Influence of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 on the fecal pH, markers of gut permeability, fecal microbiota, and markers of systemic inflammation in sedentary horses fed a high-starch diet.

This study examines the effects of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 on digestive health in horses fed a high-starch diet. The findings suggest that the yeast supplement enhances weight gain in horses, maintains beneficial gut microbes, and reduces potential pathogens.

Research Methodology

• The researchers initiated a 32-day experiment with 30 mature Quarter Horse geldings. The horses were randomly assigned to two treatment groups according to age, body weight, and body condition score.
• The control group (CON) was given a high-starch diet (2g starch per kg of body weight per meal), while the second group (SC) received the same diet, supplemented with 25g/day of Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077.
• Horses were fed individually in stalls every 12 hours, and between meals, they had unlimited access to water and Coastal bermudagrass hay.
• At the beginning of the study and on day 32, the horses’ body weight and condition were documented. Blood samples were also collected on these days before feeding and at various intervals post-meal. These samples were to analyze changes in serum D-lactate, an indicator of gut health.
• Fecal samples were collected on the first day, in the middle (day 16), and at the end of the study (day 32) to examine fecal pH and starch content, serving as additional indicators of digestive health.

Key Findings

• The weight of horses in the SC group increased significantly compared to those in the CON group, with no changes noted in the body condition score. This suggests that the yeast supplement may contribute to weight gain.
• Serum D-lactate levels, an indicator of gut leakiness, tended to be higher in the SC group on day 32, particularly 16 and 24 hours post-meal, suggesting possible variations in gut permeability.
• Concentrations of TNFα and LogCCL2, markers of systemic inflammation, decreased from day 0 to day 32 in both groups, irrespective of dietary supplementation.
• Fecal pH in the CON group tended to be slightly lower than that of the SC group at 0 hours on day 32.
• The yeast supplementation maintained the levels of Bacteroidales, a beneficial gut bacterial group, and decreased Streptococcus, potential pathogens like Enterobacteriaceae, Stenotrophomonas, and Rhodococcus at day 16.
• At day 32, the SC group showed higher levels of fibrolytic (fiber-digesting) bacteria such as Ruminococcus, Fibrobacter, and Succinivibrio, indicating improved fiber digestion.

Conclusion

• The observed data suggest that supplementation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNCM I-1077 can enhance weight gain and promote a more diverse microbiome in horses on a high-starch diet.
• Although some markers of gut health differed slightly between the two groups, overall, the yeast supplement was beneficial in maintaining a balanced gut microbiome and potentially improving the digestive health of the horses.