Temporal feeding pattern may influence reproduction efficiency, the example of breeding mares.
Authors: Benhajali Haifa, Ezzaouia Mohammed, Lunel Christophe, Charfi Faouzia, Hausberger Martine
Journal: PloS one
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Temporal Feeding Patterns and Reproductive Efficiency in Breeding Mares Horses evolved consuming forage continuously throughout the day in small amounts, yet domestic feeding often concentrates roughage into discrete meals—a mismatch that triggers stereotypies and behavioural problems. Benhajali and colleagues investigated whether this temporal feeding pattern also affects reproductive output by comparing 100 Arab breeding mares fed hay only at night (standard feeding pattern) against those with daytime access to hay in paddock haynets alongside their evening ration (continuous feeding). Mares receiving continuous roughage availability demonstrated significantly fewer oestrus abnormalities (p=0.0002) and substantially higher conception rates of 81% compared to 55% in the standard feeding group (p=0.024), despite receiving identical total hay quantities. The mechanism likely involves reduced physiological stress and improved digestive comfort when feeding patterns align with natural foraging behaviour, thereby removing inhibitors of reproductive hormone signalling. For practitioners, this finding suggests that restructuring hay provision to permit semi-continuous grazing—particularly in breeding facilities—represents a straightforward, evidence-based intervention to enhance fertility outcomes and should be considered alongside nutrition, genetics, and management factors in reproductive programmes.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Provide roughage access throughout both day and night for breeding mares to improve conception rates from 55% to 81%
- •Continuous feeding pattern reduces oestrus abnormalities and reproductive stress in mares, supporting their evolved grazing physiology
- •Consider feed timing as a primary management tool for breeding programmes, alongside traditional veterinary reproductive monitoring
Key Findings
- •Continuous feeding (day and night roughage availability) reduced oestrus abnormalities significantly (p=0.0002) compared to standard feeding pattern (night only)
- •Mares with continuous feeding achieved 81% conception rate versus 55% in standard feeding pattern group (p=0.024)
- •Semi-continuous roughage availability improved reproductive efficiency by reducing stress-related inhibitors of reproduction
- •Temporal feeding pattern represents a major and previously underestimated factor affecting breeding success in horses