A research study commissioned by The Prairie Oat Growers Association looked at more than 260 published research documents to assess past research regarding the nutritional benefits of feeding oats to horses. Dr. Laurie Lawrence of the University of Kentucky discussed the positive effect oats have on colic risk in her paper, Oats, The Horse-Healthy Grain.
Of the many topics discussed in the study, colic is one that resonates with most horse owners. Dr. Lawrence reports, “The incomplete digestion of starch in the small intestine is an important link between increased colic risk and diet.”
It has been suggested that colic risk is heightened when large amounts of starch reach the large intestine, where it quickly ferments. Oats have higher small intestinal digestibility than most other grains, including corn, allowing much of the starch to be digested before it moves into the large intestine.
This means when feeding oats, less starch is reaching the large intestine. Although several other research studies have been conducted to test starch digestibility, none currently proves that oats can reduce the risk of colic; however, as the Equine Feed Oat Project continues to commission research, the effect of oats on colic risk will definitely be considered.
To show support for the prevention and treatment of colic, the Equine Feed Oat Project recently attended and sponsored the 10th International Equine Colic Research Symposium in Indianapolis, Indiana hosted by the American Association of Equine Practitioners.
Research has proven that oats are safer and healthier for horses than other grain choices for several reasons:
- Oats provide a more efficient source of energy for the horse - as oat starch is digested it creates glucose. The starch in other grains is not as easily digested by the small intestine and therefore moves on to the large intestine, creating volatile fatty acids. Glucose is a much better source for energy than volatile fatty acids;
- Horses that are fed other grains instead of oats have a higher chance of getting colic. Many cases of colic are associated with starches that are not digested by the small intestine, therefore moving on to the large intestine where it can rapidly ferment;
- Oats are less likely to contain mycotoxins, which can be fatal in horses;
- Oats contain higher levels of fiber than other grains;
- Oats do not have to be processed in order for them to be safe for horse consumption;
- When feeding oats over other grains, less protein supplementation is needed.
Oats are sold in various forms:
- Whole oats: Unprocessed oats complete with the husks (or outer casing);
- Crimped oats: Oats that have been “crimped” which damages the husk and increases surface area;
- Hulled oats (groats): Oats that have had the husks removed;
- Rolled oats: Groats that have been flattened;
- Crushed oats: This is a rougher process, which involves breaking both the husk and the kernel of the oat.
Today, many horse owners choose a pre-mixed or pelleted feed for their horses for convenience. Ingredient labels often detail the grains used in the feed and owners can look for feeds that incorporate oats. Many owners also buy oats as a supplement.
As research continues, horse owners should evaluate new information to make sure their horses are getting the best diet possible, and, certainly, any information about feed that helps prevent colic will be good news.