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More and more studies show that the health of the horse is closely linked to the health of its intestinal flora. If the environment, the lifestyle and the diet are essential to its proper functioning, there is an ongoing debate about the use of probiotics and prebiotics to optimize the functions of this microbiota. Let’s discuss these probiotics and prebiotics to understand what they really are and how to use them correctly and effectively for the benefit of your horse.
Reminder on the horse's microbiota
As we explained in our article on the functioning of the large, digestion is linked to what is called the intestinal microbiota. This is composed of bacteria, viruses, fungi... which are very useful for digestion but are also involved in other functions such as immunity.
For the horse's microbiota to play its role, it must be as complete as possible and be in a very specific environment. Indeed, the different elements of the microbiota are very sensitive to changes in the environment and can quickly lose their effectiveness or even disappear.
Many elements such as stress, certain medications, poor diet, etc… can disrupt the microbiota. It is when the microbiota is disturbed or in prevention of certain disturbances that probiotics and prebiotics can be useful.
What is the difference between probiotics and prebiotics?
As you can imagine, if these two elements have different names, it is because they do not act in the same way. Globally, probiotics are bacteria that are brought in to reform the microbiota and prebiotics are "food" for the microbiota.
Probiotics are generally micro-organisms, such as yeast or bacteria, that are used to reseed the microbiota. They can be used when the microbiota has been "destroyed" or very damaged to bring back elements that would have disappeared or to support the microbiota during "risk" periods.
Prebiotics are generally sugars, such as Fructo-Oligo Saccharides (FOS), and will serve as food for the "good bacteria''. Their use will therefore allow to "grow" or to support the bacterial populations playing an important role in digestion and immunity....
When to use probiotics and prebiotics?
As mentioned earlier, probiotics and prebiotics can be used for prevention. In case you suspect a microbiotic problem in your horse, we advise you to contact your veterinarian who will be able to suggest tests and solutions adapted to your horse.
In addition to this, a balanced diet for your horse will be the first step in protecting its microbiota and it would be counterproductive to supplement your horse with probiotics or prebiotics if your horse's diet is low in fibre (essential for a healthy microbiota).
As far as the use of probiotics and prebiotics in prevention is concerned, it can be done in many situations:
- When you know that your horse is going to undergo a period of stress such as a transport, a change of stable...
- After the use of certain medications such as dewormers or antibiotics that can disrupt the intestinal microbiota.
- After a pathology/rest period that may have caused stress but also a change in your horse's habits.
- At the time of feeding changes, such as putting the horse out in the field or returning from the pasture, this should of course be associated with a gradual transition in feeding.
- For horses that go out to shows or competitions, this helps to support the microbiota in the face of the stress of transport and changes of their surroundings, but also helps to optimize digestion and therefore the assimilation of rations.
- For breeding horses, probiotics and prebiotics help support the mother's microbiota which can be disturbed by foaling, but also optimize milk quality.
You can find products like Bo Yeas Act Ultra that contain both probiotics and prebiotics. Their action is therefore double and allows both to seed the intestinal flora but also to properly nourish the microbiota to promote the "good bacteria" useful to the body.
There are also products that provide "only" probiotics or "only prebiotics". The use of probiotics alone supports the microbiota. The use of prebiotics alone can sometimes be "useless" or even harmful if the microbiota has been greatly disturbed and the "good bacteria" are no longer present. Indeed, if they allow to feed the good bacteria, they also feed the "bad bacteria" that can be found in the intestine, so be careful with their use.
As you can see, your horse's microbiota is subject to a delicate balance. If you have any doubts about the proper management of your horse's diet or if you think his microbiota may be out of balance, talk to your veterinarian.
If you have any questions about probiotics and prebiotics, feel free to come ask us on social media.
