Omneity® Pellets
All-In-One Vitamin & Mineral Pellet
Topic:Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements for horses are products added to a horse's diet to provide additional nutrients that may not be sufficiently available in their regular feed. These supplements can include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbal compounds. They are used to address specific nutritional needs, support general health, or enhance performance and recovery. Common types of supplements include those targeting joint health, digestive support, and hoof condition. The efficacy and safety of these supplements can vary, and their use often requires careful consideration of the horse's overall diet and health status. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the composition, usage, and impact of dietary supplements on equine nutrition and health.
Relationship Between Feed Olfactory Exploration and Consumption in Horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the relationship between horses' behaviour during olfactory exploration and following consumption of the same food containing herbs, either previously exposed to the herb odour or not. Twenty horses' responses to 14 herbs were compared in a smelling test, when the horses sniffed a herb, and after 20 min a consumption test, when they consumed oats mixed with the same herb. Before the tests, the horses were exposed to the scent of seven herbs, whereas the remaining seven herbs were non-pre-exposed. The results show that horses consumed oats with herbal additi...
The effects of diet on the physical characteristics of feces and fiber digestibility in healthy horses. Diet is a known risk factor for colic, but few studies have explored how diet affects fecal characteristics which are often altered in horses with colic. This prospective cross-over study evaluated the effects of two common equine diets on fecal characteristics and fiber digestibility in healthy adult horses. We hypothesized that horses offered a complete pelleted diet would exhibit increased fecal dry matter (DM) and decreased fecal particle size compared to those offered a forage-based diet. Twenty horses at Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine served as subjects in the study....
Four Haylages, One Metabonome: Defining Diet Driven Metabolic Shifts in Ponies. Haylage is widely fed to all categories of stabled horses across Europe and New Zealand. Haylage can vary from high energy nutrient dense forage to low energy highly fibrous fodder, yet little is known about the impact different haylages have on metabolism in horses. This study provides the first direct comparison of feeding four different haylages: early cut (Lolium multiflorum), later cut (Lolium perenne) rye grass (R1 and R2); early and late cut meadow grass (M1 and M2), on urinary and faecal metabonomics, in ponies at maintenance. Using replicated Latin Square design, eight individually ho...
The Effects of Cysteamine Zinc Supplementation on Blood Hormones, Intestinal Flora, and Metabolites in Lactating Mares. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cysteamine zinc (CS-Zn) supplementation on blood biochemical indices, blood hormones, fecal fermentation, fecal microbial diversity, and blood metabolites in lactating mares. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture, and fecal samples were collected via rectal sampling before morning tethering on days 30, 60, and 90 of the trial. Fecal samples were analyzed for volatile fatty acids (VFAs) and microbial diversity, while changes in blood biochemical indices, blood hormones, and blood non-targeted metabolomics were also analyzed. The res...
A Comprehensive Review of the Equine Gut Microbiome in Health and Disease. Molecular microbiology has revolutionized our understanding of the complex host-associated microbiomes required for normative development and physiology. Horses and other members of the family are particularly reliant on the early maturation and lifelong maintenance of an unusually rich hindgut microbiome for optimal digestion and overall health and performance. Research on the equine gut microbiome has accelerated in the past several years, necessitating a renewed appraisal of the field. The present work is a comprehensive and critical review of the literature regarding the bacterial gastroi...
Short-term provision of moderate dietary starch alters fecal microbiota but does not exacerbate exercise-induced inflammation in yearling Quarter Horses. Energy-dense feeds commonly provided to equine athletes may be high in starch, which alter gastrointestinal microbiota and could promote systemic inflammation. Objective: To test the hypothesis that exercise-induced inflammation would be greater in horses receiving a starch- versus fiber-based concentrate. Methods: Quarter Horses (mean±SD 16±1mo; 337±30kg) received either a fiber-based control (CON; 7 fillies, 8 geldings) or an isocaloric, isonitrogenous starch concentrate (STARCH; 8 fillies, 7 geldings) for 24d. Fecal metagenomics were evaluated on d0 and 21. Blood inflammatory mediators w...
Effect of Spirulina platensis extract (C-phycocyanin) supplementation to the semen extender on kinematic and oxidative parameters of Marwari stallions during freezing. The current research aimed at examining the impact of different quantities of Spirulina platensis extract (C-phycocyanin) supplemented to the semen extender on the post-thaw quality of Marwari stallion spermatozoa. Semen samples were obtained via an artificial vagina from six fertile stallions and diluted with an extender containing Spirulina platensis extract (C-phycocyanin) at concentrations of 10, 20, and 50 µg/mL, or without Spirulina as a control. Aliquots of diluted semen were subjected to cooling (4 °C, 120 min) and then frozen (-196 °C, 1 day), after which the kinematic paramet...
