Not all yeasts are created equal...
For a yeast to be truly successful it is a question of strain, stability and dose rate. Yeasts can be described as live or dead with a range of reported modes of action, and while most yeasts originate in the species form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, there are many strains of this particular yeast available.
The equine gut microbiome is easily disturbed by stress or change to the diet, training and environment. An upset to the microbiome is known as hindgut dysbiosis, which can trigger ill health and a decreased welfare state for your horse.
Ensuring a stable, well-balanced microbial community within the hindgut can help prevent dysbiosis and its associated gastrointestinal disorders.
What is a live yeast?
Yeasts are single cell organisms and are commonly used in commercial equine feeds or supplements. Within the market, there are several types or strains of yeasts used as feed ingredients, however there are key differences between them and how they interact with the horse’s digestive system...
Yeasts can be described as live, dead or instant and most originate in the species form of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and there are many strains of this particular yeast available.
- "Brewer's yeast”: by-product of the brewing process, providing a highly variable supply of nutrients such as B vitamins
- Yeast extract: supply nutrients such as B vitamins, nucleotides, peptides and metabolites
- Yeast cell wall: often obtained as by-products of yeast extract production; provide functional components such as mannans and beta-glucans; consistency varies amongst products
Live yeasts, however, have a very different mode of action within the gastrointestinal tract. For a live yeast to be effective, it is a question of strain, stability and dose rate.
Actisaf® Sc47
Actisaf® Sc47 live yeast is a patented, probiotic strain of live yeast of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae and has been rigorously researched and tested for effectiveness and stability.
A spherule of Actisaf® looks like a Malteser. The unique drying process leaves a layer of dead cells around the outside, protecting the live yeast cells within. This ensures it remains stable during the manufacturing process and reaches the hindgut of the horse intact.
When fed at 10g per day, microbial sequencing trial work has shown Actisaf® Sc47 promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria, therefore stabilising the hindgut environment and optimising fermentation.
Stabilising the hindgut environment helps prevent hindgut dysbiosis and its resulting negative impacts on health and performance.
Feeding Actisaf® Sc47 live yeast can bring a wide range of benefits to the horse by helping to stabilise the hind gut microbiome and improve fibre digestion - playing a role in improved performance, well-being and hindgut function.
Learn more about Actisaf®
