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Utilization Whole Corn Plant Pellets by Horses and Rabbits^{1 ,2 ,3,}

Oregon State University⁴, Corvallis 97331

Abstract

Whole corn plant pellets (WCPP) containing 6.2% crude protein (CP) were fed to five mature horses (500 kg) and to mature rabbits as a completely pelleted total ration (with and without protein supplementation). Apparent digestibility coefficients (%) were calculated by utilizing conventional total fecal collection or the acid insoluble ash (AIA) method. Apparent digestibility coefficients utilizing the total collection vs AIA techniques were not different (P>.05) for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), cell wall constituents (CWC), digestible energy (DE), or ash for either horses or rabbits; however, ether extract (EE) was different (P<.05) in horses. Digestion coefficients for horses and rabbits were, respectively: DM (72.8, 42.7); CP (56.9, 78.3); ADF (52.5, 18.2); CWC (72.0, 31.1); EE (88.0, 93.2); Ash (28.0, 31.0); and DE (82.0, 44.9). A three month maintenance trial indicated that mature horses could be maintained by feeding 6.2 kg/head/day (1.2% of body weight), but considerable appetite depravity and excessive coprophagy was observed among all animals. Supplementation of the WCPP with soybean meal to increase dietary protein content to 10% CP eliminated all coprophagy within 5 to 7 days. Crude protein digestibility coefficients were increased (P<.01), although no significant increases in the other fractions were observed. Subsequently, removal of the supplemental protein source resulted in coprophagy again within 7 to 10 days. No digestive disturbances or general health impairments were observed among horses. General body appearance and body weights were maintained. All mares maintained normal estrous cycles.

The results indicate that the mature horse may be maintained on WCPP as the major energy source if it is supplemented with adequate protein, minerals and vitamins. Also, utilizing the AIA technique for determining apparent digestibilities in horses indicates a more convenient method for calculating digestibility coefficients for horses than using conventional total collection techniques.

¹ Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station Technical Paper No. 4429.

² Part of these data have been reported previously (J. Anim.Sci. 41:1559).

³ Appreciation for providing the whole corn plant pellets is expressed to Mr. Lon Wadekapmer, Eastern Oregon Farming Co., Irrigon, OR.

⁴ Department of Animal Science.

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