Haygain announces the publication in Nature of novel findings related to Severe Equine Asthma. Haygain is an equine health company whose products help to resolve performance-limiting respiratory, gastric, and musculoskeletal conditions. Nature is the world’s leading multidisciplinary science journal.
Horse in stall
Research findings identified 400 new allergens related to severe equine asthma and also implicated latex as a cause of severe equine asthma.
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Research led by Samuel White, who conducted the study with the Royal Agricultural University and the University of Nottingham, both in the UK, delivered a new way to diagnose sEA. The new method uses the latest developments in computational and robotic technology. It was the largest scale allergen assessment in sEA horses to date.
The findings identified 400 new allergens related to severe equine asthma. In addition, the research revealed an association between sEA-affected horses and antibodies specific for proteins derived from latex, which is used in riding surfaces and racetracks.
The peer-reviewed paper outlining the research was published in Nature, the world’s most recognized scientific journal. The paper is available at https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-51820-7.pdf
Haygain manufactures and markets a hay steaming device that is scientifically proven to reduce up to 99%* of dust, bacteria, fungi and mold in hay. The device was developed by the company with the Royal Agricultural University in the UK and is unique in its ability to raise the temperature throughout all of the hay to the 2120 F required to kill bacteria and mold.
The traditional method of reducing allergens in hay – soaking – does dampen down dust, but research has proven that soaking also increases the bacterial content of hay by as much as 150% in just 10 minutes.** Haygain steamed hay has been shown to reduce clinical signs of sEA caused by the dust and fungal content in hay.***
Haygain’s ComfortStall flooring, which is latex-free, also reduces dust and the risk of respiratory contaminants in the stable environment. This impermeable, orthopedic, sealed surface reduces the need for stable bedding, another source of sEA-causing allergens. ComfortStall flooring was developed with Cornell University Veterinary Hospital.
In a press release of October 14, 2019 Bill Moroney, Chief Executive Officer of US Equestrian stated, “The research and data supporting the success and importance of [Haygain’s] product, both in overall performance and general care, made this brand an important one for us to bring into the US Equestrian fold.”
Haygain finances research into equine health and well-being at a number of centers worldwide and was proud to support this research and the quest to improve understanding of sEA in horses. The better the understanding, the better Haygain can help prevent and manage this condition and its impact on horses’ well-being and performance.
* Journal of Equine Veterinary Science (Moore-Colyer, M.J.S. Taylor, J. and James, R. The effect of steaming and soaking on the respirable particle, bacteria, mould and nutrient content in hay for horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. Aug 2015 Language: English. DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.09.006, http://www.j-evs.com/article/S0737-0806(15)00581-X/abstract
** Moore-Colyer, M.J.S and Fillery, B.G. (2012) The effect of three different treatments on the respirable particle content, total viable count and mould concentrations in hay for horses. 6th European Workshop for Equine Nutrition, Lisbon, Portugal, June. 101- 106.
*** Blumerich, C.A., Buechner-Maxwell, V.A., Scrratt, W.K., Wilson, K.E., Ricco, C., Becvarova, I., Hodgson, J. and Were, S. (2012) Comparison of airway response of Recurrent Airway Obstruction affected horses fed steamed versus non-steamed hay. Proceedings of the Annual ACVIM Conference, 2012.
Press release provided by Haygain News PR Contact: Kim F Miller