Feeding For Respiratory Health

Whilst a concentrate feed alone will not prevent the development of respiratory conditions, feed manufacturers have a responsibility to provide good, quality ingredients that are free from dusts and moulds. At Saracen Horse Feeds, quality control is taken very seriously from field to feed bag. This starts with suppliers being selected to a required standard, with raw materials then being screened on intake to ensure that they meet specified requirements, such as for moisture and dust. When processed, further measures are used such as storage bins being regularly dust extracted, as well as continuous testing which takes place to screen for mycotoxins and other contaminants. Feed should then be stored in a cool, dry place that is rodent proof and used before the best before date. When looking for feed that has been produced to minimise the risk of irritants, selecting manufacturers that are members of standard agencies such as UFAS will show that quality systems are in place to identify and minimise potential nutritional, microbial or physical hazards in the feed. Consumers can see if a manufacturer is registered with an organisation such as UFAS, by looking for the assurance mark as well as the company UFAS number on the bag itself.

As well as quality ingredients, feeding a balanced diet will provide optimum levels of the vitamins and minerals required for health and well-being, as well as good quality protein to provide essential amino acids to support cell renewal, tissue, and muscle repair. Research has shown that external irritants can cause the release of abnormal amounts of free radicals, which if not controlled can attack cell membranes, consequently causing cell damage and inflammation. Impaired antioxidant capacity has therefore been found to play a role in the development of conditions affecting the respiratory tract. Antioxidants are substances that prevent or slow down damage to cells caused by free radicals, which can cause harm if levels become too high. Providing an increased level of antioxidants can therefore help to manage airway inflammation. Research has shown that when dietary antioxidants such as Vitamin E, C, and selenium are administered, there is significantly improved exercise tolerance and significantly reduced endoscopic inflammatory scores (Kirschvink et al, 2010). Most fortified feeds have good levels of antioxidants present, however, additional supplementation of natural sources of vitamin E that has a rapid absorption rate will provide further support. Studies have also shown that supplementation of Omega 3 fatty acids can help to further improve clinical signs of the disease and lung function. Omega 3 fatty acids are crucial to the structure of cell membranes but are also an energy source for all bodily functions, and can even reduce inflammation in the body. The anti-inflammatory properties of Omega-3 is thought to lead to a reduction in airway inflammation. One study showed that Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation over a 2 month period showed a 60% improvement in cough scores, as well as a 50% decrease in respiratory effort (Nogradi et al, 2014). Good sources of Omega 3 fatty acids can be found in both vegetable and marine-based sources, such as in linseed, fish oil or algae. Kentucky Equine Research EO-3™ is one such supplement that is highly palatable and rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are more efficiently utilised by the horse and has been proven to reduce inflammation, allergic reactivity and induced bronchoconstriction.