Sorcha O'Connor’s Post

Gut Supplements in Equine Nutrition: What Does the Science Say? 🔎 As of 2024, scientific consensus highlights that variations between and within individuals make it difficult to clearly define what a "healthy" microbiome looks like (Boucher et al., 2024). Equine microbiome research is still in its early stages, and current findings suggest we lack sufficient understanding to confidently manipulate its composition. Despite this, the market offers a wide range of equine gut supplements with little research backing their claims, driven by consumer demand and minimal regulation. Probiotics Probiotics are living microorganisms that provide health benefits to the host (Salminen et al., 1999). The only equine probiotic with solid research is Saccharomyces cerevisiae, which has been shown to boost fibre-digesting bacteria in horses on high-concentrate diets (Grimm et al., 2020). However, there is limited data supporting the use of other common probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium). More research is needed to confirm their ability to survive digestion and populate the hindgut effectively. Questions also remain about their stability in packaging (Berreta et al., 2012). Prebiotics Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are non-living fibres that fuel a healthy microbiome. Oligosaccharides like MOS and FOS fall into this category, alongside other fibre sources like pectin, cellulose, and lignin. The more diverse the fibre in a horse’s diet, the better the quality (Julliand, 2016). Postbiotics Postbiotics, on the other hand, are by-products of a healthy microbiome, not live organisms. Emerging research, often funded by supplement manufacturers, suggests benefits from fermented yeast postbiotics, such as reducing exercise-induced stress and inflammation (Valigura et al., 2019). A recent study I completed also suggested that a novel combination of prebiotics, digestible fibres, B-vitamins, and fermented yeast postbiotics can significantly reduce gut acidity in Thoroughbreds in training (O’Connor and Mulligan, 2024). The equine gut supplement industry continues to grow, but more independent research is needed to fully understand the impact and effectiveness of these products.

Protecting Foals for their Future via Gut Health 🐎 Having worked on Thoroughbred stud farms, I have witnessed the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics for foals with unsatisfactory IgG values or slightly enlarged navels. It is common to see "clean surgeries" receiving over 10 days of antibiotics. Despite all of this, we know that the overuse of these critical medications poses a serious threat to global health. The WHO warns that by 2050, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) could surpass cancer as a leading cause of death. This silent epidemic is one we cannot afford to ignore. Recent groundbreaking research by the Alborada Trust at the University of Surrey highlights the long-term impact of antibiotic use on foals. By tracking 52 foals from birth to three years old, the study revealed that those with a more diverse gut microbiome at one month old had fewer diseases and performed better in their racehorse careers. This research highlights the importance of avoiding unnecessary antibiotic use in newborn foals. Prioritising foal nutrition and supporting natural immunity not only preserves their all-important microbiome but also helps combat AMR, fostering healthier and more successful Thoroughbreds. Kudos to the Alborada Trust for this invaluable study and for advancing our understanding of gut health and antibiotic stewardship in equine care. https://lnkd.in/eWree67h

The first horses evolved over 55 million years ago, yet domestication has only taken place in the last 5,000—a mere blink in their long existence. In that time, humans have shifted horses from their natural, fibre-rich diets to starch-heavy cereals, leading to a rise in gastrointestinal issues like colic, EGUS, and hindgut acidosis. Research by Tinker et al. (1997) shows that feeding horses 2.5-5 kg of cereal daily increases the risk of colic by 4.8 times, and over 5 kg raises that risk to 6.3 times. Similarly, Hudson et al. (2001) found that feeding more than 2.7 kg of oats daily increases the risk by 5.9 times. In Ireland, many racehorses are commonly fed 6-8 kg of cereals per day. By optimizing fibre content in a horse's diet, we not only reduce the risk of colic and gastric ulcers, but we also fuel the microbiome, cut feed costs, and improve overall health. Forage, as the most important part of a horse's diet, should be of the highest quality—properly stored and tested. A simple forage analysis costs less than €200 and can provide key insights into hygiene, nutritional value, and mineral content, helping ensure your horses receive the best possible diet. It's time the equine industry adopts more modern practices, just as ruminant sectors routinely conduct forage, soil, and water sampling to maximize yields. Poor hygiene in feed and forage can cause respiratory issues, skin allergies, gastrointestinal problems, and more. If the quality is poor, horses may eat less, leading to further gastrointestinal or dental issues. The diet's influence on behavior, performance, condition, fertility, and overall health shouldn't be overlooked. A few careful steps can reap significant rewards. Nutrition is the foundation of health—let's give our horses the diets they deserve! #ColicPrevention #NutritionMatters #ForageQuality

