| FASTRACK PROBIOTICS BENEFITS FOR MARE AND FOAL |
| The Mare, the Foal-to-be and the Foal Beneficial Bacteria and Yeast for the Pregnant and Lactating Mare Larry Roth, Ph.D., PAS Proper care of the mare during gestation and lactation determines the health of the mare, current foal and the foal-to-be. Improving diet utilization can aid the mare in meeting heavy nutrient demands, hormonal changes and immune system challenges during gestation and lactation. A review of recent research suggests that beneficial bacteria, live yeast and yeast culture will be useful for mares during the gestation and lactation periods. 100 days and Counting Nutrition for the pregnant mare is actually the feeding of two animals: the mare and developing foal. Over 50% of the fetus’ growth occurs during the final 100 days of the mare’s 340-day gestation period. Inadequate nutrient intake by the mare during the final third of gestation can restrict fetal development and may result in the birth of a weak foal. The mare must be in proper body condition at foaling to withstand the rigors of giving birth, initiating lactation and, if desired, being prepared to conceive at the foal heat. A mare encountering an energy deficiency will ration its energy supplies on a priority basis to body maintenance first, lactation second and lastly to producing a future foal. Colostrum Colostrum, the first milk produced after foaling, is richer in proteins, minerals and vitamins than later milk. The high protein content results from elevated levels of globulin and albumin. These immune bodies are transferred from the mare’s blood to the milk and ingested by the new-born foal for disease resistance. The mare’s health status during the later stages of gestation will determine the amount and quality of colostrum produced for the new-born foal. While the importance of the foal consuming colostrum is well recognized, the impact of nutrition on colostrum quality and quantity is less acknowledged. The new-born foal is dependent upon the mare’s milk for nutrients for growth and support of the immune system. Although the lactating mare and cow are different animals, basic nutritional and physiological factors are applicable to both sets of mothers. Milk quality and quantity are definitely impacted by the balance and quantity of nutrients consumed. Proper supplementation of minerals and vitamins is the foundation for a good lactating mare program. A calcium deficient diet for the mare can result in poor skeletal growth by the nursing foal. The mare’s intake of energy and protein will determine the energy and protein content of the milk available to the foal. Diseases contracted by the foal may determine its health and performance as an adult. The milk will be the sole source of building blocks for the foal’s immune system. Hence the importance of proper nutrition to the mare to ensure a fast start to the foal’s young life. Maximizing Diet Utilization After working with your veterinarian and nutritionist to select proper gestation and lactation rations for your mares, it is time to maximize diet utilization. The small intestine is the principle site of absorption for amino acids, vitamins, minerals and fats. Energy absorption will occur in both the small and large intestines. Starch that is not digested and absorbed in the small intestine will be fermented in the large intestine. Fiber from grazed and harvested forages is fermented only in the large intestine. Some products of large intestinal fermentation are absorbed and utilized as energy sources. However, excessive starch fermentation results in digestive disorders, including colic. Direct-fed Microbials or Probiotics Scientists and horse owners are becoming acquainted with the opportunities to use direct-fed microbial products, or probiotics, during the gestation and lactation periods of horses. Horse owners have actually been enjoying the benefits of helpful bacteria and yeast for centuries. Direct-fed microbials are species of beneficial bacteria and yeast reviewed by the Center for Veterinary Medicine of the Food and Drug Administration and found to present no safety concerns when used as direct-fed microbial products. It is important to note that these products are not drugs and should not be viewed as such. Beneficial bacteria, including Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium, are preserved by freeze-drying and fed as live, viable microorganisms. Yeast products available to the horse owner include active dry yeast and yeast culture. Active dry yeast products feature live yeast cells dried to maintain a large portion of their fermenting capability. Yeast culture products are composed of the yeast cells and the yeast’s growth media; and the products are dried to preserve some of the yeast’s fermentation capabilities (Assoc. of American Feed control Officials). Beneficial Bacteria Research documents the ability of the beneficial bacteria Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus faecium to attach to the lining of the small intestine to enhance nutrient absorption. Nutrient absorption is a major energy expenditure by the animal. Studies indicate that the binding of beneficial bacteria to the intestinal lining reduces the energy costs associated with nutrient absorption. Consequently, more energy would be available to the animal. Therefore, supplementing beneficial bacteria to the gestating or lactating mare could potentially increase nutrient absorption while lowering the energy expended. Attachment to the small intestine lining also reduces the opportunities for harmful bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella to adhere and increase in number. Yeast and Yeast Culture Several studies, notably by Glades and coworkers, have demonstrated improved milk quality and quantity by mares supplemented with yeast products, and consequently improved foal growth. The yeast products supply enzymes, B-vitamins and other factors to stimulate beneficial bacteria in the small and large intestine. Enhancing fiber fermentation increases energy availability to the mare for gestation or lactation needs. In addition, increasing the amount of energy derived from forages could allow a reduction in the amount of grain fed. Lowering the grain content of the ration could potentially reduce the risks of digestive upsets. However, any decisions concerning the level of grain feeding should be based on body condition and anticipated