Feeding horses the right diet is key to keeping them healthy and happy. Recent research shows that what they eat can impact not just their physical horse health, but also their mood and behaviour. We sometimes refer to this as the gut-brain connection in horses.
Haylage is easy to digest and packed with nutrients, helping to maintain a healthy gut. This healthy gut supports the production of feel-good neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, leading to calmer and more content horses.
Fermentation for better gut health and muscles
Thanks to the process of fermentation, horses can experience lifts in their wellbeing thanks to many microbial processes. FeedRight Rhodes’ grass haylage is first cut and left to wilt, reducing its moisture slightly, then tightly packed into bales or 20kg-sized bags to eliminate air. The oxygen-free environment in the bag allows beneficial bacteria to ferment the sugars in the grass and create lactic acid that preserves the nutrients and increases digestibility.
The fermentation process also produces short-chain fatty acids like butyrate, a superstar when it comes to gut health. (1)
Butyrate helps produce energy, supports the growth of new gut cells, and plays a key role in protecting the gut lining with mucus. Butyrate helps muscles grow and fuels them with glucose, essential for athletic and performance horses. Crossing the blood-brain barrier, butyrate promotes and nourishes the growth of new brain cells.
The Gut-Brain Connection In Horses
Much like in humans, the gut-brain connection plays a crucial role in mood regulation, thanks to the gut microbiota’s production of ‘happy’ neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. These chemicals are essential for maintaining a positive mood and reducing stress in your horse.
Studies have shown (2) that good gut health through equine nutrition can significantly increase the levels of serotonin and dopamine, leading to improved mental states and behaviour in horses. This means a happier, more relaxed horse, ready to perform at its best.
Feeding haylage supports beneficial bacteria in the gut, enhancing this gut-brain connection.
Stress Reduction and Immune Support
Keep in mind any potential unnecessary or extensive stressors your horse may experience, such as travelling, training and racing. Good gut health and a balanced microbiota can help with resilience and immunity, as well as tolerating moderate amounts of stress. However, excessive stress can result in systemic inflammation and poor performance.
Supporting a balanced gut microbiota is essential for reducing stress and supporting the immune system. The anti-inflammatory properties of butyrate and other metabolites produced during haylage fermentation can help maintain a healthy gut lining in your horse. This prevents systemic inflammation, which can negatively impact mood, behaviour and performance.
Acknowledging the gut-brain connection in horses and incorporating haylage into your horse’s diet is more than just a nutritional choice; it’s a holistic approach to enhancing their overall wellbeing. Supporting a healthy gut microbiota and reducing stress to boosting immune function and improving mood, haylage offers numerous benefits that contribute to a happier, healthier horse. By prioritising gut health through FeedRight haylage, you can ensure your horse enjoys a balanced, nutritious diet that supports their physical and mental health, leading to better performance. Contact us to find out more.
Happy horse, happy rider.