Digestion: Equine Style

Based on its digestive system, the horse is classified as a non-ruminant herbivore. He has the ability to digest fiber like a ruminant, e.g. cows, and digestive tract like that of a non-ruminant, e.g. a pig. The horse is unique because it has a functional cecum. The cecum is basically a large brewers vat of beneficial microflora (bacteria) that digest fiber. These beneficial bacteria are called probiotics, microflora, or sometimes, simply microbials. Not only do the bacteria break down fiber, they produce volatile fatty acids for energy, B-Vitamins and some protein that the horse may use as nutrients. In the cecum, both good and bad bacteria live. The normal balance of these types of bacteria maintains a healthy lower digestive system. Anything that disturbs this ecosystem (balance) may interrupt digestion in the lower gut, often with unwanted consequences.

When does your horse need probiotic supplementation?

Healthy adult horses maintaining their weight do not need a probiotic supplement, although it can be a good preventive strategy for colic, loss of appetite and/or weight loss. Probiotics maybe a good management tool of senior horses who may have difficulty maintaining their weight, reoccurring colic, or chronic diarrhea. Stress, e.g. vaccinations, travel, dehydration and the use of oral antibiotics may impact this delicate ecosystem. Foals who do not have an established gut microflora can have scours and need additional microflora in the developing digestive tract.

How can Power-Gest™ Gel help?

Power-Gest™ Gel is a scientifically formulated probiotic that will minimize the impact of disrupting the gut ecosystem by reinoculating with beneficial bacteria. Power-Gest™ Gel contains live viable bacteria normally found in the horse’s digestive system. Power-Gest™ Gel also contains Fructo-oligosaccharides, sometimes referred to as prebiotic, to maximize the beneficial bacteria colony forming units active in the digestive tract. Power-Gest™ Gel will insure a healthy digestive tract for your horse and help assimilation of important nutrients and improved feed efficiency, especially with young foals and senior horses.

When do you use Power-Gest™ Gel?

Power-Gest™ Gel should be given to foals at birth then 4 to 9 days of age to minimize foal heat scours. Power-Gest™ Gel should also be given to horses before transporting them, after any oral antibiotics are given, after deworming, and anytime the horse is exposed to any other type of stress. Senior horses may need weekly or periodic supplementation, please consult with your veterinarian.

Equine Prebiotic and Probiotic

Oral dose source of selected host specific bacteria and
fructooligosaccharide for gastrointestinal supplementation and health for all horses.

Dosage:

(1cc = 1 gram)

FOALS: Administer 5 cc at birth. Repeat 5-7 days later.

ADULTS: Administer 15 cc prior to changing feed, water, deworming, giving oral antibiotics, changing environmental or training conditions, transporting or anytime the horse is placed under stress.

Directions:

Administer Power-Gest™ on back of the tongue.

Store:

Store out of direct sunlight in a cool area.

Ingredients:

Corn oil, Hydrated sodium aluminosilicate, Extract of chicory, dried Lactobacillus acidophilus fermentation extract, dried Bifidobacterium thermophilum fermentation extract, dried Bifidobacterium longum fermentation extract, dried Enterococcus faecium fermentation extract, Potassium sorbate, Sorbitan monostearate, Dextrose, and FD&C yellow #5