Effect of premolar and molar occlusal angle on feed digestibility, water balance, and fecal particle size in horses.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether occlusal angle of the premolar and molar teeth (ie, molar occlusal angle) was associated with feed digestibility, water balance, or fecal particle size in adult horses.


METHODS
Observational study.


METHODS
40 pregnant mares ranging from 3 to 19 years old.


METHODS
The horses were randomly allocated to 1 of 5 feeding groups with 8 horses/group. Horses were sedated, and molar occlusal angle was measured with 2 methods. An oral examination was performed, and total number of dental abnormalities was recorded. Feed digestibility, water balance, and fecal particle size were measured 7 and 16 weeks later.


RESULTS
Molar occlusal angle ranged from 6.3 degrees to 19.3 degrees and was not significantly associated with feed digestibility, water balance, or fecal particle size. The number of dental abnormalities was not associated with feed digestibility. Molar occlusal angle did not vary significantly with horse age.


CONCLUSIONS
Results indicate that molar occlusal angles between 6 degrees and 19 degrees do not adversely affect feed digestibility, water balance, or fecal particle size in adult horses. Additionally, there was no association between age and molar occlusal angle.
Carmalt
James L
JL
Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5B4, Canada.
Cymbaluk
Nadia F
NF
Townsend
Hugh G G
HG
D000818:Animals; D003766:Dental Occlusion; D003813:Dentistry / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004063:Digestion / Q000502:physiology; D005243:Feces / Q000737:chemistry; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D008310:Malocclusion / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000662:veterinary*; D008409:Mastication / Q000502:physiology; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000254:growth & development; D010316:Particle Size; D011247:Pregnancy; D011897:Random Allocation; D014882:Water-Electrolyte Balance / Q000502:physiology*