NUTRITION
Using Nutrition Shutterstock/LiniaS
to Boost the Immune System Exercise is widely recognized as a stressor that can cause neuroendocrine and hormonal changes that weaken a horse’s immune system. For heavily exercised performance horses that are often transported long distances and kept near other horses, this can be a perfect recipe for compromised immunity. In addition to vaccination and infectious disease standard care, what more can be done to strengthen a horse’s natural defenses? “Research on the impact of diet on the immune system in the horse is in its infancy,” said Lori K. Warren, PhD, associate professor of equine nutrition at the University of Florida. “Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of hard facts and prescriptive recommendations.” She does, however, have some valuable insights B 8
Issue 9/2021 | ModernEquineVet.com
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that she shared in a virtual session at the 66th Annual AAEP Convention.
Vitamins and Antioxidants
Vitamins and antioxidants support the immune system either through their antioxidant role or by contributing to the body’s natural defenses by strengthening epithelial barriers, cell-mediated immunity, or antibody production. Vitamin E is often studied for its role in mitigating exercise-induced oxidative stress, but there is a limited amount of literature on immune-related outcomes, she explained. Although studies do confirm the role of vitamin E in immune function and immune support, they are usually comparing the role
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