Healthy Bacteria?

Alexa Linton, Equine Sport Therapist

Bacteria. A word that is most often associated with an imbalance in health; disease, low immune response, skin disorders and allergies. But, every body, horse or human, contains trillions of bacteria and without them death is certain. These are called healthy bacteria or pro-biotics.

Probiotic translated, literally means for life, as opposed to antibiotics, which translates to against life. The most common strains of pro-biotics are lactobacillis (acidophilus) and bacillis. Not only do probiotics boost immunity, but these beneficial microflora also help the body to control the growth of harmful bacteria, parasites, reduce inflammation in the digestive tract, and produce fatty acids in the gut which provide fuel for the cells of the intestinal wall and are key in producing vital nutrients for the body. In horses, this beneficial microflora is a major key to effective digestion. This bacteria is responsible for the breakdown of forage, the main component of the equine diet, into viable nutrients which are used not only as an energy source, but also as a source of essential vitamins and minerals. Without adequate healthy bacteria, food is not broken down adequately and sits undigested in the intestinal tract, producing gas, and causing possible impaction in the gut. This can also lead to an increased level of toxicity and risk of allergies, founder, laminitis, and colic.

Fortunately, many horses have no problem maintaining the adequate level of healthy bacteria in the intestinal tract. Horses living in the wild, or those with living situations which compare, are able to eat foods rich in beneficial bacteria and avoid most environmental toxins. Unfortunately for the domestic horse, maintaining the delicate balance of intestinal flora is a more difficult task. Stress due to environmental changes, travel, lack of movement, de-worming, nutritional imbalance and/or an abrupt feed change can all lead to major die-offs of healthy bacteria. One of the biggest upsets, however, often results from a bout of antibiotics. Although a highly effective treatment for bacterial infections, antibiotics quite literally kill anything in their path. This includes healthy bacteria, which are vital for survival, much less digestion.

As long as the balance of bad and good bacteria stays stable, the digestive tract will tend to remain healthy. When this balance is upset, the horse will eat, but may not be able to digest properly and assimilate the nutrients needed from his diet. This will often manifest as a poor coat, skin conditions, an inability to maintain weight, low energy, slow hoof growth, and possible digestive upset such as diarrhea.

In today’s equine diet, an abundance of beneficial flora is just not available. Feeds are often heat-processed, which effectively destroys all the enzymes and bacteria present. The availability of food containing beneficial enzymes for digestion is declining, leaving many horses with some form of digestive imbalance. Pair this with the increasingly acidic pH of the gut in the domestic horse, rendering any remaining enzymes ineffective.

Now we must ask the question, how can I help? Fortunately, it is very possible and quite simple to supplement probiotics. Quality products are becoming increasing more available, as research continues to confirm the benefits of healthy bacteria. Look for products containing lactobacillis and bacillis bacteria. Digestive enzymes are also very helpful in improving digestion and are often included in equine mixes. It is usually not necessary to supplement for large amounts of time, two to three weeks as a general rule. This supplementation is most important after the use of anti-biotics, after de-worming, or in conjunction with a feed change. It is also important to provide an environment for your horse that is conducive to a healthy balance of bacteria. Reducing environmental stressors, especially abrupt diet changes, allowing adequate movement and play, allowing access to clean water, being thoughtful about the use of anti-biotics and wormers, and paying close attention to your horse’s condition, can all help to maintain a healthy balance.

For some healthy advice on helping your horse get in balance and the supplementation options available, consult an Equine Sport Therapist or Horse Health Professional in your area.