Natural Nutrition For Horses

27/08/2024

Elite Competition Horses/Stress/Microbiome/ EquiBiome Analysis

Researchers recently studied the microbiome (f***l microbiota) from 185 healthy horses over eight months.
They found that a relationship existed between high levels of physical and mental stress and the type of bacteria in the gut.
The behaviour of the horses indicated a ‘compromised welfare state’ and included stereotypies, hypervigilance, and aggressiveness with an alteration/different profile within the gut bacteria. The researchers identified the existence of a gut-brain axis and concluded that targeting the microbial community of the gut was an important component of managing the welfare of competition horses.
It is thought that elite athletes involved in dressage and showjumping suffered higher levels of stress because of constant traveling and training over several weeks with limited/no time off.
It is also thought that the use of horses as competition ‘tools’ (author's words) together with inadequate recovery, traveling long distances, living in stables eating dry concentrates are all the causes of high levels of stress.
The authors of the paper suggested that the levels of stress competition horses are exposed to affect intestinal barrier integrity and alter the microbial community and metabolism.
Competition horses should be monitored for two important changes in the microbial communities
1. An increase in lactic acid-making bacteria
2. An increase in pathobionts such as Helicobacter and Escherichia.

Biome Food Seven has been formulated to address the imbalances caused by competition, the Equibiome analysis identifies the changes in the microbiome before they become irreversible.
Used by many elite competition horses around the world.

Mach, N., Ruet, A., Clark, A. et al. Priming for welfare: gut microbiota is associated with equitation conditions and behavior in horse athletes. Sci Rep 10, 8311 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-65444-9
For more and discount code, follow the link, don't forget to sign up on the website to get more offers and information sent to your mailbox.

https://equibiome.org/so/9bP6K54Ma?languageTag=en

19/07/2024

The Role of the Gut Bacteria in EMS

17/07/2024

Watery diarrhea is a symptom of colitis. A recent paper analysed the changes in the microbiome of horses with this type of diarrhea.
Some of the horses then went on to develop laminitis and severe colitis, these horses had a different microbiome profile with higher percentages of specific bacteria.
The onset of laminitis has long been associated with a change in the microbial community, an increase in the permeability of the gut wall (intestinal mucosa) allowing microbial toxins to be absorbed across the membrane.
A feature of colitis and laminitis is an increase in Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Enterobacteriaceae, creating a change in the pH and an increase in lactate.
During a laminitis event, Enterobacteria increase sharply and then die off equally as quickly causing the release of endotoxins, mucosal damage, and translocation of toxic bacteria byproducts that induce lamellar separation and laminitis.
Feeding probiotics containing lactobacillus at this time is likely to be contra-indicative as the horse already has high levels of this bacteria.
The study suggests that some bacteria are associated with the onset of laminitis and chronic colitis and that diarrhea is the triggering event.
It is possible to rebalance the microbiome if you can identify exactly what bacteria are in the gut community a simple faecal test is all you need to do.
Ayoub, C., Arroyo, L. G., MacNicol, J. L., Renaud, D., Weese, J. S., & Gomez, D. E. (2022). F***l microbiota of horses with colitis and its association with laminitis and survival during hospitalization. Journal of veterinary internal medicine, 36(6), 2213-2223.
www.equibiome.org

16/07/2024

Many Equine Probiotic supplements combine lactobacillus with bifidobacteria.

However, the EquiBiome Test (which gives a real- time snapshot of the microbial community of the equine hind gut) showed that whilst over 90% of horses had low levels of bifidobacteria, indicating the importance of a bifidobacteria probiotic, the levels of lactobacillus could be very high or very low in 2/3rds of all horses.

Lactobacillus converts sugars to lactic acid. Horses within the high group had a history of ulcers, poor performance and hind gut discomfort, feeding a probiotic containing lactobacillus to horses in this group would be contraindicative.

Those horses in the low level group, including the wild Carneddau and Pottakas will be well defended against inflammation (laminitis) and metabolic syndromes.

A third of all horses tested had extremely low levels of lactobacillus, horses in this group included those being fed soya and soya hulls as the main ingredients in hard feed, feeding a lactobacillus and bifidobacteria probiotic together is an absolute must for these horses as lactobacillus plays an important role in immune function (protection against viruses) and healthy metabolism.

Which group is your horse in?

