Effects of various feeding regimens on the energy balance of equine neonates.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of diet on energy intake, loss, and metabolism in foals 2 to 7 days old.


METHODS
14 pony foals.


METHODS
Group-A foals suckled their dams, group-B foals were fed milk replacer, and group-C foals were fed by total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Energy balance studies were performed over 8-hour periods on postpartum days 2, 4, and 7.


RESULTS
Mean gross energy (GE) intake of group-A foals increased between days 2 and 7. Approximately 3% of GE was excreted in urine and feces, and energy expenditure remained constant. These foals were in positive energy balance, and mean body weight increased. From day 4 onward, group-B foals consumed more energy than did group-A foals because the milk replacer had a higher energy content than did mares' milk. Mean energy loss in group-B foals was 14% of GE on day 2, but this value decreased subsequently. Energy expenditure in group-B foals was less than that in group-A foals, and energy balance was positive. Group-C foals had the lowest energy intake and expenditure; energy balance was negative on postpartum day 2. These foals also had gastrointestinal tract problems.


CONCLUSIONS
Mares' milk is highly digestible and is correlated with positive energy balance in neonatal foals. Milk replacer initially is less digestible than mares' milk. In this study, TPN was associated with negative energy balance.


CONCLUSIONS
The data indicate the advantages of enteral feeding with mares' milk and highlight the clinical and technical difficulties associated with TPN.
Ousey
J C
JC
Beaufort Cottage Stables, Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom.
Prandi
S
S
Zimmer
J
J
Holdstock
N
N
Rossdale
P D
PD
D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology; D004032:Diet / Q000662:veterinary; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology*; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D005248:Feeding Methods / Q000592:standards*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006736:Horses / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000502:physiology; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008892:Milk / Q000592:standards; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000592:standards / Q000662:veterinary; D049590:Postpartum Period; D012119:Respiration / Q000502:physiology; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors
D007074:Immunoglobulin G