Portion Pacer Field Based Observational Study

Before launching our Portion Pacer Haynets, we consulted with an independent nutritionist to develop a robust testing method to compare the feeding rates and times of our 3cm holed net and 6cm holed net, against free feeding from the floor.

As a result of this, we decided to test both horses and ponies, since although smaller - ponies are thought to have more agile lips and perhaps be able to eat more easily from the haynets.

The Feed Rate Testing Method

We used a total of 10 horses and 10 ponies for the test for a total number of 20 equines. On 3 different days, each horse and pony was given 6kg or 4kg respectively in a 3cm net, 6cm net or loose on the floor. The amount of hay in kilogrammes was then recorded at each hour for 6 hours. To ensure consistency, the horses and ponies were in the same routine as normal and were all at the same location. All had all been out on the same well grazed pasture overnight, and each test day happened at the same time. None of the horses or ponies received any hard feed prior to the testing, nor had any done any exercise.

The Feed Rate Testing Results

As could be expected, the 3cm reduced the average amount of hay consumed, while the 6cm was quite comparable to floor feeding. What was also interesting was how the hay was consumed.

The 3cm Mesh Portion Pacer prolonged feeding time by up to 30% across the group.

The 6cm Mesh Portion Pacer showed to keep the feeding rate similar to floor feeding, but could be a great addition to help reduce wastage.

Hourly Intake Compared

Horses who were given floor fed hay ate the most in the first hour and less in subsequent hours, compared to for example the 3cm Portion Pacer, who had a much steadier hourly intake - possibly more similar to that of a horse grazing.

The 6cm haynet was a bit in between, with horses eating less in the first hour than floor fed, but less consistently over the 6 hours compared to the 3cm.

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