Equine Studies
Horses were fed a control feed produced or the same feed to which was added beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan. The feeds were manufactured by MidSouth Feeds in Alma, Georgia.
Prior to the start of the experiment, for each horse a blood cell count and the antibody titer for Rhinopneumonitis Virus (EHV-1) were obtained; the tests were done at the Tifton Diagnostic Laboratory, Tifton, GA. At the start of the trial, all horses in the study were vaccinated with a killed EHV-1. At two, four weeks, 2, 3 and 4 months after vaccination antibody titers were again measured.
|
Increase in Antibody Titer |
|||
|
Control (n = 14) |
beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan (n = 18) |
||
|
Initial* |
120 days |
Initial |
120 days |
|
1.0 |
2.15 |
1.0 |
3.06 |
It clearly evident (Table 3) that in those horses fed the feed containing beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan there is a significant increase in antibody titer that lasts for at least 4 months.
2. Effect on Foals of feeding beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan to mares on foals' health.
In a study done by Dr. Alison Kate Painter at Blue Spruce Farms, 17 pregnant mares were fed a feed containing beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan for 6 months. Blood was obtained from all foals and levels of IgG determined.
Table 2.
Effect of EquiGraze™ on Newborn Foals
* Body condition score: 1=poor. 6=excellent
From table 2 above it is evident that feeding pregnant mares with a feed containing beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan improves the immunity of the foals evidenced by the higher serum IgG levels and consequently improves their overall condition as well as resistance to infections as evidenced by lower neonatal diarrhea.
Dr. Painter has also fed the EquiFuel™ topdress to racing horses and has seen improvement in their health and performance.
|
Parameter |
Foals |
|
|
Historical Controls |
Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan Mares |
|
|
IgG |
400-700 ppm |
800- 950 ppm |
|
Neonatal Diarrhea (scours) |
17 |
0 |
|
Full heat scours |
10 |
1 |
|
Body condition score (1-6) |
4 |
5.5 |