Lactic acid bacteria help balance a horse’s stomach function
Lactic acid bacteria are probiotics that support the wellbeing of the stomach and intestines and strengthen the body’s own immune defence. Probiotics form a protective barrier on the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines against harmful bacteria that come from outside.
The digestive tract is a challenging environment for bacteria. A horse’s gut contains kilos of bacteria and a large number of different bacterial strains. In a healthy gut, beneficial, neutral, and harmful bacteria are in balance and intestinal function works properly. But if the bacterial balance changes, for example due to a medication course, a change in feed or hay batch, or a change of stable, the horse’s stomach may react to this change. Lactic acid bacteria, i.e., probiotics, are a good aid for maintaining and restoring gut balance. Good probiotic products are often blends of several bacterial strains, and in sufficient doses they promote health.
Gut bacteria participate in the breakdown and absorption of feed as well as other metabolic reactions. Research results suggest that the composition of the gut microbiome matters for many things in the body: stomach wellbeing, digestion, immune defence, nutrient absorption, skin, and even weight!
Certain probiotics, such as Lactobacillus, have been shown to have a balancing effect in situations where, for example, a medication course destroys not only pathogens but also the gut’s own normal bacterial strains. Lactic acid bacteria may prevent diarrhoea caused by this, or at least shorten its duration. Horses that suffer from irritable bowel–type issues may benefit from lactic acid bacteria.
Using probiotics can improve digestive tract function and the health of the stomach and intestines. A healthy microbiome modifies feed, nourishes intestinal cells, and supports a normal immune response. A healthy gut microbiome typically contains only a small amount of pathogens and plenty of beneficial bacteria. Overall health is also connected to what kind of nutrition the body receives and, through that, what kind of nutrition the gut bacteria receive. The balance between the microbiome and the diet is therefore an essential question for health.
Among CdG products, Gastro Control contains lactic acid bacteria.
