Just like with humans, the Gut Microbiome is all important for health. Many to this day do not know that over 75% of our immunity, our white blood cells, are all in the gut microbiome.
A recent study suggests that the future success of a racehorse can be predicted by examining its gut health when it is just one month old. Researchers analyzed the fecal matter of over 50 thoroughbred foals over the first three years of their lives, focusing on the diversity of gut bacteria.
Could racehorse performances be linked to gut health? This may be the case according to research from @SurreyVet, with researchers calling for responsible use of antibiotics https://t.co/YoZu9rVIJa #EquineHealth #Racehorses #SurreyResearch @Lanwades @TheTBA_GB @rpbloodstock… pic.twitter.com/Wx43z2RmBR
— University of Surrey (@UniOfSurrey) August 8, 2024
The study found that a greater variety of gut microbes in a four-week-old foal is directly linked to better health and success on the racecourse. Published in the journal Scientific Reports, the findings contribute to a growing body of evidence highlighting the critical role of gut microbiomes in the long-term health of young animals.
“Gut health is absolutely critical,” stated Chris Proudman, a professor of clinical veterinary science at the University of Surrey and the lead researcher. “There is a growing understanding that what happens in human guts and in animal guts – horses, in this case – has a profound influence on many aspects of health and disease.” He further explained, “The nature of the gut bacteria in those first few weeks of life predicts the future health and performance of these horses.”
Racehorses present a unique opportunity for veterinary scientists to study gut health. Breeders and trainers of thoroughbred foals maintain detailed records of each animal’s birth, diet, health, and veterinary care. This extensive data allows for comprehensive studies on the impact of gut bacteria.
Jane Black, co-owner of Chasemore stud farm in Surrey, which bred some of the foals involved in the research, emphasized the significance of the findings. “Anything we can investigate to help them be in as good shape as possible is a really good opportunity for us,” she said.
Over the three-year study period, owners and trainers documented their horses’ racecourse performance, including placements and prize money earned. Meanwhile, scientists regularly collected fecal samples from the 52 young horses involved in the study. By analyzing these samples, researchers were able to “DNA fingerprint” the bacteria present in each foal’s gut.
“We can see the amount of bacteria present and identify the different types,” explained Prof. Proudman. “Then we compared that with our health data and racing performance data.” The study concluded that foals with more diverse gut bacteria at four weeks old experienced fewer health problems, particularly respiratory diseases, later in life. Additionally, there was a direct relationship between the number of different types of gut bacteria in a month-old foal and its performance on the racecourse as it aged.
The research also explored the impact of antibiotics on young foals. Foals treated with antibiotics had fewer types of bacteria in their guts and went on to win less prize money in their racing careers compared to those that had not received early antibiotic treatment. Prof. Proudman noted that this discovery raises important questions about the use of antibiotics in both animals and humans during early life. “We need to think about things that happen in those first few weeks of life to ensure that animals and humans’ gut bacteria are in a good state at that stage. That appears to set them up for a healthy life in the future,” he said.
Racehorse success may depend on their gut microbiome in early life https://t.co/WRsCUkIDiL
— New Scientist (@newscientist) August 7, 2024
Professor Roberto La Ragione, also from the University of Surrey, added, “The next part of our study will examine how we can minimize disruption of gut bacteria when antibiotics have to be used to treat infections early on.”
Major Points:
- A study shows that the future success of a racehorse can be predicted by the diversity of its gut bacteria at just one month old.
- The study found that foals with a greater variety of gut microbes at four weeks old had better health and racecourse performance in later life.
- Researchers analyzed fecal samples from over 50 thoroughbred foals, linking the diversity of gut bacteria to fewer health problems and better racing outcomes.
- Foals treated with antibiotics had less diverse gut bacteria and subsequently won less prize money in their racing careers.
- The study highlights the importance of maintaining gut health early in life and plans to investigate ways to minimize disruption of gut bacteria when antibiotics are necessary.
Al Santana – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
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