التفاصيل البيبلوغرافية
| العنوان: |
Quantification of relative stock units for horses to permit correct application within pasture-based production systems. |
| المؤلفون: |
Chin, Y. Y., Back, P. J., Gee, E. K., Horne, D. J., Rogers, C. W. |
| المصدر: |
Animal Production Science; 2024, Vol. 64 Issue 1, p1-10, 10p |
| مستخلص: |
Context. Overseer® is the primary software tool used to estimate farm-level nutrient cycle and management for regulatory purposes in New Zealand. The model compares feed demand among different livestock by using 'revised stock units' (RSUs, the annual energy requirement of a mature ewe to raise a single lamb to weaning; 6000MJ metabolisable energy). The RSUs for several common equine stock classes are not yet available, while those currently available within the model are based on the linear scaling of feed demand to liveweight, which does not consider allometric scaling of metabolism to liveweight or the differences in digestive physiology and nutrient metabolism between ruminants and monogastric hindgut fermenters (horses). Aim. To compare the current RSU values used in Overseer® for different equine stock classes, with the equineRSU values calculated using equine-specific models. Methods. Weighted average estimates of the bodyweight for the different equine livestock classes were calculated from the published literature. These weighted average estimates of bodyweight were used to estimate the energy requirements on the basis of data published by National Research Council. The resulting dry-matter intake and N intake from the equineRSU values and the current RSU values in use within Overseer® were modelled using published data on diet composition, crude protein content and the digestibility of the different feeds offered. Results. The current RSUs in Overseer were 2.5-6.8 units higher than the equineRSU values obtained from the equine-specific models. This overestimation in feed demand resulted in N-intake estimates at an animal level being 52-108% higher than values derived using the equine-specific estimates. Conclusion. The use of RSUs based on linear scaling of feed demand from ruminants on the basis of liveweight overestimates feed demand and N intake in horses. If horses are to be included within nutrient management models, feed demand must be based on published equine data for energy requirements to avoid over-inflation of N excretion. The equineRSUs calculated in this study reduce the risk of over-inflation of N intake and excretion, and subsequently the N leaching estimations. Implication. Failure to accurately model feed demand of horses within nutrient management software would unfairly compromise stocking density and horse management on large commercial breeding farms. The implication for these errors on economic impact and restricted livestock number is greatest for the Thoroughbred breeding industry due to the scale of the operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|
Copyright of Animal Production Science is the property of CSIRO Publishing and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) |
| قاعدة البيانات: |
Complementary Index |
