Adding certain yeast cultures to the diet increases nitrogen retention in the hind gut and promotes tissue production. This nourishment of microbes in the hind gut encourages more complete breakdown of feed. Improved breakdown of feed increases the amount of nutrients available for absorption, and therefore allows the horse to reach a higher nutritional plane. Digestive support supplements improve feed efficiency which leads to weight gain and better body condition.  

A four-week third-party research trial was performed on the proprietary combination of ingredients used in Hay Fix. The data revealed that the unique blend improved the digestion rate of dry matter, fiber, starch,protein, and fat (oil) when compared to a placebo.  

Additionally, horses that consumed the proprietary ingredients found in Hay Fix had significantly higher feed efficiency scores (*31.7% better than horses that were fed a placebo); and had higher average daily weight gains (0.72 lbs/day more than horses fed a placebo) which supports the idea that more nutrients were being absorbed from the same amount of feed.

The body’s first line of defense, secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) levels, are increased by feeding certain yeast cultures. These antibodies are in the eyes, mouth, nose and other mucus membranes throughout the body to help trap pathogens before they cause harm.

A second line of defense is increased NK cell activity. NK cells are lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, that are fast and effective at seeking out and destroying stressed and abnormal cells in the body. NK stands for “natural killer” because they don’t need assistance to differentiate “good” cells from “bad” cells. This allows a much quicker response time to keep the body healthy.

In addition, antioxidants circulate in the body and help protect cells from oxidative damage. Oxidative stress may affect how the immune system works over time. Certain yeast cultures contain high levels of antioxidants which have the ability to gain access to live cells and provide protection from oxidation.

Travel, even at short distances, can have a negative impact on a horse’s appetite. Travel-related stress causes a change in the bacterial community in the hind gut of a horse. Supplementing with a probiotic has been shown to help alleviate some of these stress-induced changes. Improving the gastrointestinal environment and reducing the negative effects of travel-related stress may improve a horse’s willingness to eat away from home.

Bacteria in the gut play an important role in bidirectional communication of the gut-brain axis. Researchers suggest certain organisms are helpful for regulating anxiety and depression in animals.

The brain is a major consumer of oxygen, therefore it is a target for oxidation by reactive oxygen species. Peroxidation of nerve endings alters neurotransmitter transport which affects central nervous system function. Supplementation of a unique yeast culture with high radical absorbance capacity may benefit mental health and stability in horses.

Horses supplemented with live yeast have reduced lactate levels and lower heart rates after exercise. Researchers believe this is due to an improvement in nitrogen balance resulting in increased muscle mass and metabolic efficiency, and therefore increasing oxygen carrying capacity within the cardiovascular system.

Research shows supplementing with a unique strain of yeast reduces the variation of intestinal pH and lowers lactic acid. These reductions make the horse more tolerant to starch in feed rations.

Here are just a few of our favorites:

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