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Partitioning degradation of feeds between different segments of the equine digestive tract

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

J. J. Hyslop
J. J. Hyslop*
Affiliation:
Dept Vet Clinical Studies, Edinburgh University, Easter Bush Vet Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG UK
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Abstract

This 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.

Type
Research Article
Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 32: Emerging Equine Science , 2004 , pp. 97 - 111
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 2004

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