Effect of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Seed Cakes by Horses Subjected to Physical Exertion.

This research explores the impact of adding milk thistle seed cakes to the diet of sport horses and its potential benefits on their health and energy metabolism, focusing on changes in various blood biochemical parameters following heavy physical exertion.

Study Objective and Methodology

• The primary aim of the research was to assess the influence of milk thistle seed cakes (offered in a granulated mix alongside barley) on numerous blood biochemical parameters. These parameters include total protein, albumin, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, different enzymes like ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH, various types of cholesterol (Total, HDL, LDL), TAG, BHB, NEFA, creatine kinase, lactate, glucose, glutathione peroxidase, total antioxidant capacity, cortisol, calcium, and phosphorus. These parameters were chosen as they can provide an overview of the general health status and metabolic activity in horses.
• The comparative study involved a total of 12 Czech Warmblood breed horses, who were divided into two groups: an experimental group that was fed with the milk thistle seed cakes mixture and a control group without milk thistle in their diet. These horses were subjected to intensive physical exercise (combined driving).
• Another aspect of the research was the study focused on determining the digestibility of silymarin (a key active ingredient found in milk thistle) and its individual flavonolignans, along with basic nutrients.

Key Findings

• Statistically significant differences (P < .05) were observed primarily in plasma cortisol and NEFA levels between the experimental and the control group. This suggests that the milk thistle seed cakes might have an influence on stress response (cortisol) and fat metabolism (NEFA) in horses.
• Finding significant changes in these parameters implies that adding milk thistle to the diet could potentially have positive effects on the horses’ health and energy metabolism, especially beneficial for sports horses exposed to high levels of physical activity. These findings are in line with the expected results given the known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and energy metabolism effects of milk thistle and its main active ingredient, silybin.

Implications and Conclusion

• This study builds upon previous research on the health benefits of milk thistle for horses, solidifying the concept that this plant might have numerous positive effects, specifically on horses’ energy metabolism and overall health.
• While the results are promising, it’s crucial to recognize that more detailed studies with larger sample sizes might be needed to further confirm these findings and fully understand the impact and optimal usage of milk thistle seed cakes in the diet of sports horses.