Horses' Favourite Flavours

from
http://www.dressagealberta.com/Extensions%20-%20May-June%2006%20Color.doc

Horses' Favourite Flavours

The University of Southampton (England) tested 8 horses in a multi-phased
study to determine their favourite flavours. In the first phase of the
study, the horses received their usual forage along with six small portion
of feed which were infused with different flavours.
Of the 15 flavours, only 12 were eaten by all the horses. In the second
phase, the 8 flavours that had been eaten most quickly were then presented
to the horses two at a time in all combinations to determine which they
liked best. Here are the top 8 flavours (in order of preference):

Fenugreek*
Banana
Cherry
Rosemary
Cumin
Carrot
Peppermint
Oregano

*Fenugreek is a herb often used in curry dishes

Some of the horses's preferences may seem odd by North American/European
standards but horses in India are routinely offered bananas and Greeks fed
fenugreek to horses regularly. Also, English farmers used fenugreek and
cumin in past centuries to encourage fussy eaters to finish their feed.

One of the important implications of the study is the ability to infuse
these flavours into the regular feed of horses. Previous studies have shown
that horses like variety in their diet but owners are often reluctant to
make changes because of the potential for stomach upset, colic, or a fear
the new feed may not meet nutritional requirements. Changing the flavour of
their usual feed addresses all these concerns. (Source: EQUUS May 2006)


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Relevant Pages

  • Re: Horses Favourite Flavours
    ... standards but horses in India are routinely offered bananas and Greeks fed ... fenugreek to horses regularly. ... what cumin tastes like? ...
    (rec.equestrian)
  • Re: Horses Favourite Flavours
    ... I suppose it's not that surprising that horses like it. ... Fenugreek is also a popular supplement for nursing mothers as it is said to increase milk production. ...
    (rec.equestrian)