Probiotics Defined:
The term "probiotics" means "living microorganisms." Another interpretation is that probiotic means "for life" while antibiotic means "against life". Probiotics can be milk cultured (yogurt) or certain yeasts. Probiotics are measured in terms of CFUs (colony forming units). The more CFUs a probiotic contains, the greater the chance of colonization in the gut. According to Dr. Scott Weese of the Department of Clinical Studies the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, "an average horse (450 kg) would likely require 100 billion CFU/day to colonize the intestinal tract." (1)
Since Active dry yeast is a probiotic it is measured in CFUs: colony forming units. The more CFU's the more live bacteria. The best quality active dry yeast contains 20 billion cells per gram. Recommended feeding is 5 grams per day (100 billion CFUs) or approximately 1 teaspoon. Horses under high stress or with acute digestive problems need 2 teaspoons per day (200 billion CFUs).
Active dry yeast plays an important role in the digestion of carbohydrates, and takes up oxygen which helps other beneficial bacteria who thrive in an oxygen-starved environment. Outside the wall of the intestines, the active dry yeast will attract pathogenic bacteria, which then attach themselves to the yeast cells. Once attached, they cannot separate, and eventually pass through and out of the horse's system. Active dry yeast supports the Innate (meaning "general") and Active (meaning "specific") Immune Systems but will not effect or increase histamine release. This is very important when working with horses with immune issues such as allergies.
The term "probiotics" means "living microorganisms." Another interpretation is that probiotic means "for life" while antibiotic means "against life". Probiotics can be milk cultured (yogurt) or certain yeasts. Probiotics are measured in terms of CFUs (colony forming units). The more CFUs a probiotic contains, the greater the chance of colonization in the gut. According to Dr. Scott Weese of the Department of Clinical Studies the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada, "an average horse (450 kg) would likely require 100 billion CFU/day to colonize the intestinal tract." (1)
Since Active dry yeast is a probiotic it is measured in CFUs: colony forming units. The more CFU's the more live bacteria. The best quality active dry yeast contains 20 billion cells per gram. Recommended feeding is 5 grams per day (100 billion CFUs) or approximately 1 teaspoon. Horses under high stress or with acute digestive problems need 2 teaspoons per day (200 billion CFUs).
Active dry yeast plays an important role in the digestion of carbohydrates, and takes up oxygen which helps other beneficial bacteria who thrive in an oxygen-starved environment. Outside the wall of the intestines, the active dry yeast will attract pathogenic bacteria, which then attach themselves to the yeast cells. Once attached, they cannot separate, and eventually pass through and out of the horse's system. Active dry yeast supports the Innate (meaning "general") and Active (meaning "specific") Immune Systems but will not effect or increase histamine release. This is very important when working with horses with immune issues such as allergies.
Probiotics are especially beneficial when the horse experiences stresses like competition, intense training, changes in diet, changes in routine, antibiotic use, dehydration, and weather fluctuations. Older horses and unthrifty foals who struggle to keep weight on can also benefit.
Probiotics can be important to reduce chronic diarrhea, foal diarrhea, and gas colic (which can be linked to the disruption of internal flora).
1) Wenholz, Sushil; 2005. Probiotic: Worth the Price? Article 5692, The Horse.com
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