Effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and fermentation profile in healthy horses.

The article investigates the impact of utilizing Saccharomyces cerevisiae (a type of yeast) supplementation on improving horses’ digestion, particularly of fibers. However, the study concludes that it does not significantly affect fiber digestion or alter fermentation profiles in healthy horses.

Research Methodology

• The study incorporated 12 geldings (castrated male horses) and classified them into three distinct groups. The primary diet of these horses included cracked corn and hay.
• The amount of cracked corn was controlled and fed once daily with and without the addition of one or three grams Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
• The researchers followed a period of adaptation for 3 weeks, followed by a total fecal collection interval of 5 days. Between the different Saccharomyces cerevisiae regimes, they allowed a 4-week wash-out period.
• Researchers then recorded data by collecting fecal samples for the analysis of elements such as pH, nitrogen, lactic acid, and short-chain fatty acids.

Key Findings

• The study found that in feces, the mean Saccharomyces cerevisiae Colony Forming Units (cfu) was significantly lower than the amount supplemented.
• There was no significant impact of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation on the Apparent Total Tract Digestibility (ATTD) of crude fiber.
• Similarly, important indicators such as short-chain fatty acids, lactic acids, and fecal pH levels showed no significant changes with Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation.

Conclusions

The research concluded that supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae was not associated with any changes in digestion or fermentation profiles. The study notes that fiber digestion remained unaltered and the recovery rate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in feces was marginal. This suggested that the colonization and proliferation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae in the healthy equine intestinal tract seems to be improbable. Therefore, it implies that supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in healthy horses may not be effective in improving fiber digestion.