Effects of Feeding Frequency on Nutrient Digestibility and Feeding Behavior in the Turkmen Horse

In this experiment, sixteen Turkmen horses with average weights of 430 +/- 46 kg and age 7 +/- 3 years were used. Four feeding frequencies of 2, 4, 6, and 8 meals per day were used for a period of 28 days. Data were statistically analyzed based on a completely randomized design, and the results showed that increased feeding frequency led to more stable serum glucose levels throughout the day and an increase in the digestibility of nutrients (P< 0.05). However, ether extract digestibility was not influenced by feeding frequency. Means of chewing and swallowing (per kg DM) of alfalfa were not influenced by feeding frequency. Also, the chewing and swallowing rates of concentrate for the treatment of 2 meals per day increased (P< 0.05). By increasing the feeding frequency, alfalfa intake decreased, but duration of forage intake increased in the treatment of 8 meals per day (P< 0.05). In contrast, by increasing the feeding frequency, concentrate intake was increased, but duration of concentrate intake was decreased in the treatment of 8 meals per day (P< 0.05). In conclusion, feeding 2 times per day more often resulted in lower digestibility of different nutrients and less steady-state level of serum glucose than other feeding frequencies.