Re: probiotics

["Susan Garlinghouse" <suendavid@worldnet.att.net>]

I agree with everything Lif just said about probiotics, except that IMO, you can overdo them---too much at one time causes alot of sudden fermentation, which can lead to excess gas production and cramping.  Pretty uncomfortable for the horse.  I wouldn't exceed the recommended dosage on any one day, though sometimes helpful to split the total dose into smaller pinches throughout the day.

 

Susan G

----- Original Message -----

From: Lif Strand

To: Ridecamp

Sent: Thursday, June 22, 2000 8:49 AM

Subject: RC: probiotics

There are hundreds of species of bacteria in the intestines which help with digestion, vitamin manufacture & immunity.  Probiotics are the "friendly" or beneficial bacteria (e.g. Lactobacillus acidpohilus, bifidobacteria - both of which are nowadays added to grocery store milk) , as opposed to the bad guys that are there in the guts at the same time.  The point of taking extra probiotics is to keep the disease-causing bacteria from overpopulating the intestines, as well as boosting the digestion, vitamin manufacture & immune system. 

Things that can reduce the number of good bacteria in the guts are:

-  Stress

-  Bad diet (low fiber, low carbo, in humans, eating lots of meat)

-  Illness (including high temperatures and diarrhea)

-  Medications including antibiotics, steroids, chemotherapy (and in humans, birth control pills)

You probably can't hurt a horse by giving it probiotics, and you can definitely help if it's called for.  If you decide to give them, I'd give several doses, maybe more.  Lif

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