UK-Vet Equine, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: 9(1), P. 6 - 12
Published: Jan. 2, 2025
Chewing is crucial to both the physical and psychological wellbeing of horses, but it remains understudied. Physiologically, reduces feed particle size, stimulates saliva production, maintains dental health supports digestion. Psychologically, chewing satisfies natural behavioural needs, unmet chew requirements can lead redirected foraging behaviours frustration. Understanding optimising parameters – such as frequency, duration intensity particularly relevant for horses on restricted rations weight management or issues. While current nutritional interventions often focus more convenient solutions, supplements bucket adjustments, do not consider behaviour, addressing fundamental aspects like fibre intake has potential significant impact equine welfare. Existing studies highlight complexity chewing, influenced by forage type, presentation form, suggesting this inform improve management. However, relevance applicability practical feeding scenarios, further research should investigate factors palatability, structure difference between bite chew, all which may be valuable in increasing understanding interpretation parameter data. Developing consistent terminology methodologies advancing field. new technologies offer opportunities measure parameters, establishing foundational vital future accurately assess enhance strategies.
Language: Английский