racing career. However, hind limb asymmetries of around 10 mm in the late season as 3-year-olds could be a warning of impaired future performance.
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| 6. |
- Johansson, Lisa, et al.
(författare)
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A metabolomics perspective on 2 years of high-intensity training in horses
- 2024
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Ingår i: Scientific Reports. - : Springer Nature. - 2045-2322. ; 14:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The plasma metabolomic profile of elite harness horses subjected to different training programmes was explored. All horses had the same training programme from 1.5 until 2 years of age and then high-intensity training was introduced, with horses divided into high and low training groups. Morning blood samples were collected at 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3.5 years of age. The plasma was analysed using targeted absolute quantitative analysis and a combination of tandem mass spectrometry, flow-injection analysis and liquid chromatography. Differences between the two training groups were observed at 2 years of age, when 161 metabolites and sums and ratios were lower (e.g. ceramide and several triglycerides) and 51 were higher (e.g. aconitic acid, anserine, sum of PUFA cholesteryl esters and solely ketogenic AAs) in High compared with low horses. The metabolites aconitic acid, anserine, leucine, HArg synthesis and sum of solely ketogenic AAs increased over time, while beta alanine synthesis, ceramides and indole decreased. Therefore high-intensity training promoted adaptations linked to aerobic energy production and amino acid metabolism, and potentially also affected pH-buffering and vascular and insulin responses.
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| 7. |
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| 8. |
- Johansson, Lisa, et al.
(författare)
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Reduced high-intensity training distance in growing horses had no effect on IGF-1 concentrations, but training onset interrupted time-dependent IGF-1 decline
- 2022
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Ingår i: Comparative Exercise Physiology. - : Wageningen Academic Publishers. - 1755-2540 .- 1755-2559. ; 18:3, s. 201-209
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study investigated plasma insulin like growth factor (IGF)-1 concentrations in 16 young Standardbred horses introduced to systematic high-intensity training at two different levels of intensity. Growth and locomotion asymmetry and correlations between these and plasma IGF-1 concentrations were also examined. From September as 1-year olds to March as 2-year olds (Period 1), all horses were subjected to the same submaximal training program. In March (start of Period 2), the horses were divided into two groups (n=8) and one group was introduced to regular high-intensity training. The other group was introduced to a program where the high-intensity exercise distances were reduced by 30%. These two training programs were maintained for the remaining 21 months of the study (Periods 2, 3, and 4). There was no effect of training group on plasma IGF-1 concentrations. A continuous decline in IGF-1 levels was observed throughout the study (P<0.0001), with one notable interruption in Period 2 when the IGF-1 concentration remained at the level seen at the start of Period 1. Growth rate of body length was equally high in Periods 1 and 2 (P>0.05). Front and hind limb asymmetry was elevated in Period 2 compared with Period 1. There were positive correlations between IGF-1 concentrations and changes in body condition score, and a negative correlation between IGF-1 concentration and weight. These results indicate that introduction to high-intensity training induces IGF-1 release in horses, but that a 30% difference in the distances used in high-intensity training does not affect IGF-1 levels. The temporary interruption in decline in IGF-1 release with the onset of high-intensity training may influence growth pattern and locomotion asymmetry, but further studies are needed to assess causality.
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| 10. |
- Palmqvist, Hanna, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of rye inclusion in dog food on fecal microbiota and short-chain fatty acids
- 2023
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Ingår i: BMC Veterinary Research. - 1746-6148. ; 19
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- BackgroundRye intake has been associated with beneficial effects on health in human interventions, possibly due to dietary fiber in rye. In dogs, few studies have explored the effects on health of dietary fiber in general, and rye fiber in particular. The aim of this study was to investigate how inclusion of rye, compared with wheat, influenced fecal microbiota composition, short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) in dogs. Six male Beagle dogs (mean age 4.6 years, SEM 0.95 years; mean body weight 14.6 kg, SEM 0.32 kg) were fed three experimental diets, each for 21 days, including an adaptation period of six days and with 2-2.5 months between diet periods. The diets were similar regarding energy and protein, but had different carbohydrate sources (refined wheat (W), whole grain rye (R), or an equal mixture of both (RW)) comprising 50% of total weight on a dry matter (DM) basis. The diets were baked and titanium dioxide was added for ATTD determination. Fecal samples were collected before and in the end of each experimental period. Fecal microbiota was analyzed by sequencing 16S rRNA gene amplicons and fecal SCFA by high-performance liquid chromatography. Crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and gross energy (GE) in food and feces were analyzed and ATTD of each was determined. Univariate and multivariate statistical methods were applied in data evaluation.ResultsFaecal microbiota composition, differed depending on diet (P = 0.002), with samples collected after consumption of the R diet differing from baseline. This was primarily because of a shift in proportion of Prevotella, which increased significantly after consumption of the R diet (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found for SCFA, but there was a tendency (P < 0.06) for higher molar proportions of acetic acid following consumption of the R diet. The ATTD of crude protein, crude fat, neutral detergent fiber, and GE was lower after consumption of the R diet compared with the other diets (P < 0.05).ConclusionsConsumption of the R diet, but not RW or W diets, was associated with specific shifts in microbial community composition and function, but also with lower ATTD.
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