Feeds for Gastric Ulcers

Gastric ulcers are a huge problem for the horse world and so it is of vital importance that a horse owner have the information on what gastric ulcers are, their cause, and how to manage a horse who is affected.

High levels of concentrates fed to horses mean the body creates larger amounts of volatile fatty acids in order to break down grains. Replacing a portion of concentrate feed with oils will help reduce the amount of acid produced by the body while helping maintain the energy levels required to keep the horse at performace best. Lucerne hay has also been proved as a natural buffer as it creates a foaming agent when it is digested protecting the upper region of the stomach. Some nutritionists suggest feeding a few cups of lucerne hay 30 minutes before exercise to protect the stomach.

CoolStance is feed that is suggested for horses that suffer from gastric ulcers as it is made up of a large percentage of oil and this substitutes the energy which would usually come from grain. CoolStance has low levels of starches and carbohydrates (NSC's) meaning it doesnt have the components that would cause the pH drop in the stomach. Oils also calm horses down and can coat the gut protecting the GI tract lining from acidic build up.

Studies being performed in Queensland Australia have been testing the use of a yohgurt compound added to the diet of horses to provide lactobacilli to help with the breakdown of NSC's. The research continues to help determine concentrations of this supplement.

Other studies have been performed to show that the introduction of an Omega 3 fatty acid into the diet will minimise local inflammatory damage to the upper gastric lining of the stomach and prevent erosion of gastric lining cells which causes ulcers.

What are Gastric Ulcers?

Gastric ulcers are lesions that are found in the stomach. The stomach is made up of two regions, the upper "squamous" region and the lower "glandular" area. The majority of ulcers are found in the squamous area. The squamous area of the stomach is less protected by mucous than the lower region so is more prone to ulceration as a result of acid in the stomach or via "splashback" action.

Horses in work are most likely to suffer from ulcers and this chance is largely increased if they are worked on an empty stomach. As horses exercise the stomach contracts pushing the contents up to the squamous are of the stomach. When the stomach is empty this content is just acid. This movement of the acid against the squamous section of the stomch during exercise is refered to as the "splashback" effect. The signs a horse suffers from ulcers are symptoms that are not unlike colic which appear not long after exercise and/or eating.

Naturally horses are grazers meaning there is a constant trickle of food and saliva entering the stomach. This prevents a drop in pH of the equine stomach. Saliva acts as a natural buffer to the acidic environment of the stomach but horses only produce saliva when something is in their mouth though they produce stomach acid 24/7.

Nowadays horses are treated as "meal eaters" meaning they are fed large amounts fewer times a day. When a horse has an empty stomach for long periods of time the stomach acid can drop to a pH of 2.

Causes of Gastric Ulcers

Stress (includes foals)

NSAID's such at bute and flunixin have been known to increase/cause occurence of ulcers

Fasting - long periods between meals

Type of feed - high amounts of concentrate and low amounts of roughage cause ulcers.