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A preliminary investigation into the effects of forage type on ammonia levels in stables for horses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

C J Blaken  and
R E Lawson
C J Blaken
Affiliation:
School of Land–based Studies, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, UK. Email: ruth.lawson@ntu.ac.uk
R E Lawson
Affiliation:
School of Land–based Studies, Nottingham Trent University, Brackenhurst, Nottingham Road, Southwell, Nottinghamshire, NG25 0QF, UK. Email: ruth.lawson@ntu.ac.uk
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Extract

Ammonia is generally present within all livestock buildings; it is a by-product of protein digestion. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is probably the most common cause of chronic coughing in horses in the UK. This has resulted in horse owners offering haylage, which is a low–dust alternative to hay (Moore–Colyer and Longland, 2000). However, Moore–Colyer and Longland (2000) reported that haylage usually contains more protein than hay (70 vs. 44 g CP/kg). When protein supplied in the diet exceeds the requirements of the horse, urea production will increase and consequently ammonia output will increase. Aerial ammonia concentrations can be regarded as a predisposing factor of COPD (Pratt, 2000). The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effects of offering horses different basal forages (hay vs. haylage) on the aerial ammonia concentrations within stables at different times during the day.

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Information
BSAP Occasional Publication , Volume 32: Emerging Equine Science , 2004 , pp. 243 - 245
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 2004

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References

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