Total mixed ration enhances nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters and faecal microbial diversity in horses

Abstract

Background: Total Mixed Ration (TMR) is recognized for its balanced nutritional composition, improved feed efficiency, enhanced animal production, and stabilization of the gastrointestinal microbiome. It has been extensively implemented in intensive ruminant farming, particularly for cattle and sheep, with demonstrated positive outcomes. However, its effects on the nutritional health of non-ruminant herbivores, such as horses, remain insufficiently investigated. This study aims to evaluate the comparative effects of TMR feeding versus conventional feeding practices in Akhal-Teke horses while maintaining identical dietary compositions and nutritional levels. By analyzing body weight, growth in body measurements, nutrient metabolism, and faecal microbiome diversity, the study aims to determine the potential advantages of TMR feeding for monogastric herbivores.

Results: Compared The TMR group (S) demonstrated a significant increase in total weight gain and average daily weight gain, surpassing the control group (C) by 47.53% (P < 0.05) and 48.28% (P < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, the S group showed substantial improvements in DM (Dry Matter ), DE (Digestible Energy), CP (Crude Protein), ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), and P (Phosphorus), with increases of 8.27% (P < 0.01), 11.97% (P < 0.01), 14.30% (P < 0.01), 39.52% (P < 0.01), and 38.35% (P < 0.01), respectively, compared to the C group. No significant differences were observed in serum parameters, including TP (Total Protein), ALB (Albumin), Cre (Creatinine), UA (Uric Acid), UREA (Urea), Glu (Glucose), T-Bil (Total Bilirubin), D-Bil (Direct Bilirubin), TC (Total Cholesterol), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), AST/ALT, ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase), CK (Creatine Kinase), Ca²⁺ (Calcium), Mg²⁺ (Magnesium), and Inorganic Phosphorus (P > 0.05). However, UREA was significantly reduced by 14.90% (P < 0.01). While faecal pH and VFA were unaffected (P > 0.05), the abundance of Spirochaetota, Treponema, Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, and Lactobacillus_hayakitensis was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). However, Prevotellaceae abundance was significantly reduced (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, TMR feeding notably improved body weight, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota composition, and fiber degradation in Akhal-Teke horses when compared to traditional feeding methods.

Keywords: Akhal-Teke horse; Apparent digestibility; Blood biochemical parameters; Faecal microbiota; TMR.

Fig. 1

Horse Weight and Body Size A: Average daily gain; B: Total weight gain; C: Weight; D: Body height; E: Body oblique length; F: Tube circumference; G: Chest Circumference (C: Control group; S: TMR group)

Fig. 2

Effects of TMR Diet and Traditional Feeding on Serum Biochemical Parameters in Akhal-Teke Horses A: TP (Total Protein); B: ALB (Albumin); C: GLB (Globulin); D: UA (Uric Acid); E: UREA (Urea); F: Cre (Creatinine); G: Glu (Glucose); H: TC (Total Cholesterol); I: CK (Creatine Kinase); J: ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase); K: AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase); LK: AST/ALT; M: ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase); N: T-Bil (Total Bilirubin); O: D-Bil (Direct Bilirubin); P: Ca²⁺ (Calcium); Q: Mg²⁺ (Magnesium); R: P (Inorganic Phosphorus);

Fig. 3

Faecal pH and Volatile Fatty Acids A: Acetic acid; B: Propionic acid; C: Butyric acid; D: Isobutyric acid; E: Valeric acid; F: Isovaleric acid; G: Total VFA; H: pH

Fig. 4

A: Venn diagram analysis based on OTUs. B: Distance matrix heatmap of Beta diversity indices. C: Principal component analysis (PCA). D: Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA). (C: Control group: S: TMR group)

Fig. 5

Relative Abundance of Bacteria in Horse Faecal Relative Abundance Results of Bacteria, A: phylum; B: Outline; C: Eye; D: Science; E: Genus; F: Speciess). (C: Control group; S: TMR group)

Fig. 6

Analysis Results of Differential Gut Microbes and Functional Prediction Between TMR Feeding and Traditional Feeding in Akhal-Teke Horses. A: LefSe Analysis; B: KEGG Pathway Annotation; C: Functional Prediction Clustering Analysis D: Correlation Analysis Between Differential Microbes and Predicted Functions

Fig. 7

Correlation Analysis Between Nutrients, Blood Biochemical Parameters, and Differential Microbes