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Thursday, February 13, 2014
Saturday, January 11, 2014
Help for Your Horse's Immune Health by Dr. Eleanor Dellon, VMD, Staff Veterinary Specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition
These articles are presented for informational purposes only and are not intended to endorse any product.
Help for Your Horse’s Immune Health
- Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, Staff Veterinary Specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition
To review from our recent postings, the foundation of building an effective immune system is to guarantee your horse is getting adequate calories, protein, vitamins and carefully balanced minerals. Without this basic foundation, you have about as much chance of success in influencing the immune system as you do of starting a car that is out of gas.
Even with a good foundation, there are times when the immune system is under high stress and could use additional support. Heavy exercise, extremes of weather, injury and transport have all been identified as immune system stressors. High risk of infection exposure or fighting infections are taxing conditions. Allergies, exaggerated inflammatory reactions, autoimmune disease and chronic diseases such as insulin resistance and Cushing's disease are also conditions where the immune system is imbalanced and not functioning correctly.
However, there are many natural and nutritional approaches to supporting immune system function which are safe, effective and encourage a good balance in immune activity.
Flavonoids, aka bioflavonoids, are plant chemicals that give fruits their color. Citrus, raspberries, blueberries, etc. are rich sources of flavonoids. They have clear antioxidant activity in high concentrations but it does not stop there. Even in low concentrations these compounds strengthen innate immune system responses by interacting with receptors on cell surfaces and can curb inflammation, allergies and autoimmunity by exerting effects directly on DNA.
Vitamin C is required for normal numbers of white blood cells and also their function, including production of the antiviral cytokine Interferon. It protects them from damage when organisms are destroyed by free radical reactions. High doses don't necessarily produce stronger immune responses but deficiency can be harmful. Horses can manufacture enough C to avoid fullblown deficiency, but levels are known to drop sharply when they are not on pasture.
Whey protein is an excellent source of protein for the immune system, including L-glutamine which both feeds cells directly and contributes to production of the important antioxidant, glutathione.
Complex carbohydrates in the general class of soluble fiber or gums, including arabinogalactan, fructo-oligosaccharides and mannanoligosaccharides also are capable of interacting with cellular surface receptors to prime immune responses. Supplementation can ultimately increase antibody levels and white cell counts. These carbohydrates are a natural component of many plants and as such are extremely safe. They are not digestible in the small intestine, and therefore do not cause a glucose spike or insulin rise. They are fermentable in the cecum and large intestine, so as a bonus act as prebiotics for the colonic bacteria.
Speaking of bacteria, the “friendly” bacteria in the intestinal tract are very important to immune function. The immune system of the intestinal tract is called GALT – gut associated lymphoid tissue. Research has found that interactions between the immune system and the bacteria colonizing it can have profound effects. Probiotics are defined as bacterial strains capable of colonizing and surviving in the gut which have a beneficial effect on their host by suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria and interacting with the immune system. Documented effects of probiotics to date include:
These nutritional strategies are safe, sane and effective ways to keep the immune system primed to operate optimally.
Help for Your Horse's Immune Health, Part 4
1/10/14 10:48 AM
- Dr. Eleanor Kellon, VMD, Staff Veterinary Specialist for Uckele Health & Nutrition
To review from our recent postings, the foundation of building an effective immune system is to guarantee your horse is getting adequate calories, protein, vitamins and carefully balanced minerals. Without this basic foundation, you have about as much chance of success in influencing the immune system as you do of starting a car that is out of gas.
Even with a good foundation, there are times when the immune system is under high stress and could use additional support. Heavy exercise, extremes of weather, injury and transport have all been identified as immune system stressors. High risk of infection exposure or fighting infections are taxing conditions. Allergies, exaggerated inflammatory reactions, autoimmune disease and chronic diseases such as insulin resistance and Cushing's disease are also conditions where the immune system is imbalanced and not functioning correctly.
However, there are many natural and nutritional approaches to supporting immune system function which are safe, effective and encourage a good balance in immune activity.
Flavonoids, aka bioflavonoids, are plant chemicals that give fruits their color. Citrus, raspberries, blueberries, etc. are rich sources of flavonoids. They have clear antioxidant activity in high concentrations but it does not stop there. Even in low concentrations these compounds strengthen innate immune system responses by interacting with receptors on cell surfaces and can curb inflammation, allergies and autoimmunity by exerting effects directly on DNA.
