Effect of a montmorillonite-bentonite-based product on faecal parameters of horses.

The research article describes a study that examined the effect of a commercial product (EMP) containing montmorillonite-bentonite, whey, and extracts from hop and absinthium, on the occurrence of free faecal water in horses. The study did not find any significant changes in the assessed faecal parameters in the horses who were fed the product, however it suggests that more research is necessary.

Study Background

• The paper revolves around understanding the cause and possible solution to a common problem in horses – free faecal water. This is an abnormal condition where water is excreted separately from normal faeces.
• The research was set out to study the impact of a product (EMP) containing montmorillonite-bentonite (clay mineral), whey (from milk), and extracts of hop and absinthium which is normally sold to support intestinal health of horses.
• The expectation was that this product will improve water-binding capacity and microbial activity in the horse’s large intestine, thereby reducing or eliminating the problem of free faecal water.

Research Methodology

• Eight adult, healthy horses were employed in the study and they were kept on the same diet and bedding.
• The design of the study was a complete crossover. This implies that all horses acted as control (C) and were also tested as animals receiving the EMP (E).
• The researchers assessed the faecal score and analyzed faecal samples for pH, ammonia, dry matter content (DM), crude fibre (CF), soxhlet fat (SF), crude protein (CP), crude ash (CA), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL) and volatile fatty acids (VFAs).

Research Findings

• The study found that none of the assessed parameters showed any significant treatment effect. Which means, feeding EMP to the horses did not cause any discernable changes in the faecal content linked to intestinal health.
• However, there was a noticeable higher variability in crude protein (CP) in the faeces of horses fed with the EMP. This is a potential indicator of changes in the intestinal microbiota.
• The research also emphasizes that the study was conducted on healthy horses without any gastrointestinal disorders. Therefore, the results may not be applicable to horses with gut health problems.

Future Recommendations

• Given the findings, the authors suggest that more extensive research and additional parameters, like understanding the differentiation of the faecal microbial profile in horses susceptible to free faecal water, are necessary to truly evaluate the effect of EMP on intestinal health.
• They also suggest that the impact of the EMP product should be evaluated among horses with existing gastrointestinal disorders for more conclusive results.