71 Distribution of carbohydrate concentrated feeds in 8 meals/24H during the first winter improves feed efficiency without affecting carbohydrate metabolism nor incidence of osteochondrosis in foals

Osteochondrosis is a multifactorial pathology that affects up to 75% of equids and impacts their sports career. Feeding excess dietary concentrates, thus inducing increased blood glucose insulin peaks associated with meals, has been linked an incidence osteochondrosis in foals. The objective the study was analyze effects different concentrate distribution 2 or 8 meals throughout day night on metabolism Anglo-Arabian foals born same sire bred facilities were used from 6 18 mo age over 2-year period. At weaning (6 mo), they housed stables. After adaptation period, received 2.5–3kg cereal pellets (year 1, 9 females (F) 10 males (M) year 2, 5 F M) meals/d F, M 4 using automatic horse feeder (AHF) until 12 age, when gelded all sent pasture. 6, mo, Frequent Sampling Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Tests (FSIVGTT) joint x-rays performed. FSIVGTT data analyzed Bergman minimal model (MinMod software). Data chi2 linear test permutations according type. Nutritional intakes per individual not overall terms between year, groups nor sex. Foals receiving meals/day during first winter had better average daily gain (562.2 ± 55.0 g/d for vs 616.1 100.1g/d meals/d, P < 0.01) heavier (307.4 23.4 kg 314.6 23.2 0.05) at age. Withers' height, response (overall 23.7% least one affected mo) did differ groups. foal challenge higher (P 0.0001) 0.01). In conclusion, foals' evolves differs females, as previously described. concentrated diet times/day does modify prevalence but slightly increases feed efficiency. Thus, use AHF could provide growth current support any effect osteochondrosis.