1. Amylase: The Starch Digestion Specialist

Amylase plays a vital role in breaking down starch (amylose) into simpler sugars. While horses produce amylase, they produce very little for an animal of their size. The majority of starch digestion occurs in the small intestine. When horses consume excessive amounts of starch, especially in a single meal, the undigested starch can reach the hindgut.

Starch overload in the hindgut can disrupt the microbial balance and lead to fermentation imbalances. This can result in a range of issues, such as acidosis, colic, and laminitis. By supplementing EquiNectar with amylase, you provide your horse with additional support in breaking down starches in the small intestine. This helps prevent undigested starch from reaching the hindgut and reduces the risk of hindgut disturbances, ensuring your horse's digestive system operates smoothly.

2. Fructanase: Tackling Fermentable Sugars

Fructans are complex sugars found in certain forages, such as cool-season grasses and some species of hay. These carbohydrates are known to be highly fermentable in the horse's hindgut. When fructans are rapidly fermented, they can lead to an increase in lactic acid production, altering the pH of the hindgut and potentially causing digestive disturbances.

By including fructanase in EquiNectar, you provide your horse with the necessary support to break down fructans. This helps regulate the fermentation process and reduce the risk of hindgut imbalances. It is important to note that while some fructans are beneficial for horses as a source of energy, excessive consumption can pose a challenge. By offering EquiNectar, you can help maintain a healthy microbial balance in the gut while still allowing your horse to enjoy forages that contain fructans in moderation.

Sources of fructans in a horse's diet can include:

• Pasture grasses: Certain cool-season grasses, such as timothy grass and ryegrass, can contain varying levels of fructans. The concentration of fructans in pasture grasses can fluctuate depending on factors like temperature, sunlight exposure, and growth stage.
• Hay: Some species of hay, including certain types of alfalfa, clover, and Bermuda grass, can also contain fructans. The fructan content in hay can vary depending on factors like harvest time, growing conditions, and storage methods.

When managing your horse's diet, it's important to consider the fructan levels in their forage sources and make appropriate adjustments to maintain digestive health. EquiNectar, with its fructanase component, provides valuable support in breaking down these fermentable sugars, allowing your horse to enjoy their forage while minimising the risk of hindgut disturbances.

3. Cellulase: Unlocking the Potential of Fibre

Cellulase is responsible for breaking down cellulose, a complex fibre found in forages. By supplementing your horse's diet with EquiNectar's cellulase, you enhance their ability to digest fibre effectively, enabling them to extract vital nutrients and maintain optimal gut health.

4. Xylanase: Enhancing Fibre Digestion

Xylanase is an enzyme that specifically targets xylans, which are complex carbohydrates found in plant cell walls. By including xylanase in EquiNectar, you support your horse's ability to break down xylans, aiding in the digestion of fibrous feeds and ensuring efficient nutrient utilisation.

5. Phytase: Maximising Phosphorus Utilisation

Phytase is an enzyme that facilitates the release of phosphorus from phytic acid, a compound found in grains and oilseeds. By supplementing EquiNectar with phytase, you enhance your horse's phosphorus absorption, which is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, teeth, and overall metabolic function.

6. Protease: Optimising Protein Breakdown

Protease is an enzyme that aids in the breakdown of proteins into amino acids. By including protease in EquiNectar, you promote efficient protein digestion, enabling your horse to utilise essential amino acids for tissue repair, muscle development, and overall health.

7. Lipase: Supporting Fat Digestion

Lipase is an enzyme responsible for breaking down fats into fatty acids and glycerol. By incorporating lipase in EquiNectar, you enhance your horse's ability to digest and absorb dietary fats, providing them with a valuable energy source and supporting overall metabolic function.