The effect of live yeast culture supplementation on hindgut microbial communities and their polysaccharidase and glycoside hydrolase activities in horses fed a high-fiber or high-starch diet has been the subject of a number of studies both in the USA and in Britain.
Improved nutrient intake and better growth for foals
Live yeast cultures have been proven to be highly effective in keeping the microbial population in the hindgut of the horse healthy by feeding the microbes and are seen to be beneficial to mares and foals.
According to studies in England, live yeast cultures in horses seem to have a preventive effect in relation to colic and other problems which result from excess dietary starch. In horses, a diet with high starch and/or rapid fermentable sugars (RFS) leads to sub-clinical acidosis in the caeco-colonic section of the gut.
According to these studies, growth of certain microbial populations, including pathogenic populations may accelerate to the detriment of other populations, resulting in a reduction of fibrolytic activity. Live yeast supplementation influences microbial populations in the caecum, increasing cellulolytic activity and reducing negative effects of sub-clinical acidosis and the incidence of colitis.
The stabilizing effect of live yeast on hindgut fermentation in the equine allows trainers to feed a larger amount of starchy cereals to provide that energy, with a lower risk of colitis, enterotoxaemia, or laminitis. Thus equine athletes have a better chance to stay in training, keeping fit and hea1thy, so that they can fulfill their genetic promise.
The most consistent effect of live yeast supplementation in horses is improved feed digestibility, particuÂlarly in mares and yearlings. American research has evaluated the benefits of such improveÂment in mares and foals (Glade 1991a; Glade 1991b; Glade 1991c).
In these studies, live yeast supplementation gave a 12% boost to milk production in mares, and the milk produced was more nutritious for the foal, since it contained more energy and protein, resulting in improved nutrient intake and better growth.
According to this study, supplemental live yeasts help nursing foals start life with optimum growth. This is particularly important for thoroughbred foals, which are officially classed as yearlings on 1st January, and which will be racing as three-year-olds, long before they reach physical maturity.
Live yeast cultures have been proven to be highly effective in keeping the microbial population in the hindgut of the horse healthy by feeding the microbes. Live yeast culture interacts with gut microbes to increase fiber fermentation, protein and phosphorus digestion.
In short, keeping the hind gut healthy is key to maintaining a healthy horse. While there are several types of ‘yeast’, it is important to choose a culture with a good research ‘track record’ in horses.
Exercise increases oxidative metabolism markedly, which results in mobilization of critical vitamins and minerals to meet increased antioxidant demand. Organic forms of minerals have been shown to increase the horse's ability to maintain a more positive mineral balance despite increased demand. This leaves the horse and particularly the equine athlete better able to cope with the effects of maximum aerobic work.