‘Cup’ Feeder Slows Horses’ Consumption Rate, Reduces Waste

Researchers found that a specially designed feeder can slow horses’ rate of consumption and reduce feed waste.
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Researchers at Texas A&M University recently tested a newly designed feed bucket against traditional flat and rubber feeders. The results showed that the new bucket slowed consumption and reduced waste.

The Pre-Vent feeder has eight small cups molded into the bottom, which are designed to slow horses’ rate of consumption and aid in feed efficacy. According to Ted H. Friend, MS, PhD, faculty fellow and professor of animal behavior and well-being at Texas A&M University, "Proponents of the ‘cups’ design believe that it may reduce feed waste, choke, and sand colic by reducing the speed at which a horse can eat and the amount of feed that a horse drops and then eats off the ground."

To evaluate the ‘cup’ (Pre-Vent) feeder’s effects on time spent eating and feed wastage, Friend’s lab conducted a study led by graduate student Mark Carter, MS, comparing it with two commonly used feeders–a 16-liter flat-back bucket and a 24.8-liter flat rubber tub–under controlled conditions.

The team employed nine Quarter Horse geldings aged 8 to 22 years in the nine-day study. Each horse consumed concentrate at a rate of 0.75% body weight from each feeder twice daily for three days. "Having each horse eat from a particular feeder for three days allowed for quantification of behavior and feed loss as the horses became accustomed to the different feeders," Friend said

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Erica Larson, former news editor for The Horse, holds a degree in journalism with an external specialty in equine science from Michigan State University in East Lansing. A Massachusetts native, she grew up in the saddle and has dabbled in a variety of disciplines including foxhunting, saddle seat, and mounted games. Currently, Erica competes in eventing with her OTTB, Dorado.

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