Corn gluten feed 21 as alternative ingredient for equines

Abstract

The aim of this experiment is to evaluate the inclusion of the corn gluten feed 21 (Refinazil®) in equine diets, using digestibility assays, glycemic and insulin curves, lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides and non-esterified fatty acids [NEFAs]), blood and fecal concentration of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and Physico-chemical characteristics of feces (pH, buffer capacity, color, consistency, and daily production). The experiment will be arranged in Latin square (LS) 4x4. The diets will have 50% roughage (Coast cross hay) and 50% concentrate with increasing levels (0, 10, 20, and 30%) of the corn gluten feed 21. The digestibility coefficient of dry matter, organic matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract, cellulose, lignin, starch, and gross energy will be determined. The feces pH and buffer capacity will be measured during the three days of fecal collection, and also the evaluation of feces consistency and color. To determine the lipid profile and blood concentrations of glucose, insulin, and SCFAs, the blood will be sampled before and 1, 3, 6, and 9 hours after feeding the concentrate. To, this way, the better level of the corn by-product will be determined, as well as, the metabolic answers to this ingredient. (AU)