09/07/2024

‘’This study demonstrated that oligosaccharide (FOS) supplementation could improve insulin dysregulation in geldings with Equine Metabolic Syndrome suggesting that s*x susceptibility might be a factor to consider. Additionally, a tendency of reduction of obesity-associated bacteria was observed. Furthermore, the diversity of the gut microbiota was significantly dependent on laminitis status and insulin concentrations. ‘’
von Münchow, A., Torp Yttergren, S., Jakobsen, R. R., Luthersson, N., Hansen, A. K., & Lindenberg, F. (2023). Oligosaccharide feed supplementation reduces plasma insulin in geldings with Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Frontiers in Microbiomes, 2, 1194705.
Find out what's going on in the gut of your horse.

https://www.equibiome.org/.../copy-of-equine-faecal-test...

Pure FOS supplement
https://www.equibiome.org/product-page/equibiome-fos-powder

28/06/2024

What sort of food is suitable for a horse/pony prone to EMS?
For my EMS-prone ponies, a spell in the mixed deciduous wood seems to work, it’s my version of a track system. The wood is cool, and the track is thick with leaves and mulch which the ponies seem to love.
A session in the woods has always triggered their browsing button more than anywhere else. A lot of snuffling and rooting, a bite of this and that, careful picking and choosing, but as the grass is lacking, there can be no gorging grazing sessions, neither do I have to be concerned with what the sugar levels are each day.
This leads me to conclude that suitable foods for the EMS-prone might be other plants than grass.
Why might that be so?
Wild shrubby plants, barks, and mosses are high in bioactive peptides, these have multiple biological beneficial effects and mechanisms ie antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antidiabetic properties some of these potent bioactive peptides (especially those found in moss) have an anabolic effect that ameliorated obesity and insulin resistance.
High levels of insulin have been linked to high levels of streptococcus in the gut.
Reducing grazing sessions doesn’t reduce streptococcus in the gut, levels can flare up again if the diet contains glucose or carbohydrates.
Antimicrobial bioactive peptides do help reduce strep as do fructo-oligosaccharides.
Strategy
1. Check levels of streptococcus with the EquiBiome EMS test www.equibiome.org
2. Find a wood or a hedge-lined lane/track instead of a field.
3. Feed 40g of pure FOS per day for 2 weeks.
4. Test again in 6 months, levels of strep should remain low if the diet contains bioactive peptides. If you are struggling to access this type of grazing add EMS 1 www.equibiome.org to the diet as it contains a plant steroid with anabolic action.

25/06/2024

In discussion with owners of horses predisposed to EMS there seems to be 4 different grades or subtypes, each with different symptoms and dietary /management requirements. Download the free, easy to read pdf.

Equine Metabolic Syndrome is associated with a gut imbalance.

24/06/2024

In a group of horses with EMS the Shannon beta diversity score of the gut in horses with insulin concentrations > 60 mIU/L was greater (p = 0.0073) than in horses with insulin concentrations < 60 mIU/L.
Having a biodiverse community of gut bacteria is important because it improves microbiome stability, resilience, and ultimately good health for the horse.
Is it possible to have a diversity score that's too high?
Yes, we have noticed (from our database of thousands of horses) that in horses with EMS the microbial community has a higher than average beta diversity score caused by increase in bacteria that are efficient at extracting nutrients and those that produce anti-inflammatory compounds as secondary metabolites.
These horses have higher levels of Streptococcus and species not present in horses without EMS, these being streptococcus_didelphis, constellatus, caprae and _sanguinis. Streptococcus is related to good metabolism when present in the microbiome at low levels but when percentages increase streptococcus has been proposed as a biomarker for many inflammatory diseases.
The best antimicrobials to reduce streptococcus can be found in green tea and propolis. The EquiBiome EMS test will identify the species of streptococcus and a feeding strategy on how to reduce them.
Some foods help to increase streptococcus, especially sugars and carbohydrates, the gut then becomes more acidic.
Look out for new EquiBiome products to help reduce strep.
EMS Test www.equibiome.org
Von Münchow, A., Torp Yttergren, S., Jakobsen, R. R., Luthersson, N., Hansen, A. K., & Lindenberg, F. (2023). Oligosaccharide feed supplementation reduces plasma insulin in geldings with Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Frontiers in Microbiomes, 2, 11947

18/06/2024

Metformin is used in horses with diagnosed EMS and/or in horses with chronic or recurrent laminitis. It inhibits gluconeogenesis, decreases hepatic glucose production, and increases glucose transporter type 4 on the cell membranes of skeletal muscle cells.
But, the oral bioavailability of Metformin in horses is poor (3.9-7.1%).

Metformin changes the gut microbiome composition in humans by increasing levels of Akkermansia spp. which significantly improves glucose tolerance and decreases adipose tissue.

We haven't noticed a similar increase in horses with EMS (from our population database of thousands of horses) but we have seen an increase in Akkermansia in horses by using a natural plant compound called ecdysterone.

