The Effect of Equine Tooth Morphology on Feed Digestibility and TMJ Cytokine Profiles Dr. James Carmalt The EFFECT OF DENTAL FLOATING ON WEIGHT GAIN, FEED DIGESTIBILITY, FECAL PARTICLE SIZE AND BODY CONDITION SCORE IN PREGNANT MARES

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of number of dental lesions and routine teeth floating (rasping) on weight gain. DesignA prospective, randomized, controlled, blinded trial. Animals or Sample populationFifty-six pregnant mares. ProcedureMares were randomly allocated into one of 4 feeding groups (n=14) which were then randomly sub-divided into one of two treatment groups, floated and control animals (n=7). All horses were sedated and an oral examination performed after which dental floating was performed in floated horses. Body weight and condition score were recorded prior to and repeatedly over the next 24 weeks. Feed digestibilities and fecal particle size studies were also undertaken during weeks 7 and 19 of the study. ResultsWithin feed groups, there was no significant difference in weight gain, body condition score, feed digestibility or fecal particle size between treated and control animals. Floated horses drank more water and retained more water than non-floated controls. Weight gain was significantly associated with feed group. Conclusions & Clinical RelevanceRoutine dental floating of healthy, pregnant mares did not result in significant short-term changes in body weight, body condition score, feed digestibility or fecal particle size. Further studies are necessary to determine the utility of regular teeth floating of apparently healthy horses.