Effects of Transport and Feeding Strategies Before Transportation on Redox Homeostasis and Gastric Ulceration in Horses.
Authors: Gharehaghajlou Yashar, Raidal Sharanne L, Freccero Francesca, Padalino Barbara
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Transport, Pre-Journey Feeding, and Oxidative Stress in Horses Long-distance transport is known to trigger oxidative stress and gastric ulceration in horses, yet evidence-based guidance on pre-transport feeding remains limited. Gharehaghajlou and colleagues transported 26 mares for 12 hours without access to food or water, varying when they had last been fed (1, 6, or 12 hours before departure), and measured blood oxidative stress markers alongside gastroscopic examination of the stomach before transport, immediately after unloading, and 60 hours later. Reactive oxygen metabolites increased significantly at unloading (P=0.004), with horses fed only 1 hour before departure showing notably different levels compared to those fed 12 hours prior; notably, total antioxidant capacity was also affected by both the transport event itself and feeding timing (P=0.019), suggesting the pre-journey meal influences how the body mobilises its defences. Nine of the 26 horses (35%) developed clinically significant squamous ulceration by unloading, though the relationship between oxidative stress parameters and ulcer severity was weak and not statistically significant. Whilst this research indicates that timing of the final feed before long journeys meaningfully affects oxidative balance, the authors acknowledge gaps remain in understanding how feed management, transport-induced oxidative stress, and gastric ulceration interconnect—suggesting that nutritionists, vets, and coaches should await further evidence before substantially altering pre-transport protocols, though the data support the potential value of investigating feed composition and timing as part of integrated transport management strategies.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Feeding timing before transport affects oxidative balance in horses; feeding closer to departure (1 hour) may trigger different antioxidant responses than feeding 6-12 hours prior
- •Long-distance transport (12 hours) without food or water increases oxidative stress markers even though they remain within normal ranges, suggesting subclinical effects warrant further investigation
- •Gastric ulceration risk during transport cannot be reliably predicted by oxidative stress parameters alone; additional factors beyond oxidative stress likely contribute to EGUS development
Key Findings
- •Transportation for 12 hours increased reactive oxygen metabolites (ROMS) at unloading (P=0.004), with significant differences between horses fed 1 hour versus 12 hours before departure
- •Total antioxidant (PTAS) levels were affected by both transportation and feeding strategy (P=0.019), with horses fed 1 hour before departure showing greater PTAS at baseline and different responses compared to other groups
- •Nine of 26 horses (35%) developed clinically significant squamous mucosa ulceration by unloading, though weak correlations existed between oxidative stress parameters and ulcer scores
- •No significant associations were found between oxidative stress parameters and gastric ulceration development via univariate logistic regression analysis