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RE-LEVE® Mix, a low-starch performance feed from Saracen, contains BMC, new technology from Kentucky Equine Research.

Inclusion of BMC™ in RE-LEVE® Mix provides three key research-proven benefits to horses, buffering both the gastric and hindgut environments, and improving bone density in exercising horses.

Reducing acid load in both regions of the gut is important to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Limestone (calcium carbonate) is commonly used as a source of calcium in feeds and has some ability to buffer acid. BMC contains a more bioavailable form of calcium that provides greater buffering capacity throughout the digestive tract.

In laboratory studies conducted at Kentucky Equine Research, BMC increases buffering capacity by 28% compared to limestone in acid conditions typically seen in the stomach. Excessive gastric acidity in the stomach has been implicated as a major factor in the development of gastric ulcers in horses.

Excessive acid production in the cecum and colon can lead to hindgut acidosis. Hindgut acidosis often occurs in horses with high grain intakes or in horses grazing rich pasture. Acute hindgut acidosis can lead to intestinal damage and even laminitis. Research at Kentucky Equine Research has shown that feeds fortified with BMC have a 22% better capacity to buffer acids produced in the horse’s hindgut compared to the same feeds fortified with limestone.

Triacton®, a supplement developed by Kentucky Equine Research, includes BMC and has demonstrated efficacy in increasing bone density in Thoroughbred racehorses. Horses receiving Triacton had a threefold greater increase in bone density in the dorsal cortex of the cannon bone compared to horses receiving a placebo.

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