How does the horse’s immune system work ?
The horse’s immune system, as in humans, allows it to defend itself against pathogens (viruses, fungi, parasites, bacteria, etc.). In case of intrusion of one of these agents, there are two types of immune system responses: the innate immune response, which is immediate, and the adaptive immune response, which comes later. The innate immune response mobilizes macrophages, which attack the pathogen, stopping its multiplication and eliminating it. This action of the macrophages is manifested externally by an inflammatory reaction, such as swelling, heat or pain. The adaptive immune response occurs when the innate immune response fails to get rid of the pathogen. Immune agents containing antibodies and T and B lymphocytes will then attack the pathogen and store it in memory, making it easier to fight it again in the event of a new infection.
It is therefore essential that the horse’s immune system works perfectly in order to protect it from the dangers present in its environment.
How to strengthen the horse’s immune system ?
To help your horse maintain its immune system, some precautions are necessary. Among other things, the right amount of feed is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. Knowing that more than 70% of the immune cells are located in the digestive tract, it is even more important to protect your horse’s intestinal flora. The horse’s diet must contain all the micronutrients essential to the proper functioning of the digestive system, such as antioxidants, prebiotics and/or probiotics, fatty acids such as Omega 3, vitamins (A, B, C, D and E), iron and selenium. Antioxidants have the role of protecting the body from free radicals and therefore prevent many diseases. Probiotics are microorganisms that strengthen the horse’s natural defenses by stimulating the immune cells in the intestine. The fatty acids control the immune system to prevent it from becoming too active and stimulate the production of lymphocytes.
Which horses may have a more sensitive immune system ?
As with humans, younger and older horses have weaker immune systems, so it is important to give them special attention. Royal Horse B150 and B100 horse feed is perfectly suited to foals, but also to pregnant mares and broodmares, providing them with prebiotics such as MOS (Mannan-oligosaccharides) as in all the feeds in the Royal Horse range, L-carnitine and omega 3. Competition horses are also subjected to great efforts and as athletes, it is essential that their immune system can protect them against any pathogen attack. For these horses, Royal Horse H200, H250 and H350 (in the form of flakes) allow to support their muscular effort, but also to guarantee a good digestive transit as well as the contribution of all the vitamins, trace elements and prebiotics necessary to keep them in good health.
What other precautions should be taken into account ?
To keep your horse in good health, other measures are necessary. Your horse should be protected from cold and humidity, in a quiet environment to avoid any source of stress and you should also regularly check the good hygiene of the buildings, feeders and waterers. Make sure that your horse’s vaccinations are up to date to protect him from the most dangerous diseases.
