Respiratory Problems ???

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We spent a great deal of time last year gathering grass samples from the old pasture at Caer Carreg y Fran, an ancient hill fort at the base of Snowdon in preparation for this year’s research project to analyse the grass content of native UK grass species. There has been a study to analyse the WSC content of some commonly used grass species to see if there were any ‘safe’ species to provide a suitable seed mix for pony paddocks. The study concluded that all the species analysed (rye/timothy/foxtail) were unsafe as they contained high quantities of sugar. There have been studies in America on grass species but none of the safe grass species are commonly grown or available in the UK.
Manufacturers of grass seed for ponies are unaware that the grass species contained in the non rye species may still be too high for susceptible ponies and that the fescues, timothy, cocksfoot and bent grass still may be unsafe.
These species are very different to the grasses found in the old ley pastures which would have contained many grass species which are considered to be inferior and therefore to be avoided, these grass species are likely to contain less sugar, be less palatable (ponies eat less) and have less nutritional value, perfect for native ponies prone to laminitis and obesity!
On the 11 acres of old pasture at Carreg y Fran we found at least 20 different species, some were difficult to identify so we decided to approach a few local botanists who recommended we contact the Institute of Biological and Environmental Rural Studies at Aberystwyth University. They have a gene pool of old grass species and were able to supply us with an identification of our own species and seed to grow our sample pots for analysis.
We were delighted to find we had old species such as tall oat grass, sweet vernal, at least 3 different fescues and a few marsh type grasses these species have never been analysed for sugar content.
Grass Facts
There are over 620 genera and around 10,000 species of grass around the world. Grasslands are valuable assets as they are home to a broad range of plants including rare species and are homes to native wildlife species including native breed ponies!
Determining the levels of WSC (sugar content) in Grass
There is a high degree of variability in the percentage WSC depending on which extraction methods are used making the tests fairly inaccurate to assess what and when grass may contain a safe amount of sugar for a laminitis prone pony to graze on. However a new more efficient test has been developed accurate to 90% compared to the old methods which are accurate to only around 59%.
This is going to be a very interesting study to be part of as it will be the first time an accurate test has been applied to calculate the sugar content in grass and it will be the first time that old (considered inferior) native species have been included in a trial. Also the first time that samples will be taken on an hourly basis throughout the 6 month growing trial April-Sept.

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www.freestepsuperfix.co.uk

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Fantastic for horses or ponies with Laminitis/EMS/Cushings

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Respiratory problems are very common in horse and the 3 big respiratory diseases are caused by viruses, bacterial infections and allergies.
These 3 can affect the Upper (nose to trachea) or Lower (trachea to lungs) respiratory tract. Stabled horses are most at risk especially in areas with a large equine traffic, horses travelling to different events and horses moving into stables previously inhabited by other horses from a different area.
A Predictable Cycle
Most respiratory disease starts with a virus which destroys parts of the respiratory tract such as the mucus clearing system and the lymph tissue of the lungs, making the horse more prone to secondary attacks from bacteria that either reside in the respiratory tract itself or are inhaled from the environment.
The worst of the airborne viruses is Equine Influenza which is 100% contagious in unvaccinated horses. In the past many shows and events were cancelled through outbreaks but now most big events have a compulsory vaccination programme. Equine Flu causes nasal discharge, high temperature, weight loss, depression and recovery can take up to 3 weeks, in some severe cases permanent lung damage will occur. Other respiratory viruses are EHV1-5, Equine Viral Arteritis and Rhinovirus, some viruses cause abortion, paralysis and all will cause coughing, wheezing and a nasal discharge which is usually clear until a secondary bacterial infection changes the discharge colour to a yellow /green thick mucus.
Most viruses are highly contagious and difficult to prevent, although vaccination significantly decreases the risk and also prevents large scale outbreaks particularly as vaccines are periodically updated as the virus mutates.
Some horses develop chronic, tenacious and persistent lung infections which fail to respond to anti biotic treatment. A biofilm of bacteria may be the cause, these are sticky plaques of colonies of bacteria residing in the lungs which cling together and thrive causing repeated bouts of infection.
After a virus and secondary infection the respiratory tract will be prone to developing allergies/hypersensitivity from mould spores present in the hay/stable or bedding. COPD or ROA as it is sometimes known can also be caused by grass and pollen, the condition often becomes chronic causing long term loss of use through persistent coughing and breathing difficulties. Even limited exposure to allergens will cause inflammation of the airways which gets worse over time and COPD accounts for over half the horses affected by respiratory disease.
Support and Protection
During times of stress such as travel and competition the immune system of the horse is up to 5 times lower so it is vital to give the horse some extra support during these times to prevent diseases taking hold and limiting the effect of damage to the horse’s health.
Recently there has been a high level of interest in plant compounds containing significant levels of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Research has indicated that plants containing efficacious levels of anti oxidants, flavonoids and phenolics play a crucial role in protecting and strengthening the mucus clearing system, lymph tissues and the tiny capillaries of the lungs. If damaged or weakened these tiny capillaries release large amount of lymph and oedema causing lung congestion and adding to mucus production.
Research has also shown that symptoms such as coughs and nasal discharges were 70% lower in horses given a supplement containing medicinal plants with a high phenolic activity.
This added protection significantly minimises the damage done by viruses and also decreases the risk of a secondary bacterial infection thus preventing the development of the thick nasal discharges and harsh coughs which can sometimes take at least a month to clear up causing major disruption through the showing season.
Flavonoids and phenolics have a multi functional role many plants contain flavonoids with adaptogenic properties making them useful to protect the respiratory tract against bacteria, fungal infections and inflammation. Very importantly the supplement should also contain compounds that are immune modulating with the ability to suppress the overproduction of mucus present in COPD.
Hygiene-Look after the air space 1 metre around your horse!
Good Hygiene plays a major part in preventing the spread of respiratory disease and at home it’s possible to frequently disinfect and sanitise the stable area using a good biocidal disinfectant washing system, defogger or back pack spray. This will rid the immediate area of mould spores, bacteria and viruses and the area will remain clear for 14 days.
It is especially important to protect the horse when going from the domestic hygienic environment into what is potentially a higher risk area, as respiratory disease is very quickly transmitted and horses travelling or stabled in an environment with an already affected horse are prone to contracting the same disease so it is vital to provide fast acting extra protection.
Use an airborne disinfectant when away from home as these handy aerosols create a sterile environment in under 1 hour with protection lasting at least 7 days, airbornes are easy to dispense and come in a small canister which can be safely released into the stable or horsebox and will kill most viruses, bacteria and mould spores.

To summarise
Protect the horse internally by vaccination and nutritional supplements (look at the information for Respriease), protect his breathing space with good hygiene, taking these steps will make a massive difference to the respiratory health of your horse.

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