What is the difference between pro- and prebiotics? And does it affect the gut health of horses?

Probably you have not previously considered the difference between pro- and prebiotics. Often pro- and prebiotics are mentioned together, but the difference between the two is significant. It is good to know exactly what this difference is and how both work on the gut flora of horses (but also humans).

What is the difference between pre- and probiotics

A probiotic is officially defined as a living microbiological food supplement that can influence the microbial balance in the gut. Probiotics can be used when the gut flora is disturbed. With a disturbed gut flora, harmful microorganisms get a chance to expand in the intestines and this can cause various diseases. Probiotics are also used preventively to avoid a possible disturbance of the gut flora, for example, due to antibiotic use.

Prebiotics are not living microorganisms, but non-digestible nutrients that stimulate the growth and/or activity of beneficial bacteria in the intestines. Prebiotic nutrients cannot be digested by the small intestine, so they also serve as nutrients for the bacteria in the large intestine. In addition, some types of prebiotics have the property of not only feeding the good gut bacteria but also eliminating the pathogenic bacteria.

When to supplement pro- and prebiotics in horses

• Horses that have difficulty maintaining weight
• Horses with reduced condition
• Diarrhea, bloating
• After heavy training (kills the microbes)
• Long-distance transport
• Malnutrition
• Intestinal surgeries
• During antibiotic treatment
• Pregnancy

Studies on pro- and prebiotics in horses

While there have been many studies on the effects of probiotics in humans, unfortunately this is not the case in horses. It is known that the upper digestive tract of humans and horses functions in the same way. In this upper part of the gut, lactobacilli in probiotics have a positive influence on gut health of both humans and horses. However, there is an important bacterium called "bifidobacteria" which is very significant in humans but is not found in horses.

It is striking that the majority of studies are mainly focused on the overall health of the horse and not specifically on gut health. The results of these studies are positive about the effects on the resistance of horses. If you are looking for a supplement to support the gut health of your horse, it is better to choose a broader supplement.

Supplement for gut health

If you want to improve your horse's gut health, it is best to choose a supplement that not only has a prebiotic effect but also an antioxidative effect and uses herbs such as hawthorn, yellow gentian, wormwood, and cat's claw. One example of herbs that have a good effect on gut health is hawthorn. Hawthorn stimulates the regulation of blood pressure and supports heart function. Now you might be thinking, "But what does that have to do with gut health?" When the intestines work less efficiently, it can have a reflex effect on the heart. Hawthorn causes the vascular system to contract, the peristaltic movement. Nutrients are better absorbed, it strengthens the intestinal wall and gut flora.

Conclusion

For a healthy gut function, it is very important to keep these bacteria healthy so they can do their job effectively. When you give probiotics to your horse, you are adding live bacteria to the gut flora. With prebiotics, you are adding the nutrients for healthy gut bacteria to thrive. Scientific studies show that pro and prebiotics have a positive impact on the overall health of horses, but the effect on gut health in horses is disappointing. If you want to improve your horse's gut health, choose a supplement that not only has a prebiotic effect but also an antioxidative effect and uses herbs known for their supportive effects on the gut like hawthorn, yellow gentian, wormwood, and cat's claw.

Sources:

https://forageplustalk.co.uk/probiotics-and-prebiotics-for-horses-by-dr-kellon/

Coverdale, J.A. 2016. Can the microbiome of the horse be altered to improve digestion? Journal of Animal Science. 94(6):2275-2281

http://www.naturafoundation.nl/monografie/Crataegus_oxyacantha.html

https://www.paardendrogist.nl/meidoorn/