University of Minnesota Extension

Extension > Agriculture > Livestock > Horse > Research updates

Research updates

Social Separation and Training

There were no significant differences between singly trained mare and mares trained in pairs.

Adding Supplements to Water

Adding supplements or electrolytes to water can decrease intake in horses.

Microchip Identification

The objectives of a study conducted at Pennsylvania State University were to characterize the inflammatory response after microchip insertion, evaluate pain response and swelling at the microchip insertion site, and measure migration of the microchips.

Grazing Muzzles

Grazing muzzles are an effective means of restricting pasture intake by ponies.

Hay Steaming

Steaming represents a management strategy for reducing dust and mold levels and increasing dry matter intake in some hays.  However, steaming should not replace the main goal of feeding good quality (i.e. low in dust and mold) hay. 

Composting

A well-maintained compost system is capable of rendering P. equorum eggs non-viable within 8 days.

Feeding Grain

The Pre-Vent feeder design seems useful for increasing time spent eating and reducing grain wastage.

Composting

Composting provides many benefits including significant reductions in mass and increased nutrient concentrations.

Cool-Season Pasture Grasses

Plant mixtures of Kentucky bluegrass, orchardgrass, and tall and meadow fescue.

Feed digestibility in aged horses

No difference was found in healthy horses.

Hay soaking

Results in dry matter losses.

Economic impact of trail riding in Minnesota

$29.4 million gross state product, 522 jobs, $16.9 million in labor compensation, $3.7 million in tax revenues

AM vs PM grazing

Horses ate more in the PM, likely in response to increases in nonstructural carbohydrates.

Diet affects dental needs of horses

Horses should have a yearly dental evaluation, especially if consuming a diet low in forage or high in pellets.

Restricted grazing

Ponies anticipated the restricted grazing time period and ate more quickly.

The effect of water acidity

The lower the pH of the water, the less the horses will consume.

Slowing grain consumption

Using obstacles in the feed bucket increased feed intake time.

Equine grazing preferences

Timothy, Kentucky bluegrass, and quackgrass were most preferred.

Shelter use by horses

Shelter access is important in snowy, windy conditions.

Equine pasture consumption

Horses consumed more dry matter during the first 4 hours than the second 4.

▲ Back to top