Effect of Antioxidant Supplementation on Systemic Oxidative Status in Breeding Stallions During Intensive Semen Collection. Breeding stallions are subjected to increased metabolic and physiological demands during the reproductive season, which may lead to enhanced production of reactive oxygen species and disruption of redox balance. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary antioxidant supplementation on oxidative status, metabolic profile, and hindgut fermentation in stallions undergoing intensive semen collection activity. Ten adult breeding stallions were assigned either to a control group or to a treatment group receiving a commercial antioxidant supplement (Oxyliver) for 60 days, followed by a 60-day...
Metabolomic Analysis of the Effects of Cysteamine Zinc on the Composition and Amino Acid Profile of Mare’s Milk. This study aims to investigate the effects of cysteamine zinc supplementation on milk production, composition, amino acid profile, and metabolites in mares. Building on prior experimental findings, a dose of 7 mg/kg body weight of CS-Zn was selected for the experimental group, which was compared with a control group. Milk samples were collected at various time points, and milk yield was recorded each time. Routine analysis of milk components, as well as the determination of milk metabolites and amino acids, were performed. The results indicated that, compared to the control group, the experime...
Meat Quality Characteristics of Mongolian Horses in Inner Mongolia: Regional Superiority and Transcriptomic Insights into Tenderness Differences Between Muscular Locations. Horse meat is a high-quality protein source. A total of 50 two-year-old male horses with similar body weights (300 ± 50 kg) were used: 30 for regional comparison (10 each from Bulgan province region of Mongolia (BPM), Tuv province region of Mongolia (TPM), and Inner Mongolia region of China (IMC)) and an additional 20 from the IMC region for muscle-site analysis. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying regional and muscle-site differences in the meat quality of Mongolian horses, with particular emphasis on tenderness, this study analyzed chemical composition, minerals, fatty acids, a...
Impact of collagen supplementation on the fecal microbiome of young horses in training. Intense training in athletic foals may alter fecal microbiota, highlighting the need for nutritional strategies such as hydrolyzed collagen supplementation. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary hydrolyzed collagen on the fecal microbiome of weanlings in training. Methods: Twenty Mangalarga Marchador foals (206 ± 18 kg; 7 ± 1 mo age) were assigned to two groups: a supplemented group (50 g/day of hydrolyzed collagen for 180 days) and a control group. A completely randomized design with repeated measures over time was used. Foals were exercised five consecutive days pe...
The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Horses’ Nutrition-A Review. This narrative review presents examples of omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in horse nutrition. Fats are essential in equine nutrition, serving not only as an energy source but also as functional components influencing health. Among them, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly EPA and DHA, play a key role in modulating inflammatory and metabolic processes. This review summarizes their effects on respiratory health, equine metabolic syndrome (EMS), musculoskeletal function, reproduction, and early development. Omega-3 supplementation has been shown to support airway inflam...
Effects of Dietary Zinc Cysteamine Supplementation on Growth Performance, Physiological Responses, and Fecal Microbiota in Weaned Foals. Zn-CS chelate has shown beneficial effects on gut health and growth in piglets, but its impact on weaned foals remains largely unknown. This study evaluated the effects of dietary Zn-CS supplementation on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, physiological status, and fecal microbiota in weaned Ili foals. Thirty-two six-month-old foals were randomly assigned to four treatment groups receiving 0, 2, 4, or 6 mg Zn-CS/kg body weight per day for 90 days. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, plasma biochemical parameters, liver function enzymes, serum hormones, antioxidant indices, fec...
Effects of supplementing concentrates with different energy levels on growth performance, blood indicators, and fecal microbiota of Mongolian horses in late gestation. Horse breeding and management have a globally extensive history, with horses serving vital roles in transportation, warfare, agriculture, and cultural activities. In China, particularly in Inner Mongolia, the horse industry faces challenges such as harsh winters and limited nutritional research for local breeds, especially during late gestation. This critical period is essential for fetal development and maternal health, and inadequate nutrition can lead to complications like nutritional abortions and poor foal growth. Similar issues exist worldwide in cold climates or regions with seasonal pa...
