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Home / Equine Research Bank / BMC Res Notes / Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the f...
BMC research notes2020; 13(1); 459; doi: 10.1186/s13104-020-05305-w

Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses.

Abstract: Prophylactic supplementation of psyllium husk is recommended to enhance passage of ingested sand from the gastrointestinal tracts of horses. We hypothesized that psyllium supplementation would increase fecal sand passage and favorably alter bacterial populations in the hindgut. Six yearlings and six mature mares were fed a psyllium supplement in the diet daily for seven days. Voluntarily-voided feces were collected over the course of 29 days, prior, during, and after treatment. Feces were analyzed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash analyses. Microbial DNA was also isolated, and the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced using MiSeq technology. Results: Fecal ADF concentration was greater in adults while silica concentration was greater in yearlings. Mature mare fecal ADF decreased during and just after supplementation but thereafter increased. No changes in silica levels were noted in either group over time. Fecal microbial population phylogenetic diversity was greatest mid-supplementation and lowest at 11 days post-supplementation. Functional profiles of the microbial communities presented some benefits for psyllium supplementation. These findings provide compelling evidence for further detailed studies of prophylactic psyllium supplementation.
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Publication Date: 2020-09-29 PubMed ID: 32993781PubMed Central: PMC7526151DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05305-wGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research examines the impact of psyllium husk supplementation on the fecal microbiota of horses and the role it may play in aiding the passage of ingested sand from the horses’ digestive systems.

Study Design and Methodology

  • The study hypothesis was that psyllium supplementation could increase fecal sand passage and positively impact bacterial populations in the hindgut of horses. This was examined in a controlled experiment with six yearlings and six mature mares.
  • These horses were given a psyllium supplement daily for a week. During the 29-day study period, fecal samples were collected and analysed before, during and after the treatment period.
  • The feces were analysed for acid detergent fiber (ADF) and acid detergent insoluble ash. Besides, microbial DNA from the samples was also isolated for molecular examination where the V4 region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was analysed using MiSeq technology.

Results and Findings

  • The results showed that adult horses had higher fecal ADF concentration while silica concentration was greater in yearlings.
  • In adult mares, the ADF level decreased during and immediately after the supplementation period but later increased. However, no changes were observed in silica levels in either group over time.
  • Diversity in the fecal microbial population was highest in the middle of the supplementation period and lowest 11 days after supplementation ended.
  • The functional profiles of the microbial communities indicated potential benefits of psyllium supplementation.

Implications

  • The results provide initial evidence supporting the potential benefits of prophylactic psyllium supplementation in horses, particularly related to changing the composition and function of the gut microbiota, and potentially aiding the passage of ingested sand.
  • However, the research also highlights the need for further detailed studies to fully understand the broader impacts and potential therapeutic applications of psyllium supplementation in horses.
  • Understanding these mechanisms could provide valuable insights for the development of effective prophylaxis and therapy methods for sand colic, a common but potentially deadly condition in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Mienaltowski MJ, Belt A, Henderson JD, Boyd TN, Marter N, Maga EA, DePeters EJ. (2020). Psyllium supplementation is associated with changes in the fecal microbiota of horses. BMC Res Notes, 13(1), 459. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13104-020-05305-w

Publication

BMC research notes
ISSN: 1756-0500
NlmUniqueID: 101462768
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Pages: 459

Researcher Affiliations

Mienaltowski, Michael J
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA. mjmienaltowski@ucdavis.edu.
Belt, Ashley
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
Henderson, John D
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
Boyd, Tannah N
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
Marter, Nicole
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
Maga, Elizabeth A
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
DePeters, Edward J
  • Department of Animal Science, University of California Davis, 2251 Meyer Hall, One Shields Ave, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Feces
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Microbiota
  • Phylogeny
  • Psyllium

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have no competing interests.

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