Effects of Feeding Frequency Using a Commercial Automated Feeding Device on Gastric Ulceration in Exercised Quarter Horses.
Authors: Bass Luke, Swain Elsbeth, Santos Hugo, Hess Tanja, Black Jerry
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
Gastric ulceration remains prevalent in working horses, with extended fasting periods emerging as a key risk factor, prompting investigation into whether feeding frequency might mitigate this issue in exercised animals. Researchers compared 31 Quarter Horses under moderate exercise intensity receiving either traditional twice-daily grain feeding or automated fractioned feeding (20 equal portions throughout the day) over 60 days, using gastroscopic examination to assess both squamous (ESGD) and glandular (EGGD) ulcer development. Horses on fractioned feeding showed no increase in squamous ulcers across the study period, whereas traditionally fed horses exhibited significantly higher ESGD scores at both 30 and 60 days; glandular ulcers were also substantially lower in the fractioned group at day 30, though this advantage diminished by day 60. Body weight and condition score remained stable in both groups, indicating that increased meal frequency did not compromise weight management or necessitate dietary adjustment. For practitioners managing young or training horses—particularly those at high ulcer risk—commercial automated feeders warrant consideration as a practical tool to reduce ulcer incidence and severity, though the gradual convergence of EGGD scores between groups suggests that additional management interventions may be needed for sustained gastric health.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Automated fractioned feeders delivering grain in multiple small meals throughout the day effectively reduce gastric ulcer development in exercised young horses compared to traditional twice-daily feeding
- •Minimizing fasting periods is a critical management strategy for gastric ulcer prevention in training Quarter Horses—consider automated feeders as a practical tool for high-risk populations
- •Fractioned feeding maintains body condition and weight equally well as traditional feeding, making it a viable alternative without nutritional compromise
Key Findings
- •Fractioned feeding (20 aliquots daily) resulted in no change in squamous ulcers over 60 days, while traditional twice-daily feeding showed higher ESGD ulcer scores at both 30 and 60 days
- •Proportion of horses with EGGD was significantly lower with fractioned feeding at day 30, with no difference by day 60
- •Fractioned feeding reduced fasting periods compared to traditional feeding, decreasing severity and incidence of both ESGD and EGGD
- •No significant differences in body weight or body condition score between feeding regimens over the 60-day period