Transcriptomic and Proteomic Analysis of the Skeletal Muscle Revealed the Effects and Mechanism of Mulberry Leaf Flavonoids on Alleviating Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage in Mongolian Horses. The scientific evidence regarding the use of plant-derived extracts to alleviate exercise-induced muscle damage in horses remains limited. Mulberry leaf flavonoids (MLFs) are the primary bioactive constituents of a traditional medicinal plant and are potent antioxidants. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of MLFs against exercise-induced muscle damage. In this study, twelve Mongolian horses were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square design to investigate the protective effects of MLFs. Our results showed that high-intensity exercise negatively impacted the immune status, m...
The effects of citrulline on horse milk components and fecal metabolism were analyzed based on LC-MS and 16s amplicon. The lactation period in mares is critical, as it significantly influences foal health and subsequent reproductive outcomes. Developing a precise nutritional strategy for lactating mares is a primary research focus. L-citrulline, a bioactivenon-protein amino acid and precursor to arginine, has been shown to enhance mammary blood flow and reduce oxidative stress, yielding promising results in livestock lactation studies. However, research on its effects in Equus species remains limited. There is a notable gap in data regarding its impact on lactation performance blood biochemistry, and its role ...
The Effects of Boron Mineral on Performance, Bone and Mineral Metabolism in Purebred Arabian Foals. Boron plays significant roles in various biological systems, including mineral, lipid, and energy metabolism, immune and endocrine systems, and brain function. It has been suggested to enhance performance and may prevent conditions such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and arthritis. Despite these known benefits, its effects on growth performance and mineral metabolism in horses remain understudied, particularly in young animals like Purebred Arabian foals. The primary objective of this study was to investigate the effects of different doses of boron supplementation (0, 5, 10, and 15 mg/day ...
Oral docosahexaenoic acid supplementation alters alveolar macrophage metabolism and protein and lipid profiles in the lower airway of healthy horses. To determine the impact of a commercially available docosahexaeonic acid (DHA) supplement (DHA, methylslfonylmethane, and mushroom blend) on equine alveolar macrophage metabolism and lipid and protein profiles in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) supernatant. Unassigned: This was a prospective, sequential, placebo-controlled study using 10 healthy adult horses. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected at baseline, following 45 days of oral placebo administration, and following 45 days of oral commercially available DHA supplement, with a 14-day washout. Whole blood was collected following placebo...
The effect of form on equine salt intake. Sodium and chloride are required nutrients and are typically met using sodium chloride (salt) via compressed blocks. The objective of this study was to compare salt intake using block or loose salt. Sixteen mature horses were blocked by housing style and assigned to block salt or loose salt (form) for four 7-day periods. Salt intake was measured by weight at the end of each period and was not affected by form (P = 0.070) or period (P = 0.902). There was an effect of horse (P < 0.001). Horses consumed between 2 and 135 g of salt daily, however; over half of the horses in the study di...
The Effects of L-Citrulline on the Apparent Digestion and Metabolism of Nutrients, Blood Hormone Levels, Amino Acid Metabolism and the Diversity of Faecal Microbiota in Mares in the Later Stage of Pregnancy. This study aimed to investigate the impact of dietary L-citrulline supplementation on the health of mares during late gestation. Thirty-two healthy mares in late pregnancy were randomly assigned to four groups: a control group (CON, 0 g/d) and three treatment groups receiving 15, 30, and 45 g/d/head of L-citrulline, respectively. The trial spanned 72 days, including a 12-day adaptation phase and a 60-day formal feeding period. A fixed daily feeding amount of 11.2 kg/head was provided, ensuring complete consumption and consistent dry matter intake across all groups. Results demonstrated that su...
Efficacy of an iron absorption test on assessing iron status in horses. Iron absorption tests (IATs) are used to evaluate iron absorption in humans. However, this testing has not been conducted in horses. Objective: The objective was to assess how a large dose of iron affects blood iron parameters during an IAT. Methods: Mixed-breed geldings (n=12) were offered 2% of their bodyweight (BW) in mixed-grass hay and an iron-free vitamin-mineral supplement. A baseline IAT (Baseline IAT) was performed, where horses received 25 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) of BW of iron (ferrous sulfate) orally. Jugular venous samples were taken before the iron dose, and 3-, 6-, 12-, a...
Downregulation of a choline transporter gene in equine colitis indicates a role for choline supplementation to support the large intestinal epithelial barrier. Acute colitis is an inflammatory condition of the equine colon associated with high morbidity and mortality. In these horses, epithelial barrier function is critical but the mechanisms underlying large intestinal epithelial damage and recovery are incompletely understood. Objective: Our objectives were to (1) identify intestinal colitis-associated transcriptional pathways, and (2) determine the effect of in vitro choline supplementation on the epithelial barrier. Methods: We performed RNA-sequencing on rectal biopsies from healthy and colitis horses (n=3/group). Downregulated SLC5A7, a gene en...
