09/12/2023
ABOUT FREE F***L WATER SYNDROME...
Gut health is so important!
First indepth study into pasture and hay that may bring to light key contributing factors for horses suffering from FFWS.
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There is very little research focussing on FFWS (Free F***l Water Syndrome). However, most researchers agree it has to do with secondary irritation (inflammation) of the intestinal lining and it stands to reason we investigate microbiota health:
Gut microbiota is considered the most significant of the body in maintaining health. The gut bacteria serve several functions, such as fermentation of food, protection against pathogens, stimulating immune response, and vitamin production.
Here are some concerns that may impact FWS:
- WSCs (Fructans)
- Mycotoxins
- Phytoestrogens
- Pesticides and
- Cianogenic Glycoside (plant derived cyanide)
being injested due to the large volume of grass and hay intake.
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This is the First Study that speaks to this and may help discover potential sources contributing to your individual horse's battle with FFWS tied to hay and grass consumption.
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Here's a very quick summary for consideration but I urge you to read the full study results:
1. WSCs which include fructans can cause disruption to gut microbiota and create inflammation of the lining. They are highest in early cut Spring hay and Spring pastures, up until mid May, and also lower in later cuts that contain legumes.
2. Mycotoxins flourish in dryer, hotter temps above 20 deg.C in more mature hays harvested late July/Aug
3. Late cut is highest in CA, P, but all cuts were under minimum daily requirements for Na, Zn and Cu
4. Pesticide levels were low, but present, even in organic fields which indicate air contamination from adjacent spraying activity.
Take home message:
A late first cut will have the benefit of more mature plants with lower WSC content but could mean lower yields due to dry conditions in late summer.
But the higher ADF/NDF ratio in late-cut hay may result in a lower digestibility in the equine gastrointestinal tract, which may negatively impact fibrolytic bacterial populations and may also make it less suitable for horses requiring a highly digestible forage such as performance horses.
A varying number of mycotoxins was always present on pastures. However, forage in late summer showed a higher contamination with mycotoxins and other contaminants.
Regards,
EPC Solutions
Hoovesandhorses.com
Pastures are used for grazing and the production of conserved roughage in horses. Yet, the nutritional profile of the forage varies from spring to lat…
