Easy fermetable fibers: an energetic alternative ingredient for equines

Abstract

The aim of this experiment is to evaluate the level inclusion level of the citrus pulp and soybean hulls in equine diets, using digestibility assays, glycemic and insulin curves, volatile fatty acids and lactate blood levels and pH of the feces and palatability assay. Two latin square (LQ) design will be used. The diets will have 50% roughage and the concentrate with increasing levels (0, 7, 14, 21, 28%) of the fibers sources. For the digestibility assay a LS 5x5 will be used, and the variables measured will be the digestibility of: dry matter, organic matter, ash, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, eter extract, soluble carbohydrate, easy fermented carbohydrate, non fiber carbohydrate, total carbohydrate and gross energy. Also the the feces pH will be measured and an evaluation will be made on feces quality and color. The palatability assay will be performed by the first choice assay and the consumption rate as well as dry matter intake (g/kg0,75), in a total of 120 observations. To determine the blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, lactate and volatile fatty acids, the blood will be sampled before and 0,5, 3, 6 and 9 hours after feeding the concentrate. To, this way, the better level of each fiber source will be determined, as well as, the metabolic answers to each sources. (AU)