Enterocin M-Producing Enterococcus faecium CCM 8558 Demonstrating Probiotic Properties in Horses.

The research investigates the effects of Enterococcus faecium CCM 8558 – a bacterium with probiotic properties found commonly in other animals – on horses. The study finds that this strain positively affects the horse microbiota, aiding digestion and phagocytic activity while maintaining balance in other physiological parameters.

Introduction and Methodology

• The study takes the Enterococcus faecium AL41 = CCM 8558, a strain known for producing enterocin M and having probiotic properties in other animal species, and tests its viability and effects in horses.
• Various parameters such as the horse’s microbiota, phagocytic activity, hydrolytic enzymes, biochemical parameters and dry matter were examined during the course of the study.

Results

• The probiotic strain was able to adequately colonise the digestive tract of horses, with its count reaching an average of 2.35 ± 0.70 CFU/g (log 10) after 14 days.
• The enterocin M-producing strain was then successfully identified in horse faeces, confirming successful colonization.
• The strain showed inhibitive activity against Gram-negative aeromonads, substantially reducing their counts.
• After two weeks period, a tentative increase in phagocytic activity— the capability of a cell to engulf particles — was measured.
• The bacterium also boosted activities of enzymes involved in the breakdown of cellulose, xylan, pectin and starch in horse faeces after 14 days. Inulolytic activity (related to the breakdown of carbohydrates) was increased with a mathematical difference of 1.378.
• The dry matter value, a measure of the stable matter content in horse droppings, remained steady over the 14-day period, suggesting that the probiotic did not induce diarrhoea or other bowel issues.
• Most biochemical parameters remained within the physiological range, suggesting a balanced and healthy biological state in the horses.

Conclusion

• The original findings open opportunities for further research in applying the Enterococcus faecium CCM 8558 strain in horses.
• Additional parameters could be measured in future studies to gain a broader understanding of the impact and benefits of this strain on horse health and digestion.