Effect of Road Transport on the Equine Cecal Microbiota.

The research conducted explores the impact of travel stress on the microbial environment in the cecal part of the horse’s digestive system, indicating some changes in microbial diversity levels during travel.

Research Context

• The researchers aim to understand the effects of travel stress on the equine cecal microbiota, which is vital for the metabolism and immunity of horses.
• Despite the significance of this subject, existing knowledge remains limited, prompting this study. This research’s purpose is therefore to fill the information gap and contribute to better management of equine healthcare.

Methodology

• Six cannulated horses were chosen for the study and divided randomly into two groups – one group had to travel and the other acted as a control and remained stationary.
• All horses were given a basal diet consisting of a mixed grass/alfalfa that formed 1.2% of their body weight.
• The horses in the travel group were taken to an unfamiliar location and kept in stalls simulating horse show conditions, before being returned to the Southern Illinois University Equine Center.
• Cecal fluid samples were collected from both groups on a six-hour rotating schedule, four times day over a study period of six days.
• The DNA data from the cecal bacteria was first extracted then sequenced using 16S RNA sequencing, then the averages for the phase sequence data (baseline, transportation, and post-travel) were reported.

Results

• The results showed no effects of travel on the β-diversity of the cecal microbiota; however, there were observable changes in the α-diversity measurements in the travel group’s horses during transportation compared to the baseline measurements.
• Fascinatingly, α-diversity alterations were also discernible in control horses during the return phase, which might be attributed to the travel group’s return causing some disruptions.
• Furthermore, several changes were noted at both the genus and phylum levels in terms of the taxa affected by travel.

Conclusion

• This research underscores the need for continued investigations into the equine gastrointestinal microbiota to enhance our comprehension of equine microbial dysbiosis, particularly in relation to travel stress. This could potentially pave the way for better interventions and preventions of related health conditions in horses.