Refinement of an in vitro gastric system for equids to investigate 2. The effect of sample handling and incubation method on feed degradation

Taylor, Daisy, Farci, Viola, Murray, Jo-Anne, Daniels, Simon, Harris, Pat and Hastie, Peter (2026) Refinement of an in vitro gastric system for equids to investigate 2. The effect of sample handling and incubation method on feed degradation. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 347 (117083).

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Abstract

In vitro protocols simulating pre-caecal digestion in horses should reflect relevant digestive physiology. This study evaluated the effects of sample handling and incubation methodology on feed degradation within an in vitro gastric system using four feedstuffs (alfalfa pellets, meadow hay, stabilised rice bran, unmolassed sugar beet pulp: unsoaked and soaked). Fresh feed, as whole pellets/chopped forage, underwent sequential incubations (38°C) in artificial saliva (10-min) and HCl-pepsin (1 h). Incubations were conducted either within a single vessel, with feeds incubated loose (LOOSE) or contained in porous bags (BAG), or with feeds contained in bags and transferred between stages (TRANSFER) alongside filtered residue recovered from saliva. Recovered residue was analysed for DM, CP and WSC, and solutions were analysed for glucose and protein. Proportional losses of DM were greatest with LOOSE (0.12) followed by TRANSFER (0.08) then BAG (0.06; P < 0.001). In contrast, similarities between incubation methods were observed for CP (TRANSFER: 0.30, BAG: 0.29) and WSC losses (TRANSFER: 0.73, BAG: 0.71). However, gastric glucose and protein concentrations differed between methods, with lower values observed with separated digestive stages, although this varied by feedstuff (P = 0.004). These findings suggest that greater losses of particulate material were associated with increased sample handling and transfer. Separation of incubation stages influenced the distribution of soluble material and led to a proportion retained in the saliva phase. Despite this, overall losses were comparable between methods. Containing digestive phases within a single vessel may better reflect in vivo physiology while feed containment strategies could improve sample recovery.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	equine, gastric, horse, incubation, in vitro, stomach
Divisions:	Agriculture, Science and Practice
Depositing User:	Dr Simon Daniels
Date Deposited:	13 Oct 2026 15:17
Last Modified:	13 Oct 2026 15:17
URI:	https://rau.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/17139

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