KER Study
A study conducted by Kentucky Equine Research, Inc.* compared the digestibility of several fat sources (corn oil, rice bran, dry fat) and evaluated how well they function as an energy source for horses during exercise.
- Fat digestibility was similar between all three supplemental fat sources and significantly higher than control treatment
- Estimated fat digestibility of each fat source was very high (88%-94%) and not significantly different
- Lactate was significantly lower in rice bran treatment compared to corn oil treatment post exercise
- Lactate in control and dry fat treatments were similar
- Heart rates during gallop were significantly lower in the control and rice bran horses compared to the dry fat and corn oil horses
- Heart rate was lower in the rice bran treatment than corn oil treatment during the 8 minute canter
*Study conducted by Kennedy MAP, JD Pagan, EK Hoekstra, E. Langfoss and K. Heiderscheidt1999, Kentucky Equine Research, Inc.
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Study Conclusions
Fat from Corn Oil, Rice Bran and Refined Dry Fat Can be Effectively Used in Rations for Exercising Horses
Fat Digestibility of All Three Sources Were Quite High and There was Little Problem with Palatability with Any of the Fat Sources
Rice Bran Treatments Resulted
- Lower Plasma Lactate Accumulation
- Lower Heart Rates than All other Sources