An increase in Akkermansia muciniphila and other beneficial bacteria of the gut boosts the production of short-chain fatty acids which are positively correlated to the anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 and decreased systemic inflammation in horses.

Buy EMS Gut Bacteria Analysis at www.equibiome.org

Von Münchow, A., Torp Yttergren, S., Jakobsen, R. R., Luthersson, N., Hansen, A. K., & Lindenberg, F. (2023). Oligosaccharide feed supplementation reduces plasma insulin in geldings with Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Frontiers in Microbiomes, 2, 1194705

17/06/2024

Just published on EquiBiome Gut Health For Horses FB page, all about equine gut health, equine microbes and the latest gene technology! https://facebook.com//EquibiomeGutHealth/
Methanobrevibacter is a member of the gut microbiome that manufactures methane. New research has shown that horses with EMS have fewer methanobrevibacter, these bacteria are associated with metabolism (as well as being part of the immune system). Feeding 40g of fructo-oligo-saccharide per day can increase the percentage of methanobrevibacter, however, too high a percentage can cause bloating and gut discomfort and has been linked to colitis.
We've included these new findings in a brand new format and updated EquiBiome analysis for horses with EMS. To order the test www.equibiome.org

Von Münchow, A., Torp Yttergren, S., Jakobsen, R. R., Luthersson, N., Hansen, A. K., & Lindenberg, F. (2023). Oligosaccharide feed supplementation reduces plasma insulin in geldings with Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Frontiers in Microbiomes, 2, 1194705

23/04/2024

Endocrinopathic laminitis/EMS causes a low grade ‘inflammatory state’ with metabolic dysfunction.

The low-grade inflammatory response is linked to the endocrine system which in turn is linked to metabolism.
Endocrinopathic laminitis starts with the release of inflammatory chemicals from the fat pads being a major hormone factory.

A BMI score of 7 or above and a ‘cresty neck’ score higher than 3 to 4 are indicative of a horse with Equine Metabolic Syndrome/IR and immediately predispose the horse to laminitis. The fat pads play a key role in creating a disease state in the following way.

Adipose tissue is now known to express and secrete a variety of bioactive proteins known as adipokines, these send out signals and respond to incoming signals from the central nervous system (CNS). Adipose tissue can store and release energy and can communicate with the gastrointestinal tract via the CNS and is also able to coordinate a variety of biological processes including energy metabolism, neuroendocrine and immune function.

As the fat pads and ‘cresty’ necks get bigger (especially above 3 on the ‘cresty’ neck scoring system), adipocytes increase in both size and number triggering the release of pro-inflammatory agents causing whole body inflammation. As ‘cresty’ necks get hard (often indicating an impending laminitis attack) this is a visible indication that the adipocytes are now engorged and about to die. As they do so a flood of inflammatory chemicals is released.

Other visual signs of a pro-inflammatory state preceding laminitis may include
Prominent growth rings on the hoof wall
Dished hoof wall with flared-out long toes (and often low compacted heals)
Low-grade seedy toe, sub-solar haematomas that may lead to an abscess
Crumbly white line
Flaky soles and hoof edges broken away
"Sore feet" in the front feet. More evident particularly on hard ground
Shortened gait that doesn't improve with exercise and worsens with fast and hard work.

Image from Carter RA, Geor RJ, Burton Staniar W, Cubuitt TA, Harris PA: Apparent adiposity assessed by standardised scoring systems and morphometric measurements in horses and ponies. Vet J 2009, 179:204–210

17/04/2024

My own herd of horses often seek out and take mouthfuls of plants that are perceived to be poisonous, why do they do this?
Over the past 20 years science has been identifying numerous beneficial bioactive peptides from plants and then isolating them to make into drugs. Hedera or Ivy is one such plant.
My own horses will seek them out in the spring just when the grass is at it's most lush and when perhaps they need a little help with the potential glucose overload.

Hedera also help reduce the bacteria associated with bloating.
www.equibiome.org

16/04/2024

Pelleted hay/grass and chaff have a different effect on the gastrointestinal tract. The main difference between them is that the retention time of the nuts in the cecum and colon is longer. However there is less degradation by the microbial population and a reduction in the selective retention of fibres (to allow for even more microbial degradation). In other words once in the gut, the pellets go through like a slow soup whilst the chaff is continuously degraded and sorted by the enzymes and microbiota. Hay would have an even better effect as the long particles of hemi-cellulose and cellulose would be retained and degraded even longer, providing important nutrition for the microbes.
Particle size and processing makes a huge difference to the health of the gut, pellets produce a lower level of short chain fatty acids. These provide energy for the horse and have other important roles, such as rebuilding the gut wall and acting as gastric anti- inflammatories.

