Impact of Oral Phytozen EQ Supplementation on Plasma Cortisol and Behavior Responses of Young Horses Exposed to Stressful Stimuli.

This research evaluated the effect of a supplement called Phytozen EQ on the stress responses of young horses. The study found that horses treated with the supplement tended to have lower cortisol levels and react less to stressful situations than those in the control group.

Introduction and Hypothesis

• The study begins with the observation that calming supplements are commonly used in the equine industry. The research aimed to investigate one such product, Phytozen EQ, which is a blend of citrus botanical oils, magnesium, and yeast.
• The scientists aimed to evaluate whether this supplement could help reduce startle responses and minimize behavioral and physiological indications of stress in young horses when they are tied in isolation or when transported alone.

Method and Experiment Design

• During the trial, lasting 59 days, 14 young horses aged between 1.5 to 6 years were divided into control and treatment groups. The seven horses in the treatment group received a daily dose of 56g Phytozen EQ, while the control group did not receive any supplements.
• On day 30 of the experiment, the horses underwent a 10-minute isolation test, and on either day 52 or 55, they experienced a 15-minute individual trailering test.
• Blood samples were taken before, immediately after, and one hour post-test to measure the concentrations of cortisol, a hormone that indicates stress levels. These data were then analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, a statistical analysis method.
• Finally, on day 59, the horses were given a startle test involving traveling three meters, and the time taken as well as the total distance traveled was recorded and analyzed using a T-test.

Results and Conclusion

• The results showed that horses receiving the Phytozen EQ supplement tended to have a lower overall mean concentration of cortisol during the trailering test when compared to the control group. They also tended to take more time to complete the 3-meter startle test, suggesting a reduced startle response.
• However, these results were not statistically significant, meaning they may be due to chance rather than the effect of the supplement.
• Despite the results’ lack of statistical significance, the authors suggest that the Phytozen EQ supplement could potentially have calming effects on horses in stressful or unfamiliar scenarios, such as during transport.

The study concludes that these findings warrant further testing and research to verify the benefits of Phytozen EQ supplementation for stress management in horses.