Dietary Cobalt and Its Effects on Horses
Author Information
Author(s): Rebecca Ashlee LeCompte Lazić, Brian D. Nielsen, Cara I. Robison, Harold C. Schott II, Thomas H. Herdt, Connie K. Larson
Primary Institution: Michigan State University
Hypothesis
Increasing dietary Co increases fiber digestion, as well as serum Co and cobalamin concentrations.
Conclusion
Supplementation with Co did not affect fiber digestion, and increasing Co intake did not increase serum vitamin B12 concentrations as predicted.
Supporting Evidence
- Co supplementation did not affect neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, or lignin digestibility.
- Serum cobalamin concentrations slightly decreased (6%) with increasing dietary Co intake.
- Serum Co concentration differed significantly with a mean of 4.7 μg/mL for the high treatment.
Takeaway
The study looked at how adding cobalt to horse diets affects their digestion and vitamin levels. It found that more cobalt didn't help them digest fiber better or increase their vitamin B12 levels.
Methodology
Four geldings were studied in a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four 5-week periods, comparing different daily cobalt supplementation amounts.
Limitations
The study did not assess changes in microbial populations in the hindgut, which could influence fiber digestion.
Participant Demographics
Four mature Standardbred geldings with a mean body weight of 503 ± 37 kg.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.003 for serum cobalamin concentrations; p < 0.01 for serum Co concentration differences.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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