Some SCFA are more desirable than others, propionate (from grass and grains) will be further degraded by liver to make glucose, an unwanted end- product for ems/laminitis prone horses. Pellets remain in the gut for longer but don’t provide the same nutrition to the microbial population. For instance the archaea and fungi require the cell walls of plants for food, once a pellet has been ground there is no cell wall left. Pellets containing soya and NIS (nutritionally improved) produce more propionate than is healthy or required,checking the ingredient list is recommended.

12/04/2024

If your horse has had to spend more time in the stable through the winter months, feeding a spring tonic will give him a general health boost. Especially beneficial for horses with prior or existing chronic health conditions.

Springtime Detox

10% OFF Enter Code SPRINGT24

09/04/2024

It’s official the following have outstanding forage feed value!

Defined as noxious weeds by Defra for the past 50 years, now to be restored as plants with significant nutritional value. A 2020 paper published in a mainstream scientific journal describes the following plants as ‘’ have healing properties with special dietary value and great impact on the nutritive value of forage,’’. Previously these plants in hay and pasture have been reported as to having little value and being even detrimental to health.
1. Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale),
2. Salad Burnett (Sanguisorba minor)
3. Hairy Chervil (Chaerophyllum aureum)
4. Birds Foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)
The forbs are shown to have higher content than grasses and legumes in Mg, K, and Na, as well as Ca.
These plants will grow together without nitrogen fertilisation and still provide essential nutrients and will grow in most pastures within the UK that haven’t been previously fertilised, otherwise can be found along the verges and on common ground.
Reiné R, Ascaso J, Barrantes O. Nutritional Quality of Plant Species in Pyrenean Hay Meadows of High Diversity. Agronomy. 2020; 10(6):883. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10060883

08/04/2024

Has the wet spring made your soil sick?

Wet soil contains higher levels of clostridia pathogens, some of these pathogens form spores that remain in the soil for years.

Clostridia causes colitis/colic in horses and has been linked to grass sickness.

There is a tenfold increase in clostridia species in wet, poorly drained compacted soil.

The good news is that some soils contain more good clostridia than bad, helping to control the bad bacteria.

Which one is yours?

Have it analysed and receive a full real- time analysis of the good, the bad and the ugly gut bacteria. 15% discount for April enter Aprilsoil at checkout.
https://www.equibiome.org/product-page/Soil-Full-Genomic-Sequencing-Test

02/04/2024

In 2014 we analysed the mineral content (in collaboration with the organic chemistry department Bangor University) of 13 grass species including 3 Perennial Rye varieties, 2 which were bred for high sugar content and the other one was originally bred 40 years previously (identified by IBERS), the remaining 10 species were a mix of native grasses found in meadow and old lea pastures.
The individual grass species varied immensely in mineral levels, being higher in all species in those fields backing onto woodland or surrounded by a hedge.
The modern perennial ryegrasses were highest in iron and lowest in magnesium and lacked many other vital micronutrients, however, the mixed native grasses combined had higher and more balanced levels of minerals.
The reasons for this are not only found in the soil but in the rhizosphere and the hyphosphere of the plant roots, the place where minerals are stored and absorbed.
The rhizosphere is soil root interface it contains a variety of micro-organisms called mycorrhizal (the word means fungus-root) and is a rich place of nutrient manufacture and recycling which directly influences mineral levels.
The roots provide the fungus with glucose and sucrose, the grass sends the sugars from its leaves to the roots and out to the fungus. In return, the grass gains better access to water and the whole spectrum of minerals. Different grasses attract different communities of these microorganisms and create unique environments around themselves called hyphospheres. Many different grass species equals a higher and wider range of minerals, of much greater benefit to the horse.
A horse grazing in a field surrounded by a hedge or in a field containing trees will have better and more balanced mineral levels from the grass than those without. Three of the best trees to have either in the hedge or field are white willows, silver birch, and poplar, these trees encourage a varied community of microorganisms into the grass which will spread into the root systems across the whole field providing that field contains a mixed variety of grasses.
Tree root systems are incredibly important for the health of horse pasture as they are far-reaching and can spread their good bacteria and fungi across the pasture to improve the mineral levels of the horse as it grazes. Grass mixed with trees is likely to be healthier, contain better nutrients, have faster growth and perhaps more importantly will have a reduced sugar content as some of the sugar will go to the roots to feed the mycorrhizal.
Pasture and hay for that matter containing only one or two types of grass, particularly if they have been bred to hang onto their high sugar yield rather than translocate the sugar to the root system to feed the mycorrhizal community will not contain the spectrum of minerals that a meadow type of pasture will.