Investigating the gastrointestinal physiology of mature horses with and without a history of cribbing behavior in response to feeding a digestive support supplement.

This research article explores the impact of a digestive support supplement on the gastrointestinal environment of horses with and without a history of cribbing – a stereotypical oral behavior linked to digestive disturbances. The study found that while the supplement did not significantly alter the stomach environment or cribbing behavior, there were some variances in terms of ulcer scores and specific time periods in both categories of horses.

Research methodology and approach

• The study was conducted as a randomized crossover experiment involving eight mature quarter horses – four with a history of cribbing (CB) and four without (NCB).
• The researchers recorded the horses’ cribbing frequency and bouts using video surveillance.
• Horses were, for three weeks, randomly assigned to receive either a gastrointestinal support supplement (SPL) or a placebo, followed by a two-week washout period.
• Physiological samples such as blood, feces, and gastric were collected to track parameters like pH levels, serum cortisol and gastrin levels.
• Endoscopic examinations were executed to assess the severity of gastric ulcers.

Key Findings

• There was no significant difference found in gastric and fecal pH levels, glandular mucosa ulcer scores, serum cortisol, serum gastrin, and crib-bite count between CB and NCB horses or between the two supplementation groups.
• A potentially significant interaction was found between the provision of supplements and cribbing status relating to squamous mucosa ulcer scores. This indicates that gastrointestinal disturbance, in the form of these ulcers, may exist differently in cribbing and non-cribbing horses.
• The duration of cribbing bouts in horses did not consistently change with supplementation. However, a difference was observed during different periods and time ranges. This could imply the effect of the cribbing behavior at specific times or under certain conditions.

Conclusion

• The research concluded that the gastrointestinal support supplement may not effectively alter or modify the cribbing behavior or change the gastrointestinal environment in horses, regardless of their cribbing status.
• The findings highlight the complex nature and reasons behind cribbing behavior in horses, reinforcing the need for further research and alternative strategies for its management.