Nutrition for the "tricky" mare 🐎 Many owners with difficult mares are currently facing disappointment as they have failed to get them in foal, despite a lack of trying. Many of these mares are subfertile, yet well bred, boding high vet bills and baffled owners facing into winter with their barren mare. When assessing these mares' fertility we need to get the basics right first: Mares should be in good condition. Obesity is an inflammatory state and underweight mares have been documented to be more difficult to conceive. Investing in good quality forage (hay preferably) is the first step. Forage can make up 90 % of a mare's diet, a good quality forage can save you substantially on your hard feed bill as well as look after your mare's hindgut. Moulds and mycotoxins are a risk to in foal mares and they are believed to be a silent but major cause of mare infertility and immunosuppression. Next, your mare should be offered a high quality concentrate with highly digestible protein sources and the correct daily volume to meet her vitamin and mineral requirements. Your mare's lysine requirement doubles in her last trimester and triples in lactation. Lysine is naturally low in hay so it should be accounted for in the concentrate portion of her diet. We are blessed in Ireland with our green pastures. We have them to thank for our success in producing award winning bloodstock. We should optimise its use in our broodmares' diet. It is naturally high in essential nutrients for fertility - lysine, omega 3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, etc. that should be supplemented otherwise. Unfortunately, many of these essential nutrients don't preserve well in our forages so this is why grass is known as "Doctor Green", and a prescription of 6 months out at pasture can sort out a lot of problem animals. If high quality grass is not possible and we need to supplement our mare's diet, we should choose products from a reputable manufacturer that contains high quality bioavailable ingredients in the correct daily amount to be effective in our mare's diet. - Antioxidants Vitamin E, organic selenium, ubiquinol and other antioxidants have been shown to improve fertility. These are also naturally high in grass but can be supplemented if pasture access is denied. Antioxidants also facilitate transferring immune antibodies to the foal in the last month before birth and boosting colostrum quality. - Omega 3s ALA is naturally rich in grass. Broodmares on diets high in omega-3 fatty acids may produce richer colostrum. Studies have shown that foals of supplemented mares had a stronger immune system than foals suckling mares not fed omega-3 fatty acids. Other findings suggest that mares with a history of abortion may benefit from nutritional support with omega-3 fatty acids. If in doubt, contact your vet or nutritionist to help you with a plan to get your "tricky mare" primed for the next breeding season.

A Dodgy or Deadly supplement? 🧐 There is a huge trend in equine feed rooms to be full to the brim with all sorts of supplements. Previous studies found >85 % of horse owners adding daily supplements in their horses’ diet, many using more than one daily. This is a huge industry. However, it is largely unregulated with huge profit potential allowing products to be put together and placed on the shelf with little to no quality testing. This is why there are so many companies and products on the market! Most horses don’t actually need extra supplementation if fed a complete feed with ad lib forage. Adding a supplement to their regular feed can in fact unbalance the diet and cause mineral absorption deficits. When assessing whether to use a supplement or not, it should be assessed in the same manner as a medicine. Questions should be asked: -         Does its benefits outweigh its risk? -         Are there scientific papers to support its use in the horse? -         What dose of active ingredient is proven to be effective? -         Is this ingredient included in its most bioavailable form in the product? -         Is the source of the ingredients used ethically sourced? -         Is the supplement from a reputable manufacturer? -         Is it dope tested for FEI/racing rules? Supplements fall  under EC 767/2009, the same regulation that applies to horse feed. This means that any product with “medicinal claims” is not a supplement and should be treated as a medicine and therefore, undergo strict safety, efficacy and quality testing before being granted a license. However, many of these products with medicinal claims fall through the cracks and fool horse owners with enticing marketing campaigns and social media trends but when investigated, no evidence to support their claims. It can be really confusing for horse owners. Other companies cleverly choose to include a “sprinkle” of certain ingredients and boast about its contents. However, much larger quantities would be needed to be effective. In general, if it seems too good to be true – it probably is! By consulting your nutritionist or vet, they should easily be able to assess whether your supplement’s benefits outweigh its risk with a quick review of the scientifically published data on the ingredients and sources in question. Until then, if in doubt – leave it out! It could be causing your horse more harm than good.