Evaluation of the tolerance and effects of 1-deoxynojirimycin on insulin and glucose dynamics in healthy horses and horses at risk for insulin dysregulation. Insulin dysregulation (ID) is common and diminishes welfare of horses. Current management relies on diet and exercise, with variable responses and limited medical options. Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) might provide adjunctive therapy. Objective: To evaluate the tolerance and effects of Reducose®, a Morus alba leaf extract standardized to 5% 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), in healthy horses and horses at risk of ID. We hypothesized DNJ would be well-tolerated and reduce insulin responses to oral sugar tests (OSTs). Methods: Twenty-seven horses: 6 healthy (Phase I), 5 at risk for ID (Phase II)...
Successful nutritional management of a warmblood horse with multiple pathologies that respond to nutrition. This report describes the nutritional management of an 18-year-old, 553 kg gelding warmblood used for dressage lessons that presented with severe weight loss, marked muscle atrophy, poor dentition, sabulous urolithiasis, gastric ulcers, and later small colon impaction. On admission, the diet consisted of ad libitum wheat straw and mixed cereals (73:27 forage:concentrate), providing 2% of body weight as dry matter without vitamin-mineral supplementation. Marked deficiencies were identified in digestible energy (38%), crude protein (20%), lysine, threonine, vitamins, and minerals, while sugar an...
Efficacy of an Oral Chondroprotective Joint Supplement on Stride Length and Gait Symmetry in Aged Geldings with Chronic Lameness. Oral joint supplements (OJSs), specifically those containing glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, are some of the most popular feed additives fed by horse owners. However, evidence of the efficacy of these nutraceuticals in vivo is lacking. To investigate the impacts of an OJS on equine lameness, 40 geldings (18 ± 7 yr) with chronic lameness and AAEP lameness grades between 2 and 4 (as scored by a veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist) were enrolled in the study. Horses were stratified by lameness grade, BCS, and weight, and then randomly assigned to receive a placebo powde...
Exploratory evaluation of equine placental extract supplementation on ageing indicators in geriatric dogs: a single-arm pre-post study. BACKGROUND: Recent advances in preventive veterinary healthcare, nutritional management, and owner engagement have extended the longevity of domestic dogs. However, this increased lifespan has led to a higher prevalence of age-associated physiological and functional decline. Equine placental extract contains a variety of bioactive constituents, with reported antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. Although the use of equine placental extract in veterinary practice is expanding, empirical evidence supporting its effects on ageing-related clinical outcomes in dogs remains limited. In thi...
Polyphenol-Rich Feed Material increases Anaerostipes and reduces methanogenic archaea in the horse hindgut microbiome. The gastrointestinal microbiota plays a critical role in horse health and performance. While sugarcane-derived polyphenols have shown microbiota-modulating properties in other species, their effects in horses remain unexplored. Objective: This study investigated whether supplementation with a sugarcane-derived polyphenol feed material modulates the hindgut microbiota of healthy adult horses. Methods: An observational longitudinal study was conducted on six horses over 12 weeks. Faecal samples were collected at three time points: baseline (P1), during supplementation (P2), and post-supplementat...
An investigation into the impact of the inclusion of a commercial fiber-based feed, designed for both hydration and nutrition, on the equine hindgut microbiomes. It is more evident that horse health is linked to the gastrointestinal tract and microbial community structure (MCS) as affected by diet. There are many marketed feeds available to enhance nutrition for horses, however the effects of these feeds on hindgut MCS are largely unknown. Objective: The aim was to test the effect of a complementary forage feed (FF) on the fermentation profile and MCS in contrasting basal diets. Methods: A 2×2 factorial design was used to assess the effect of basal diet, forage only (FOR) or forage/concentrate (MIX), and presence/absence of FF on fermentation paramete...
Plasma Concentrations Following Oral Administration of Two Different Forms of Resveratrol in Horses. Resveratrol is a compound found in multiple plants and there is evidence for its use as a supplement in horses, particularly through protection of chondrocytes. Previous studies on the clinical efficacy of resveratrol supplementation in horses have reported limited benefits. To date, there is no pharmacokinetic data of resveratrol in horses but the bioavailability of resveratrol in other species is poor. In this crossover study, the plasma concentrations of two forms of resveratrol were examined. Each horse received via nasogastric tube, either a single dose of resveratrol phospholipid or a st...
