Does prebiotic feeding affect equine gastric health? A study on the effects of prebiotic-induced gastric butyric acid production on mucosal integrity of the equine stomach.

This research investigates how administering prebiotics to horses, particularly fructo-oligosaccharides, which are known to affect microbial populations in the hind gut, potentially impact the gastric health of the horse. The study found prebiotic-induced production of butyric acid could have detrimental effects on the functional integrity and morphology of the equine gastric mucosa, suggesting that the use of prebiotics should be carefully evaluated, especially in horses susceptible to developing Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome [EGUS].

Research Methodology

• The main focus of the research is to understand the impact of butyric acid, which is a product of microbial degradation of fructo-oligosaccharides in the stomach, on the equine nonglandular and glandular gastric mucosa. Butyric acid concentrations used in the study were equivalent to what can be found in horses subjected to prebiotic fructo-oligosaccharides feeding.
• Gastric mucosal samples were collected from healthy horses and subjected to exposure of butyric acid, employing an in vitro Ussing chamber technique.
• Electrophysiological parameters related to the gastric mucosa were continuously observed, and mucosal samples were examined without the knowledge of the exposure condition – a process known as blinding. This approach helps to eliminate bias in assessing the results.
• For evaluating the impact of butyric acid on the mucosa, a system of scoring was used to assess the morphological changes, also known as histopathologic changes.

Key Findings

• The major finding of the study was that exposure to butyric acid resulted in significant changes in tissue conductances (G), indicating an impairment of functional mucosal integrity in both the nonglandular and glandular gastric mucosa.
• Morphological changes were also noticed in the glandular mucosa upon exposure to butyric acid, highlighting its potentially harmful impact.
• Based on these results, the study urges caution in administering fructo-oligosaccharides as a preventive prebiotic measure in horses, especially those identified as being at risk of developing EGUS.

By leading to an understanding of the potential consequences of prebiotic-induced butyric acid production, notably on equine gastric mucosa, this research underscores the importance of a thorough assessment of prebiotic feeding in horses.