EquiShure®promotes normal digestive function by aiding in the maintenance of an optimal hindgut environment and is designed for horses suspected of suffering from or that are at risk of developing hindgut acidosis.
Many horses have hindgut disturbances and EquiShure’s unique encapsulation technology ensures targeted release directly in the hindgut. The demands placed on horses, as both athletes and breeding animals, dictate that substantial quantities of energy–rich feeds be consumed. Disturbances in the normal hindgut environment are thought to result from overconsumption of either high–starch concentrates or pasture grasses rich in fructans (sugars).
Hindgut acidosis leads to changes in the bacterial population of the hindgut, digestive disturbances, and reduced digestive efficiency. EquiShure supplies a time-released balancer to neutralise the acid and help maintain a stable hindgut environment, which encourages proper digestion and absorption of nutrients.
EquiShure’s unique encapsulation technology ensures targeted release directly in the hindgut.
Why use EquiShure?
- Helps maintain normal digestive function and an optimal hindgut environment
- Patented encapsulation technology allows for targeted delivery of sodium bicarbonate to the hindgut and prevents an effect on blood tCO2 levels
- Stabilises and maintains normal hindgut pH to reduce the risk of hindgut acidosis and associated disorders
- May help improve digestive efficiency
When to use EquiShure
- Horses on moderate or high grain diets
- Horses grazing on lush pasture
- Horses with digestive upsets resulting in loose manure
- Horses prone to recurrent mild colic
- Inappetence or picky eaters and poor doers or prone to weight loss
- Horses with unexplainable behaviour problems
- Horses under stress of training, travel or sales preparation
Cause of Subclinical Acidosis
One of the primary signs of subclinical acidosis is inappetence or decreased appetite. A horse is often reported to be “off his feed.” Because the hindgut is overwhelmed with lactic acid when a horse is experiencing acidosis, the intestinal lining becomes inflamed and irritated, causing the horse discomfort. The irritation may be severe enough to induce behavior characteristic of colic. Furthermore and perhaps most detrimental to equine athletes is a reduction of feed efficiency. Long-term exposure of the intestinal lining to a low-pH environment may negatively affect the absorptive capacities of these structures, limiting the amount of energy available for performance.
In addition to these health concerns, a link between subclinical acidosis and sterotypies such as wood chewing, weaving, and stall walking has been suggested by researchers. Because of the precarious nature of the hindgut of a horse afflicted with subclinical acidosis, it is less able to handle metabolic crises that healthy horses may be able to fend off. Hence, horses with subclinical acidosis are more susceptible to colic and laminitis.
Feeding Directions
Top–dress EquiShure on feed. Feed 30-150g (1-5 scoops) daily according to the horse’s size and diet. For best results, divide the amount equally among feedings.
Use table below to determine recommended daily amount based on horse’s grain intake, forage source, and weight. 1 scoop = 30 g.