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Hurtes, Auriane, 2015. A survey on the feeding of competition horses and perceptions of forage in the UK and Sweden. Second cycle, A2E. Uppsala: SLU, Dept. of Animal Nutrition and Management

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Abstract

Classical feeding practices of the performance horse have included the necessity for energydense concentrates that are rich in starch in order to meet its’ high energy requirements. Such diets have been associated to numerous health problems. Moreover, access to forage is
traditionally limited due to time constraints and perceptions of it hindering athletic performance.
The aim of the present study was to assess the current feeding practices and perception of forage within the competition industry. This was done through an online survey for harness racing trainers and elite level 3-day event riders in the UK and Sweden. Results indicated that feeding practices varied between the disciplines and countries. Hay (45%) and haylage (42%) were the main forages fed. Respondents fed on average 3.6 kg of concentrates daily and most reported turning out their horses on pasture. Less concentrate and more forage was fed in Sweden compared to the UK (p<0.001). Health was selected as the most important factor determining their horses’ feed, more so than performance. Most respondents reported a nutritionist was their main source of nutritional advice. Perceptions of forage in the UK reflected the traditional view that forage cannot meet the high energy requirements of the athletic horse. On the other hand, perceptions of forage in Sweden reflected the findings of research. Overall, respondents were open-minded to a forage-only diet for their athletic horses.

Main title:A survey on the feeding of competition horses and perceptions of forage in the UK and Sweden
Authors:Hurtes, Auriane
Supervisor:Connysson, Malin
Examiner:Jansson, Anna
Series:Examensarbete / Sveriges lantbruksuniversitet, Institutionen för husdjurens utfodring och vård
Volume/Sequential designation:536
Year of Publication:2015
Level and depth descriptor:Second cycle, A2E
Student's programme affiliation:VM003 Animal Science - Master's Programme 120 HEC
Supervising department:(VH) > Dept. of Animal Nutrition and Management
Keywords:horse, performance, feeding practices, forage
URN:NBN:urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-4627
Permanent URL:
http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:slu:epsilon-s-4627
Subject. Use of subject categories until 2023-04-30.:Animal husbandry
Animal feeding
Language:English
Deposited On:09 Jul 2015 11:44
Metadata Last Modified:09 Jul 2015 11:44

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