animal requirements. Easy to Use Direct-fed microbial products are available as dry powders to be simply mixed in the feed or top-dressed on a once daily basis. An off-feed horse can receive the direct-fed microbials via gel or paste products placed directly in the horse’s mouth. The direct-fed microbial products should be stored at room temperature or refrigerated if possible to maintain viability. The beneficial microorganisms are alive and become more active with elevated temperatures. However, the “warmed-up and active” desirable bacteria and yeast eventually deplete their energy reserves and die. Proper storage and handling of the direct-fed microbial products will allow your horses to fully realize the potential benefits. Horse owners have been providing beneficial bacteria and yeast to their animals and enjoying the results unknowingly for many centuries. Understanding the nutritional needs of gestating and lactating mares highlights many opportunities for direct-fed microbial product usage. Research studies indicate that direct-fed microbial products can aid gestating and lactating in maximizing diet utilization for producing healthy and active foals. _____ Larry Roth, Ph.D., PAS is a Research Scientist with Conklin Co. Inc. 551 Valley Park Drive, Shakopee, MN 55379. Dr. Roth conducts research on the benefits of direct-fed microbial products with food-producing and companion animals, as well as writes and speaks in the U.S. and internationally on the topic. Questions can be forwarded to Dr. Roth at Conklin Co. Inc. To Place an order CLICK HERE |
| THE BENEFITS OF DIRECT-FED MICROBIALS FOR FOALS Larry Roth, Ph.D., PAS Conklin Co. Inc. The first months of a young foal’s life are perhaps the most challenging. The young foal is susceptible to respiratory and digestive system diseases that can have life-long effects. Numerous horse breeders are using direct-fed microbial products, featuring lactic acidproducing bacteria, yeast and enzymes, to favorably influence the digestive tract of new-born foals. Establishing and maintaining the proper balance of bacteria in the intestinal tract should improve the survivability and growth of young foals. The digestive tract of a new-born foal is completely free of bacteria. However, the tract quickly becomes inoculated with both health-promoting and disease-causing bacteria. The health of the foal is determined, in part, by which bacteria dominate the digestive tract. Diarrhea resulting from E. coli or Salmonella can rapidly dehydrate a new-born foal. A foal weakened by diarrhea frequently has a diminished immune system and becomes susceptible to respiratory diseases. Conversely, a young foal suffering from respiratory diseases will nurse less and become a prime candidate for digestive problems. Milk quality changes associated with the foal heat can disrupt the balance of digestive tract bacteria. The sooner the beneficial bacteria establish dominance, the greater the opportunity for a healthy foal. Research studies1 indicate that lactic acid-producing bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Enterococcus (formerlyStreptococcus) faecium, attach to the lining of the small intestine and improve nutrient absorption by the host animal. Increasing the nutrient absorption by young foals will enhance their growth, feed efficiency and health. In addition, intestinal binding by the beneficial bacteria reduces the opportunities for harmful bacteria to colonize the small intestine. Microbiologists have learned that the lactic acid-producing bacteria produce several factors to hinder the growth of disease-causing bacteria. The production of lactic acid aids in establishing a digestive pH unfavorable to the growth of E. coli and Salmonella. The E. coli and Salmonella require oxygen for full metabolism. Yeast metabolism in the digestive tract will lower oxygen availability and consequently reduce the activity of pathogenic bacteria. The production of hydrogen peroxide by the lactic acid-producing bacteria can disrupt viral membranes. Reducing viral activity in the digestive tract could enable the immune system resources to focus on the respiratory tract rather than the digestive tract. The beneficial bacteria also produce protein compounds called bacteriocins to limit the growth of undesirable bacteria. The lactic acid-producing bacteria and yeast produce B-vitamins, enzymes and other substances to promote the growth of beneficial bacteria. Numerous research studies support the ability of yeast to stimulate fiber-digesting bacteria. Maximizing fiber digestion is especially important as young foals start consuming forages and other fiber-containing feeds. The balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in the digestive tract of young foals can potentially influence their performance as adults. Placing direct-fed microbial products formulated as gels in the mouth of young foals soon after birth aids in establishing a population of health-promoting bacteria. The feeding of yogurt to foals supplies a very small amount of beneficial bacteria. An average cup of yogurt contains only 50 million colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria, in contrast to an equine microbial product containing 1.25 billion (CFU) per cc of gel. In this comparison, a 2 cc dose of the microbial product would supply the same healthpromoting bacteria as 50 cups of yogurt. The direct-fed microbial products are also available as dry powders for daily mixing with the feed or drinking water to maintain a healthy balance of intestinal bacteria. Mixing the direct-fed microbials with the drinking water has the advantage that sick foals will be more likely to drink than to eat. A daily supply of the beneficial bacteria could promote nutrient absorption in the small intestine and foster fiber fermentation in the large intestine. Forage and concentrate intake prior to weaning prepares the foal for the rigors of separation from the mare. A healthy digestive tract is necessary for proper growth and health in young foals. Many horse breeders have reported that direct-fed microbial products aid in improving the survivability and performance of their foals. _________ Larry Roth, Ph.D.,, PAS is a research scientist with Conklin Co. Inc.; 551 Valley Park Drive; Shakopee, MN 55379. 1Dr. Roth can be contacted for more information on direct-fed microbial research studies. |
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