Fat or fit? Obesity levels are sky high lately. The HSE reports Just under four in ten (37%) of people having a normal weight, six out of ten (37% overweight and a further 23% obese) overweight or obese. Similarly, our horses are following their owner’s patterns. The only study on obesity in horses and ponies in Ireland found that 45 % of the study population were overweight. Obesity is a huge welfare issue, predisposing animals to a whole range of conditions from metabolic disease and laminitis to osteoarthritis and injury. As a veterinarian, a guardian of horse welfare, this can be a tricky subject to approach with our clients as many horse owners don’t recognise obesity in their animals. A recent Irish study found that horse owners’ ability to accurately judge their horse’s condition is very poor, even with BCS scoring instructions. Horse owners are not skilled to perform BCS scoring as they fail to carry it out regularly. Behavioural change science has shown that choosing to discuss the topic together with questions like “What do you think of his/her weight at the moment?” or “Has there been a change in management lately to account for his condition?” is far better received than bluntly informing owners of the facts. A hands-on approach of demonstrating where the individual horse’s fatty deposits are and what the ideal body weight looks like by pointing out a horse in ideal BCS at the owner’s yard is key to acceptance. Putting a weight loss plan in place that can be followed with regular visits/advice is key to success. Like any disease, prevention is better than cure but once obesity is diagnosed, a plan needs to be put in place to manage it before it leads to further problems. No horse should be deprived of roughage for long periods as this can lead to colic and other serious problems. Tricks like feeding late cut hay or soaking the hay to reduce its calorie/nutrient content as well as restricted grazing, the use of grazing muzzles, a tailored exercise programme and providing low calorie balancer to ensure all nutritional needs are being met despite the calorie restriction should all be discussed with your vet/nutritionist. Some helpful tools: https://lnkd.in/emR8bTy7 https://lnkd.in/eHAwegp9

Ever wondered about your horse’s sleep schedule? 😴 Sleep is important for all animals; it is a vital body maintenance behaviour as well as helping with the consolidation of memories. Horses rest for 3-7 hours a day. Although they can sleep standing up thanks to the “stay apparatus” of their musculoskeletal system, they must lie down to achieve a full sleep cycle and avoid sleep deprivation. REM is only achieved when lying down where there is a total lack of muscle tone. 30 minutes of REM is needed per 24 hours for your horse to feel well rested. Most sleeping is done at night. In herd situations, a number of factors can influence the time your horse spends sleeping and the length of time he/she spends lying down. Your horse’s sleep may be insufficient due to an unsuitable environment for lying down – uncomfortable surface, bad weather, insufficient space, etc. If a horse is in a new environment and does not feel socially secure, he/she will suffer from sleep deprivation or if your horse is in pain (e.g. from osteoarthritis, etc.) he/she may not lie down as often or for as long. A horse is happiest when relaxed and in its natural environment. Regular turn out and allowing access to forage ad lib will allow natural eating habits of chewing for up to 18 hours a day. Chewing produces saliva which acts as a natural buffer to the horse’s stomach acid, preventing ulcers and promoting your horse’s mental health. By promoting a horse-friendly environment and schedule, we can prevent true night-mares (pun intended) of EGUS and anxiety-riddled animals that won’t perform as well. Make sure your horse is lying down regularly and if not, consider why. Many sleep-deprived horses will continue to roll on a daily basis, despite not lying down. This is important for owners to understand so that they do not misinterpret signs such as mud on the horse’s coat as proof that they have been lying down.