Vitamin C is required for normal numbers of white blood cells and also their function, including production of the antiviral cytokine Interferon. It protects them from damage when organisms are destroyed by free radical reactions. High doses don't necessarily produce stronger immune responses but deficiency can be harmful. Horses can manufacture enough C to avoid fullblown deficiency, but levels are known to drop sharply when they are not on pasture.
Whey protein is an excellent source of protein for the immune system, including L-glutamine which both feeds cells directly and contributes to production of the important antioxidant, glutathione.
Complex carbohydrates in the general class of soluble fiber or gums, including arabinogalactan, fructo-oligosaccharides and mannanoligosaccharides also are capable of interacting with cellular surface receptors to prime immune responses. Supplementation can ultimately increase antibody levels and white cell counts. These carbohydrates are a natural component of many plants and as such are extremely safe. They are not digestible in the small intestine, and therefore do not cause a glucose spike or insulin rise. They are fermentable in the cecum and large intestine, so as a bonus act as prebiotics for the colonic bacteria.
Speaking of bacteria, the “friendly” bacteria in the intestinal tract are very important to immune function. The immune system of the intestinal tract is called GALT – gut associated lymphoid tissue. Research has found that interactions between the immune system and the bacteria colonizing it can have profound effects. Probiotics are defined as bacterial strains capable of colonizing and surviving in the gut which have a beneficial effect on their host by suppressing the growth of harmful bacteria and interacting with the immune system. Documented effects of probiotics to date include:
- regulate cytokines and regulatory lymphocytes
- encourage production of protective mucus by the intestinal cells
- reduce inflammation
- increase production of IgA while decreasing the risk of allergy
These nutritional strategies are safe, sane and effective ways to keep the immune system primed to operate optimally.
Friday, December 27, 2013
The Night Before Christmas
This was not written by me ..as you can see...but it has been around the internet for a long time..so thought to share but have changed the names of horses to mine.....God Bless One and All....By Doris Elradi
It’s the night before Christmas and I’m out in the barn
Blanketing my horses to keep them all warm.
They’re eating their dinners, tucked cozy in stalls,
Not aware that it’s Christmas, or any day special at all.
They dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds.
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads.
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Quickly doing our tasks so we don’t miss too much.
This season is special, but the horses don’t know.
They munch on their hay safe out of the snow.
I finish my chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and my family’s yuletide.
It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story told when I was young
How at midnight on each Christmas Eve
The barnyard creatures can speak to us with ease.
I am called to the barn. I slosh through the snow.
I can’t really explain; I know I must go.
I slide open the door, and stand there and smile
Then slowly walk down the dimly lit aisle.
A nicker from Tex, a soft snort from Molly,
Sweet, gentle Eri gives me a wink
Sunshine rustles his bedding, Cracker comes into sight
Even Sparky gives a greeting as I walk through the night.
I thought about parties bright lit and warm,
The ones we don’t go to cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we usually don’t get
Cause we have the animals and chores to be met.
Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Otis and linger awhile
He snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
And I look around at the others, my horses, my friends.
I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.
From Our Barn to Yours…….Merry Christmas….
David & Carol
It’s the night before Christmas and I’m out in the barn
Blanketing my horses to keep them all warm.
They’re eating their dinners, tucked cozy in stalls,
Not aware that it’s Christmas, or any day special at all.
They dream of spring pastures from their pine-scented beds.
No visions of sugarplums dance in their heads.
But we people are thinking of merry parties and such
Quickly doing our tasks so we don’t miss too much.
This season is special, but the horses don’t know.
They munch on their hay safe out of the snow.
I finish my chores and head on inside
To get ready for dinner and my family’s yuletide.
It’s nearly midnight, the carols are sung.
I remember a story told when I was young
How at midnight on each Christmas Eve
The barnyard creatures can speak to us with ease.
I am called to the barn. I slosh through the snow.
I can’t really explain; I know I must go.
I slide open the door, and stand there and smile
Then slowly walk down the dimly lit aisle.
A nicker from Tex, a soft snort from Molly,
Sweet, gentle Eri gives me a wink
Sunshine rustles his bedding, Cracker comes into sight
Even Sparky gives a greeting as I walk through the night.
I thought about parties bright lit and warm,
The ones we don’t go to cause we have the barn
And vacations and holidays that we usually don’t get
Cause we have the animals and chores to be met.
