Influence of high levels of maltodextrin in horse diets.

摘要

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of replacing starch with dietetic maltodextrin (MD) on apparent digestibility and glycemic and insulinemic response. Four mares aged approximately 30+or-2 months, and body weigh 385+or-23 kg were randomly assigned to a 4x4 Latin square experimental design. The experimental diets were composed of 50% concentrate and 50% forage. The concentrate portion did not contain grains, but commercial starch was added to the control diet (CC) at 50%. Portions of commercial starch were replaced with MD at 33% (C1), 66% (C2), and 100% (C3). Mares were fed twice a day, at 7:00 am and at 7:00 pm. Total daily fecal output was collected over 5 (five) days, with animals kept at stalls without bedding. Blood samples were obtained from jugular vein 30 min before (-30), and 30, 90, 150 and 210 min after 7:00 am meal at 11th day of each period. No significant difference was observed in feces pH among diets. Apparent digestibility of C3 was higher for dry matter, organic matter, and crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber than C1. There was observed quadratic effect for area under the curve (AUC) for glucose and insulin concentration. There was no observed effect of diet and interaction of glucose, only a time effect, but a diet effect was observed for insulin concentration. The inclusion of MD can be added to equine diets in replacement of starch with good results in digestibility. Complete substitution of dietetic starch by maltodextrin provides more glucose for longer, increasing energetic balance. More studies must be done to establish comparisons between dietetic MD and cereal grains starch.