EquiNectar Science
Field Study - Investigating the impacts of EquiNectar on British Army horses
At Tharos, we're committed to improving animal gut health through innovative nutrition and optimising the gut microbiome. Today, we're excited to share promising results from a recent field study on our flagship product, EquiNectar®, in managing gastrointestinal diseases in horses.
The study, titled "The Use of Enzyme-Rich Malt Extract as an Adjunct to the Management of Gastrointestinal Disease in Horses," was presented at the prestigious BEVA Colic Symposium in Edinburgh this July. This symposium brings together the world's leading equine veterinarians and researchers to share the latest advancements in equine gastrointestinal health.
Led by a team of prominent equine gastroenterology experts, the study evaluated EquiNectar®'s efficacy in treating horses with various gastrointestinal conditions. The research involved 34 horses of diverse breeds, including Irish Draught crosses, Cob crosses, Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds, and Shetland ponies. This diverse group ensured a comprehensive assessment across different breeds and conditions.
The results were highly encouraging:
- 82% of horses treated with EquiNectar® showed significant improvement
- Clinical signs resolved completely in 47% of cases
Marked improvements were observed in conditions such as recurrent abdominal pain, excessive faecal water, and refractory glandular disease
These findings highlight EquiNectar®'s potential to provide substantial relief for horses suffering from debilitating gastrointestinal issues. The study used a standard protocol of EquiNectar® over two months, demonstrating its effectiveness in a relatively short timeframe.
Dr Mark Bowen, who served as a consultant during this process, noted: "The results of this field data provide new avenues for the treatment of complex conditions, many of which do not respond well to traditional medical therapy." He also highlighted the fascinating insights these results provide into disease mechanisms, particularly in medication-resistant gastric glandular disease.
It's important to note that whilst these results are promising, EquiNectar® is not licensed as a treatment but as a digestive supplement for horses. The decision to use it as part of a treatment protocol should always be made by qualified veterinarians.
At Tharos, we've long believed in the potential of enzyme-rich malt extract to address common digestive problems in horses. EquiNectar® is designed to:
- Improve nutrition by facilitating better digestion of feed and forage through its blend of naturally occurring digestive enzymes
- Optimise the gut microbiome
- Improve the overall condition of horses
This study's success underscores the importance of innovative approaches in veterinary medicine and demonstrates EquiNectar®'s potential as a valuable tool in managing equine gastrointestinal health.
We're grateful for the collaborative effort that made this research possible, involving experts from Pool House Equine Hospital, End Cottage Vets, the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, and Medicine Vet Equine Referrals. The study was funded by the IVC Evidensia Research Fund, highlighting the veterinary community's interest in exploring new solutions for equine health.
As we move forward, we're excited about the possibilities these findings open up. Whilst the study population was relatively small and heterogeneous, the results demonstrate significant promise and warrant further investigation. We're committed to continuing our research and development efforts to improve the lives of horses and support the dedicated veterinarians who care for them.
At Tharos, we believe that optimal gut health is the foundation of overall well-being in animals. EquiNectar® is just one example of our dedication to this principle. We're also developing similar products for other species, including AviNectar for poultry and CaniNectar for dogs (currently on trial with the UK Border Force). .
