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The effects of diet on the faecal pH of horses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

C.E. Hale  and
S. Pickering
C.E. Hale
Affiliation:
Writtle College, Writtle, Chelmsford, Essesx, CM1 3RR, UK. Email: [email protected]
S. Pickering
Affiliation:
Reaseheath College, Reaseheath, Nantwich, Cheshire, CW5 6DF, UK
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Extract

Laminitis is accepted as one of the most common causes of lameness in horses (Johnson et al., 2004). The painful and crippling condition is potentially fatal and has obvious far-reaching implications for the welfare of affected animals, . However, considering the prevalence of the disease, the exact aetiology of laminitis has still to be unanimously identified (Hale, 2005; Bailey et al., 2004; Mungall et al., 2001). Although there are several causes of laminitis in horses, studies into the dietary-induced form of the disease have found there to be a strong correlation between ingestion of large amounts of soluble carbohydrates and the development of laminitis. Excessive consumption of cereal starch or soluble sugars found in pasture have been linked to the aetiology of the disease (King and Mansmann, 2004). Indeed, in a recent study carried out in America, it was concluded that 53% of all laminitis cases were dietary induced, with 46% attributed to “lush pasture” and 7% caused by grain overload (USDA, 2000).

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Posters
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 35: Applying Equine Science: Research into Business , 2006 , pp. 305 - 309
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 2006

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