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As hindgut fermenters, horses have a highly specialized population of bacteria in the cecum and colon known as the intestinal microbiome. Specific microbes that breakdown feedstuffs prior to fermentation reside in the stomach and small intestine. Together, these microbiomes extract energy, vitamins, and minerals from the feed. Methods of supporting these microbiomes are of great interest in optimizing immunity and maximizing feed digestibility.

“Recent research efforts focus on means of stabilizing intestinal microbiomes through the use of probiotics and prebiotics. While probiotics provide direct-fed live microorganisms to the intestinal tract, prebiotics provide ‘food’ for the microorganisms that make up the gastric and intestinal microbiomes,” explained Catherine Whitehouse, M.S., a nutrition advisor for Kentucky Equine Research.

Well-known prebiotics already available to horses include stabilized rice bran, beet pulp, and fructooligosaccharides, which are found in various nutritional supplements. Recently, researchers explored the use of Jerusalem artichoke meal on the equine gastrointestinal tract microbiome.

“These study results were quite interesting, revealing important and practical information for owners wishing to supplement the diets of their horses with prebiotics,” said Whitehouse.

Here’s a highlight of the study methodology and results:

  • Jerusalem artichoke meal provided prebiotics in the form of fructooligosaccharides and inulin, and was fed at 0.15 g/kg/day. This was equivalent to 68 g of the prebiotic product for an average 1,000-lb (455-kg) horse;
  • The prebiotic supplement was added to the horses’ normal diet, which was a forage-based diet, and was consumed readily;
  • No adverse events or gastrointestinal upset was observed after offering the supplement for 21 days; and
  • An overall increase in bacterial diversity in all parts of the gastrointestinal tract was observed. This diversity is thought to be beneficial by stabilizing the microbiome.

 Three findings associated with Jerusalem artichoke meal supplementation gave reason for pause and included the following:

  • Chemical analysis of the product used in this study did not contain the amount of Jerusalem artichoke meal listed on the label. The product claimed to have 67.2% active prebiotic compound when it actually only had 46.6%. This meant that horses only received 0.15 g/kg/day instead of the intended and recommended 0.2 g/kg/day.
  • Horses supplemented with Jerusalem artichoke meal had a marked increase in small chain fatty acids (SCFA) in the stomach. These SCFA provide energy for the horse but are usually produced during fermentation in the hindgut rather than the stomach. The presence of abnormally high SCFA may negatively affect the integrity of the stomach lining and decrease the overall pH of the stomach, making it more acidic and potentially contributing to the development of equine gastric ulcer syndrome.
  • While a beneficial increase in overall diversity of bacteria in the gastrointestinal microbiomes was identified, several individual groups of bacteria were altered, potentially to the detriment of the horse. For example, feeding Jerusalem artichoke meal increased overall diversity in the large intestine; however, a reduction in the family of bacteria called Lachnospiraceae was noted. This family produces the SCFA butyrate, which provides energy to the horse’s cells and solidifies the physical barrier between the lumen of the gastrointestinal tract and the bloodstream. Further, a decrease in the abundance of Streptococcus was identified in the stomachs of supplemented horses. These bacteria form a protective layer over the lining of the stomach. Therefore, decreased levels of Streptococcus spp. may compromise the health of the stomach.

“KER offers products to support gastrointestinal health, including RiteTrac. This product quickly neutralizes excessive gastric acid, protecting the stomach lining and restoring the normal gastric environment,” explained Whitehouse. Australian horse owners should look for these scientifically formulated products.

For growing performance horses and athletes in the thick of training or competing, Triacton supports a strong skeletal system and a hale gastrointestinal tract. Specifically, Triacton contains a research-proven stomach and hindgut buffer

“Be cautious when purchasing nutritional supplements,” Whitehouse advised. “As demonstrated in this study, poor-quality supplements that do not contain the type or amount of ingredients or are potentially contaminated with other ingredients during the manufacturing processes abound. Look for a name you trust that relies on science rather than testimonials to back products.”

*Glatter, M., K. Borewicz, B. van den Bogert, et al. 2019. Modification of the equine gastrointestinal microbiota by Jerusalem artichoke meal supplementation. PLoS One. 14(8):e0220553.

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