Walking all the way to the end of the aisle
I stop to stroke Otis and linger awhile
He snuffles my face, hot breath on my skin
And I look around at the others, my horses, my friends.
I could be at parties with laughter and mirth
But where I am right now is the best place on Earth.
From Our Barn to Yours…….Merry Christmas….
David & Carol
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Otis update!
CHF Otis has made his first trip to Tulsa, OK with Traveler. Traveler did an outstanding job as the driving demo and Otis was the epitome of the true gypsy vanner, calm, friendly, mannerly, and if horses could smile...he did. First time away from farm, first time on a trailer, first time in a stall, lots of firsts for a seven month old. We look for all this plus good conformation in our babies. It is the magic that attracts so many to the breed. You may think....it is the hair.....well, to some degree it is. But would you love all that hair if the horse was in a constant state of anxiety, throwing it's head, stomping, pushing, etc.....No, I don't think so.
The weather has turned cool, the rain has put most of the color to the ground, and the wind coming from the North is winter air. The horses are wearing winter coats and so am I. Tex, our senior citizen is still at liberty in the people area of the farm, but we will set him up with friends and a place out of the wind before long. At 31, he has earned the run of the place. Enough for now....have pictures to look at and post asap!!! Good Day!
The weather has turned cool, the rain has put most of the color to the ground, and the wind coming from the North is winter air. The horses are wearing winter coats and so am I. Tex, our senior citizen is still at liberty in the people area of the farm, but we will set him up with friends and a place out of the wind before long. At 31, he has earned the run of the place. Enough for now....have pictures to look at and post asap!!! Good Day!
Monday, June 17, 2013
Stallion Prospect?
How often do we see an ad for a Gypsy Vanner Horse that states a young, even less than a year old colt is a stallion prospect? All too often it seems. Large breeders such as Tom Price and Stevie Downs will be quick to share how few colts ....perhaps less than 1%, born in any given year will make the cut. For those in the states who breed more than fifty mares a year, it is just as difficult to label a youngster a stallion prospect. How many breeders in North America have seen enough colts from birth to maturity to predict a weanling will be a great or even a good stallion?
Now that you have something to think about, keep in mind, if a breeder thinks their colt will demand more money if advertized as a stallion prospect, they are taking a huge gamble. A gamble that could ruin their reputation as a quality breeder. Many a well promoted stallion has been gelded due to a genetic defect such as an over bite or problem legs, poor conformation , strange characteristics that are often overlooked due to a unique color or an abundance of hair. Even exceptional mares cannot correct all genetic faults. And if she is less than, it is likely the resulting foal will be also be less than. If the colt turns out to have a great show record, produces outstanding babies,,,,it is a win-win. On the other hand, if it proves to be a bad choice, the breeder's reputation is ruined.
There are lots of rationalizations for taking the gamble, but at this point it is important to point out the damage to the breed this can produce. It is such a huge gamble that one registry, GVHS, has developed seminars throughout the year teaching breeders i.e. owners, and potential judges the important points of conformation, temperament, and performance. Others may follow as this is a concern for everyone who breeds. Till then, be cautious when selecting a sire for your future foal, ask for pictures of previous foals with their dams if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The mare is as important as the sire and if both has a history with the owner, they should be able to tell you what you might expect.
Now that you have something to think about, keep in mind, if a breeder thinks their colt will demand more money if advertized as a stallion prospect, they are taking a huge gamble. A gamble that could ruin their reputation as a quality breeder. Many a well promoted stallion has been gelded due to a genetic defect such as an over bite or problem legs, poor conformation , strange characteristics that are often overlooked due to a unique color or an abundance of hair. Even exceptional mares cannot correct all genetic faults. And if she is less than, it is likely the resulting foal will be also be less than. If the colt turns out to have a great show record, produces outstanding babies,,,,it is a win-win. On the other hand, if it proves to be a bad choice, the breeder's reputation is ruined.
There are lots of rationalizations for taking the gamble, but at this point it is important to point out the damage to the breed this can produce. It is such a huge gamble that one registry, GVHS, has developed seminars throughout the year teaching breeders i.e. owners, and potential judges the important points of conformation, temperament, and performance. Others may follow as this is a concern for everyone who breeds. Till then, be cautious when selecting a sire for your future foal, ask for pictures of previous foals with their dams if possible, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The mare is as important as the sire and if both has a history with the owner, they should be able to tell you what you might expect.
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