BACKGROUND

Total Mixed Ration (TMR) is recognized for its balanced nutritional composition, improved feed efficiency, enhanced animal production, and stabilization of the gastrointestinal microbiome. It has been extensively implemented in intensive ruminant farming, particularly for cattle and sheep, with demonstrated positive outcomes. However, its effects on the nutritional health of non-ruminant herbivores, such as horses, remain insufficiently investigated. This study aims to evaluate the comparative effects of TMR feeding versus conventional feeding practices in Akhal-Teke horses while maintaining identical dietary compositions and nutritional levels. By analyzing body weight, growth in body measurements, nutrient metabolism, and faecal microbiome diversity, the study aims to determine the potential advantages of TMR feeding for monogastric herbivores.

RESULTS

Compared The TMR group (S) demonstrated a significant increase in total weight gain and average daily weight gain, surpassing the control group (C) by 47.53% ( < 0.05) and 48.28% ( < 0.05), respectively. Moreover, the S group showed substantial improvements in DM (Dry Matter ), DE (Digestible Energy), CP (Crude Protein), ADF (Acid Detergent Fiber), and P (Phosphorus), with increases of 8.27% ( < 0.01), 11.97% ( < 0.01), 14.30% ( < 0.01), 39.52% ( < 0.01), and 38.35% ( < 0.01), respectively, compared to the C group. No significant differences were observed in serum parameters, including TP (Total Protein), ALB (Albumin), Cre (Creatinine), UA (Uric Acid), UREA (Urea), Glu (Glucose), T-Bil (Total Bilirubin), D-Bil (Direct Bilirubin), TC (Total Cholesterol), ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase), AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase), AST/ALT, ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase), CK (Creatine Kinase), Ca (Calcium), Mg (Magnesium), and Inorganic Phosphorus ( > 0.05). However, UREA was significantly reduced by 14.90% ( < 0.01). While faecal pH and VFA were unaffected ( > 0.05), the abundance of Spirochaetota, , , and was significantly elevated ( < 0.05). However, abundance was significantly reduced ( < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, under the conditions of this study, TMR feeding notably improved body weight, nutrient digestibility, gut microbiota composition, and fiber degradation in Akhal-Teke horses when compared to traditional feeding methods.