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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) / Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal he...
Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition2021; 105(3); 558-568; doi: 10.1111/jpn.13508

Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal health in racing standardbreds.

Abstract: Feed additives that accelerate gastrointestinal transit time may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic. Previous research has demonstrated significant stimulatory effect of a hemp-based nutraceutical product (Gs Formula; GF) on contractility of gastric smooth muscle and gastrin production in vitro. Objective: To quantify effects of GF on indicators of GIT transit time and tight junction proteins. Methods: Randomized placebo-controlled cross-over study. Methods: Eight Standardbreds were administered 200 plastic beads by nasogastric tube before (baseline; BL) and after receiving a diet containing GF (CON: 0 g/day, LO: 160 g/day or HI: 480 g/day) for 28 days. Total manure collection occurred every 2 hours for 72 hours after bead administration. Outcome measures included GIT transit time, faecal dry matter (DM), water intake, and complete biochemistry and haematology screens. Results: There was no effect of GF on GIT transit time. Faecal output was significantly lower in LO and HI horses than CON horses after 28 days on the supplement. HI horses have significantly lower rouleaux formation and lower faecal DM on Day 28 compared with BL. GF also produced changes in electrolytes associated with pH balance, which may indicate a role for GF as an alkalinizing compound in exercising horses. Clinical pathology results support the safety of GF up to 480 g/day for 28 days with no adverse effects being observed in haematology or biochemistry results. Conclusions: Future studies on GF should focus on evaluating effect of GF on gastrointestinal transit in horses with naturally or experimentally delayed gastrointestinal motility, and its effect on exercise performance and onset of fatigue. Conclusions: GF may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic by reducing faecal DM and rouleaux formation.
© 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2021-03-06 PubMed ID: 33675264DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13508Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Veterinary

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article investigates the effects of a hemp-based nutraceutical product known as GF on the gastrointestinal health of standardbred race horses. The results suggest potential benefits of GF but further research is needed, particularly for horses with delayed gastrointestinal motility.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

  • The primary objective of the study was to quantify the effects of GF on indicators of Gastrointestinal Transit Time (GIT) and tight junction proteins in horses.
  • In order to conduct the study, eight standardbreds were first administered 200 plastic beads by nasogastric tube as a baseline (BL) and then were put on a diet containing varying quantities of GF for 28 days.
  • An assessment method involved total manure collection every two hours for 72 hours post bead administration, and the outcome indicators included GIT transit time, faecal dry matter (DM), water intake, as well as biochemistry and haematology screens.

Results of the Study

  • The study found that there was no significant effect of GF on GIT transit time. However, faecal output was notably lower in horses on low and high doses of GF than those controls not receiving the supplement.
  • Horses on the highest dosage of GF showed significantly lower rouleaux formation and lower faecal DM on Day 28 compared to the baseline.
  • GF also resulted in changes in electrolytes associated with pH balance, suggesting a possible role for GF as an alkalinizing compound in exercising horses.
  • Clinical pathology results confirmed the safety of GF up to a 480g/day intake for 28 days with no adverse effects observed in haematology or biochemistry results.

Conclusions and Implications for Future Research

  • Despite the lack of impact on GIT transit time, the study concludes that GF may help support normal gastrointestinal function in horses at risk for impaction colic by reducing faecal DM and rouleaux formation.
  • Regarding future research, the study suggests focusing on evaluating the effect of GF on gastrointestinal transit in horses with naturally or experimentally delayed gastrointestinal motility.
  • The study also suggests looking into the impact of GF on exercise performance and onset of fatigue to further understand its potential benefits to standardbred race horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Wellard L, Medyk K, Pearson W. (2021). Effects of a nutraceutical supplement on gastrointestinal health in racing standardbreds. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 105(3), 558-568. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13508

Publication

Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
ISSN: 1439-0396
NlmUniqueID: 101126979
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 105
Issue: 3
Pages: 558-568

Researcher Affiliations

Wellard, Leah
  • Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
Medyk, Katryna
  • Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.
Pearson, Wendy
  • Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Digestion
  • Gastrointestinal Tract
  • Horses / physiology

Grant Funding

  • 054083 / G's Organic Solutions Inc

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