Fecal Microbiome Responses to Sudden Diet Change in Mangalarga Marchador horses.

This study discusses how abrupt alterations in the diet of Mangalarga Marchador horses impact their fecal microbiome, a crucial aspect of their digestion and health. The findings suggested that the composition of the horse’s original diet played a significant role in how their microbiome responded to a sudden diet change.

The Experiment Setup

• The study began with eight mature Mangalarga Marchador horses, divided randomly into two groups – Group A and Group B.
• The investigation was carried out using a completely randomized design with repeated measurements.
• Group A was initially fed Coastcross hay diet (CHD), while Group B was given a complete extruded diet (CED).
• After 34 days of the horses adapting to their respective diets, the dietary regime was swapped abruptly between the two groups.

Sample Collection and Analysis

• Fecal samples were collected at a series of time points: immediately (0 hours), 24 hours, and 96 hours after the diet change. These were then analyzed to study the impact of the dietary change on the fecal microbiome.
• The researchers evaluated both the pH levels and microbial composition of the fecal matter collected.

Findings of the Study

• The results revealed that the transition from the CHD to the CED diet resulted in decreased alpha diversity of the fecal microbiome 24 hours post-alteration.
• This diet change also led to a decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes microbes, with a compensatory increase of the Bacteroidetes.
• Fecal pH dropped and the relative population of microorganisms belonging to Verrucomicrobia increased 96 hours after switching to the CED diet.
• The fecal microbial community structure was also found to be different 96 hours after the change from CHD to CED.
• However, the change from the CED to CHD caused reduced fecal pH and reduced presence of Synergistetes microbes just 24 hours after the diet change.
• After 96 hours, the alpha diversity increased, and the relative abundance of microorganisms from the Lentisphaerae phylum increased.
• Interestingly, Group B showed no significant changes in the structure of its microbial community when its diet was switched from CED to CHD.

Conclusion of the Study

• This investigation concluded that the initial composition of the horse’s diet considerably influenced the reaction of the fecal microbiome to sudden changes in the diet.
• This understanding can help in better management of horse health and diet, potentially minimizing risks associated with sudden dietary alterations.