As horses reach their twenties and beyond, they experience a decline in immune function. Immunosenescence in the aged horse is characterized by a decline in overall immune cell function and a reduced antibody response to vaccination.
Contributing to senior horse health
Recently Purina engaged in research to determine if feeding ActivAge™ prebiotic to senior horses would help protect against the decreased vaccination response and increased inflammatory profile associated with the aging process.
In addition, advanced age is associated with an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory mediators. This phenomenon has been termed “inflamm-aging,” and it predicts both increased morbidity and mortality for a variety of chronic diseases.
Together, the effects of immunosenescence and inflamm-aging may increase susceptibility to infection and contribute to aged-related health conditions such as arthritis, equine Cushing’s disease, and laminitis.
Recently Purina engaged in research to determine if feeding ActivAge™ prebiotic to senior horses would help protect against the decreased vaccination response and increased inflammatory profile associated with the aging process.
Two studies were conducted to identify 1) the effects of ActivAge™ prebiotic on the production of inflammatory cytokines and on the recall immune response to vaccination and 2) to determine the effective dosage level of ActivAge™ prebiotic. Thirty senior (20-33 years) horses (study #1) and thirty-two senior horses (study #2) of mixed sex and mixed-breed were utilized in these studies. In study #1, horses were assigned to one of three treatment groups for 161 days. In study #2, horses were assigned to four treatment groups for 84 days.
ActivAge™ is a proprietary prebiotic additive that contains components that have showed positive effects on immune function. It is derived from a proprietary multi-stage fermentation process that produces beneficial metabolites containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants that work together to support digestive health and immune function.
In a summary of the research conducted by Purina Animal Nutrition over a 3-year period in collaboration with the Guck Equine Research Center at the University of Kentucky, the effects of feeding Equine Senior® horse feed with ActivAge™ prebiotic boosted response to vaccination and protected against inflammation associated with the aging process.
ActivAge™ prebiotic is scientifically proven and designed to promote optimal immune function in senior horses.
- Protects against inflammation.
- Strengthens immune function.
- Boosts response to vaccination.
ActivAge™ is now available at your nearest Purina Retailer starting in November.