A preliminary study of the tolerance of healthy foals to a low residue enteral feeding solution.
After a three day acclimatization period, six healthy, young (aged 4 to 20 days) orphan foals of mixed breeding were fed 100 per cent of their caloric needs (estimated at 523 kjoules/kg bodyweight [bwt] or 125 kcal/kg bwt/day) as a low residue isotonic feeding solution (LRF) for seven days. The solution provided 4.18 kjoules (1 kcal/ml) and was fortified with minerals and protein to meet estimated foal requirements. The solution was fed through an indwelling 12 French feeding tube. Five of the six foals completed the study; the loss of the sixth foal apparently was unrelated to the feeding protocol. The foals tolerated LRF well. Signs of intolerance were noted in two foals and were limited to flatulence, mild bloat and very mild abdominal pain associated with a decreased interval between two feedings during the first 48 h on 100 per cent LRF. Complete recovery without therapy occurred within 6 h and feedings were resumed. Growth in height and weight were comparable to published data for healthy foals raised with their dams. Feeding tubes were easily maintained with no apparent dysphagia, regurgitation or discomfort to foals. This low residue, calorically dense, isotonic feeding solution may be useful for enteral feeding of selected foals aged at least seven days.
Kohn
C W
CW
Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210.
Knight
D A
DA
Yvorchyk-St Jean
K E
KE
Scaman
P A
PA
Ruey
P R
PR
D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D001798:Blood Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D001806:Blood Urea Nitrogen; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D003404:Creatinine / Q000097:blood; D004326:Drinking; D004573:Electrolytes / Q000097:blood; D002149:Energy Intake; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000662:veterinary*; D005526:Food, Formulated; D006321:Heart / Q000254:growth & development; D006736:Horses / Q000097:blood / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D009994:Osmolar Concentration; D015430:Weight Gain
D001786:Blood Glucose; D001798:Blood Proteins; D004573:Electrolytes; D002784:Cholesterol; D003404:Creatinine