Comparative feed intake analysis of lucerne/cocksfoot hay and baled crop of the same type with 60% DM, by 18-month-old saddle horse

By Catherine Trillaud-Geyl, Les Haras Nationaux (National Studs), France


Trials have been conducted by the Experimental Station of the National Studs of Chamberet (France) comparing horse eating behaviour when fed with the same crop mix but stored in the form of hay or baled silage. The purpose was to analyze the effect of the way haylage is stored on the eating behaviour of the horse and to observe differences on the appetite, feed intake and weight.

Methodology

Eighteen Anglo-Arab colts 18 months old and split into two identical groups were led into individual boxes and received either (Group 1) an intake based on lucerne/cocksfoot hay, given as required and supplemented by 3.5 kg of barley and 100 g of vitamin and mineral supplement (VMS), or (Group 2) an intake based on baled silage of the same kind given as required and also supplemented by 3.5 kg of barley and 100 g of VMS over a period of 63 days. At the end of this period and after 10 days of dietary transition, Group 1 was given the intake that Group 2 received during the first period and vice versa.
The quantities ingested were measured daily, weights taken every two weeks and physical conditions noted every month. Measurements were carried out at the beginning and end of each period. All feed was analysed 3 times during the trial.

The zootechnical results are shown in the table below.

Conclusions

The quantities ingested and the growth achieved by the animals in Group 1 during the second period (baled silage) are significantly greater than those recorded on hay, while for Group 2 (hay) the quantities ingested and rates of growth are very significantly lower.

An appreciable improvement in the condition of the animals in Group 1 was noted when they switched to the diet based on baled silage.

The results with baled silage compared to hay show a positive influence on the appetite, quantities ingested, and therefore an increased growth is observed.

Overall it can be concluded that a feed of the same vegetable type is better consumed when given in the form of baled silage than in the form of hay, that the performances recorded are better and that finally if a feed has to be given in the two forms, because of a lack of stock of one or other of the two forms, it is preferable to first give the hay-based feed, indeed, when they received the baled silage first, consumption of hay fell away, the animals seeming to "reject" the hay.

Zootechnical Assessment

Colts 1st Period: 63 days
(08/12/97 - 09/02/98)		  2nd Period: 63 days
(23/02/98 - 27/04/98) 
  Group 1
Hay		 Group 2
Trimmed 60%		 Group 1
Trimmed 60%		 Group 2
Hay
Initial Weight 455.7 448.6  505.6  485.3 
Final Weight 486.9 486.1  554.6  488.9 
G.MQ (Kg/d) 0.494 ± 0.146*  0.595 ± 0.127*  0.778 ± 0.152**  0.058 ± 0.212** 
Initial condition mark 2.53 2.66 2.75 2.84
Final condition mark 2.75 2.84  3.58  2.84 
Quantities ingested:
(Kg DM/fd/d)
Totals 10.43 11.03  12.37  10.02 
Lucerne/Cocksfoot Hay 7.39  – –  6.94
Lucerne/Cocksfoot Trimmed 60% – 7.99 9.29  – 
Barley 3.04 3.04 3.08 3.08
Appetite 2.21  2.36  2.33  2.06 


* Insignificant differences at a threshold of 10%
** Significant differences at a threshold of 1%
G.MO: Average daily gain


Nutritional Assessment
(Desired growth 450/550g)

1st Period     2nd Period   
  UFC MADC Ca  P  UFC  MADC  Ca  P 
Recommended intakes 7.3 450.0  39.0  22.0 

7.3 

 450.0 39.0  22.0 
Nutritional intakes Hay group 7.5  797.7  42.6  36.4  7.4  769.9  40.2  35.2 
Nutritional intakes Trimmed group 8.6 915.7 70.7 41.2  9.7  1101.8  99.3  70.6 


UFC: Silage Unit Horse
MADC: Digestible Nitrogen Matter Horse
Ca: Calcium
P: Phosphor

Diet:
The colts receive:

  • lucerne/cocksfoot trimmed feed (60% DM) as required or lucerne/cocksfoot hay as required
  • 3.5Kg gross/Fd/d of Barley
  • 100g/Fd/d CMV 8/19

Characteristics of feeds/Kg DM

  1st Period and 2nd Period
up to 20/03   		 2nd Period
from 20/03   		 2nd Period
Mean Value
  UFC MADC Ca  P  UFC  MADC  Ca P UFC  MADC  Ca P 
Lucerne/Cocksfoot trimmed 0.64 79.6  8.86  3.63  0.68  96.7  11.93 3.70 0.66 88.1 10.4 6.28
Lucerne/Cocksfoot hay 0.55 70.1 5.40  3.29                 

 

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