Effects of Macleaya cordata extract supplementation on digestive parameters of ponies.

This study examines the impact of Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) on the digestion of ponies. The researchers concluded that MCE, when included as a supplement in the ponies’ diet, improved their nutrient digestion and potentially reduced negative effects of high-starch consumption.

Objective and Background of the Study

• The research primarily focuses on evaluating the effects of the phytogenic additive, Macleaya cordata extract (MCE), which possesses anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. Despite its proven benefits in various species, no previous studies have explored its effects on horses.
• The researchers aimed to determine how different levels of MCE affect the body weight, body condition score, nutrient digestibility, and fecal pH of ponies who consumed a high-starch diet, which can create gut problems due to high starch intake.

Methodology

• The study involved eight healthy gelding Mini Horse ponies, which were used as subjects in a double Latin-square 4×4 design approach.
• The experiment lasted for 80 days (four 20-day periods), during which the researchers tested four different scenarios: a control group with no food additive, and three groups with MCE supplementation (1mg, 1.5mg, and 2mg per kg of body weight (~2.2lbs)). The mini horses’ diet was 1.75% body weight dry matter daily with a starch intake on 2.2g per kg body weight per meal.
• The processed data were statistically analyzed using SAS’ PROC MIXED, with a significance level of less than 0.05. Tendencies were noted if the value was between 0.05 and 0.1.

Results

• Results showed that the group administered with the highest dosage of MCE (S2-2mg per kg body weight) evidenced significantly higher ether extract apparent digestibility—63.75%, compared to 54.55% in the control group, with a significance level of less than 0.05.
• Meanwhile, lactate levels were lower in the 1mg and 2mg MCE groups (S1 and S2), although there were no significant differences in pH among all groups. The research also found higher iso-valerate levels in the 1mg MCE group (S1).
• There was also a tendency observed for higher butyrate levels in both 1mg and 2mg MCE groups (S1 and S2).

Conclusion and Recommendation

• As a result of the study, researchers conclude that the supplementation of MCE positively effects the resident microbiota in horses, effectively improving ether extract apparent digestibility and increasing iso-valerate concentration. The addition of MCE also seemingly mitigates adverse effects from high-starch consumption.
• The researchers recommend conducting further studies using MCE in horses to solidify the understanding of the local activity and potential benefits of the additive.