Soybean Hulls-Horses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate soybean hulls as a fiber source for horses. Four cecally cannulated Quarter Horse geldings were assigned to a 4x4 Latin square designed experiment with 21-day experimental periods. Diets consisted of alfalfa/bromegrass hay with replacement of either 0. 25, 50, or 75 percent (as-fed-basis) soybean hulls. Cecal and fecal samples were obtained for digestibility measurements. Results indicate that the apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, fiber, cellulose and hemicellulose did not significantly differ between treatments. They reported that the apparent digestibility of nitrogen linearly decreased as the level of soybean hulls was increased in the diet; a response attributed to increased cecal fermentation and microbial biomass production. The researchers concluded that soybean hulls stimulate cecal fermentation and are a suitable replacement for hay in equine diets.

Coverdal, J.A. and co-workers. 2004. Soybean hulls as an alternative feed for horses. J. Animal Sci. 82(6): 1663-1668.