| There is still much confusion in the world yet about | | | | All these abnormalities to a horse mess with his normal |
| probiotics and how they are useful in maintaining our | | | | intestinal processes. Maintaining great digestive health is |
| horse's health. What are probiotics and what do they | | | | akin to maintaining great overall health. When your |
| do? | | | | horse is in great shape and overall health, your horse |
| The term probiotics comes from the Greek word "for | | | | will naturally feel better and perform better and live a |
| life". Thus antibiotics mean "not for life" as anti means | | | | disease free life. |
| "against". Probiotics are living microorganisms, or | | | | Did you know? |
| beneficial bacteria that when ingested help the | | | | * About 80% of the immune system resides in your |
| digestive system maintain a state of balance. Addition | | | | digestive tract. |
| of probiotics to your horse's diet results in the | | | | * 500 species of bacteria, over one trillion live inside the |
| promotion of a number of health functions, including | | | | digestive tract |
| enhanced digestive support and reducing colic and | | | | * The weight of this bacteria constitutes about two to |
| parasite infestation. | | | | three pounds. |
| As far back as Roman times people utilized | | | | * Some of these bacteria are referred to as "good" |
| fermented foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, both as | | | | and some as "bad". The ideal ratio between bacteria is |
| food preservatives to limit spoilage, and to support their | | | | 85% good and 15% bad. |
| intestinal and overall health. These people knew they | | | | What sorts of factors influence the balance between |
| felt better if they consumed these foods, they just | | | | good and bad bacteria? Diet, geographic location, age, |
| didn't know why or what was in them to improve their | | | | stress, and health issues are some of the key factors. |
| health. If the Romans knew what to do, why is it today | | | | The ration between good bacteria and bad bacteria is |
| that people are skeptical of probiotics and their | | | | one of the most critical factors of optimal horse health. |
| importance in our horse's health (as well as yours)? | | | | Helpful bacteria prevent the growth of undesirable |
| The processed feed diets so often fed to horses in | | | | bacteria by competing for both nutrition and |
| most cases can upset the balance of bacteria needed | | | | attachment sites in the tissues of the colon. |
| for the support of your digestive tract. Also, many | | | | Therefore, keeping the right balance of bacteria |
| feed products are being pasteurized or have high heat | | | | becomes critical in supporting your horse's immune |
| added in the production process, destroying the helpful | | | | system and keeps the digestive tract functioning |
| bacteria your horse needs for promoting good | | | | smoothly. This reduces the chance of upset stomachs, |
| digestive health. Horses are natural grazers, and today | | | | bellyaches and colic. Probiotics are important and |
| most spend their time in a box stall on a feeding | | | | should become an essential part of your daily feeding |
| schedule and often intense training and showing plans. | | | | program. |