Work

The Effect of Seasonal Changes in Non-Structural Carbohydrates in Pasture on the Metabolic Profile of Horses with Laminitis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study aimed to examine the seasonal dynamics of non-structural carbohydrates in pasture and their relationship to metabolic indicators in horses with a history of laminitis. Thirty Hucul mares were divided into a laminitis group (LG, n = 15) and a control group (CG, n = 15). Insulin, glucose, fructosamines concentrations and body weight were monitored during four sampling periods (S0–S3), while pasture variables were analyzed during three periods (S1–S3). The concentration of water-soluble carbohydrates was highest in May (126.8 g/kg DM) and measured lower in October (57.9 g/kg DM), while starch concentrations measured 0.1 g/kg DM in May, 25.8 g/kg DM in July, and 24.0 g/kg DM in October. No significant differences were observed in insulin concentrations between groups (p > 0.05). Glucose was significantly higher in LG in May (LG: 5.50 mmol/L; CG: 5.09 mmol/L; p < 0.05) and October (LG: 5.98 mmol/L; CG: 5.24 mmol/L; p < 0.01). Fructosamine values were higher in LG throughout the season, with significance in October (LG: 120.6 μmol/L; CG: 101.1 μmol/L; p < 0.05). Body weight increased in both LG and CG during grazing (S2), with mean values at S0 being 423.6 kg in LG and 424.8 kg in CG, and at S2 being 533.8 kg in LG and 535.6 kg in CG (p > 0.05 for between-group differences). These findings suggest a different glycemic response in laminitic horses in relation to WSC and starch concentrations and highlight starch as a potential predictor of glycemic instability.

Source: Animals

DOI: 10.3390/ani16020267

Authors: Eva Mlyneková, Stanislav Zaťko, Marko Halo, Ivan Imrich, Marko Halo

Institution: Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra

Language: English

Topic: Veterinary Equine Medical Research

Subfield: Equine

Field: Veterinary

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Zero hunger

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,896