Effect of sea buckthorn berries and pulp in a liquid emulsion on gastric ulcer scores and gastric juice pH in horses.

The research study concluded that sea buckthorn berries and pulp (in a product known as SeaBuck SBT Gastro-Plus liquid) may not effectively prevent or treat non-glandular ulcers in horses. However, it showed potential in reducing the number and severity of glandular ulcers, especially in horses in stalls and experiencing intermittent feeding.

Methodology

• The experiment was conducted on eight thoroughbred and thoroughbred-cross horses ranging between 3 to 10 years of age and weighing between 380-600 kg.
• The study adopted a 2-period crossover method where all horses formed part of the untreated control group (n=8) and the treatment group (n=8).
• The horses in the treatment group were given SeaBuck SBT Gastro-Plus, which was mixed with their standard feed. This treatment regimen lasted for 4 weeks.
• After the 4 weeks of treatment, there followed a week-long (from day 28 to day 35) period of alternating feed deprivation to trigger or intensify any existing ulcers.
• Gastroscopic examinations were carried out on the start day, day 28, and day 35.
• The severity and number of gastric ulcers were determined by a masked investigator, who also measured the horses’ gastric juice pH.

Results

• The average nonglandular gastric ulcer scores of all horses showed a significant increase by day 28. This was attributed to the intermittent feed deprivation imposed on the horses.
• No significant difference was observed in terms of the number and severity of nonglandular ulcers between the horses who received SBT treatment and the untreated control horses.
• However, the average number and severity of glandular ulcers were significantly lower in the SBT-treated horses versus the untreated ones when measured at week 5.

Conclusion

• The conclusion based on the outcome is that SeaBuck SBT Gastro-Plus liquid did not significantly affect the treatment or prevention of nonglandular ulcers in horses.
• Yet, the treatment was found to reduce the severity and number of glandular ulcers significantly, specifically in horses housed in stalls and undergoing intermittent feeding.
• This suggests that SBT may potentially help prevent glandular ulcers in such scenarios.