Science & Equine

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Written by Shirley Ferber
Posted in Nutrition

Image by: Shirley Ferber

Probiotics as an Acidosis-Prevention Tool in Horses

High-Starch diets, aimed to complete the horse energetic requirements, are known to alter hindgut microbial communities when nondegraded starch spills from small intestines to the hindgut. Causing decreased pH, increased propionate concentration, increased potential of microbial endotoxin release, and decreased fiber digestion resulting in an increased risk of acidosis, which in turn may cause gastric ulcers, colic, or laminitis.

The control group showed an expected decrease in fecal pH, as well as increased digestibility of many parameters during the Abrupt-Change and High-Starch periods; dry matter, OM, NDF, ADF, P, Cu, Mn, Na. Whereas both DFM groups fecal pH were not affected by the Abrupt-Change to High-Starch diet, as the DFM seem to have assisted in maintaining balance.

Expert opinion by Shirley Ferber

Study results may support the hypothesis but did not demonstrate a clear effect of direct-fed LAB on acidosis risk. Requiring further studies, especially regarding specific relevant species identification. However, it is clear that microbial-based solutions would be best at tackling this problem and have the potential to prevent ulcers and improve digestability and overall equine health.

> From: Swyers et al., J. Anim. Sci 86 (2008) 2596-2608. All rights reserved to ©2008 American Society of Animal Science.. Click here for the online summary.

Image by: Horsejournals.com