DIETARY YEAST AND COCONUT OIL SUPPLEMENTATION TO PREVENT COLIC IN HORSES

Abstract

ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS- Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) and coconut oil reduced blood triglyceride levels- Yeast reduce the number of E.coli and lactic acid bacteria in the equine cecum- Maintaining fecal pH within a stable range is critical in preventing acidosis- Contributes to the enhancement of the equine immune systemABSTRACTColic is a critical gastrointestinal disorder in horses, particularly in tropical environments where feed and climate stress gut health. We evaluated yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and coconut oil supplementation as preventive strategies against colic by modulating the gut microbiota, blood metabolites, and immune markers. We employed a 3-period crossover design using three mares (2–3 years old; 279 ±12 kg) across three treatments: a commercial control diet (T0), a yeast-supplemented diet (5 g/kg; T1), and a coconut oil-supplemented diet (40 g/kg; T2). Each period included a 10-day adaptation and a 14-day treatment phase. Treatment T2 resulted in significantly higher crude fat and lower crude fiber intake (p < 0.05) compared to T0. Fecal analysis indicated a desirable shift in microbial profile, showing stable pH, no Salmonella sp. presence, and a numerical increase in lactic acid bacteria alongside a reduction in E. coli counts in supplemented groups. Both T1 and T2 marked a significant reduction in serum triglycerides (p < 0.05), with other blood parameters (glucose, protein, renal indices) remaining physiological. Hematological assessment revealed elevated neutrophil counts and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios (NLR), suggesting enhanced innate immune activity and systemic stability. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that supplementing with yeast and coconut oil significantly improves gut microbial balance, lipid metabolism, and immune responsiveness. The combined action of S. cerevisiae (promoting short-chain fatty acid production) and medium-chain fatty acids from coconut oil (providing antimicrobial and immunomodulatory benefits) strongly supports intestinal health and offers a promising, safe nutritional intervention to mitigate colic risk in horses reared in tropical settings.

Keywords

• Coconut oil
• colic prevention
• gut microbiota
• horse nutrition
• Saccharomyces cerevisiae
• Animal nutrition
• equine physiology
• microbial ecology
• feed additives