Worming protocol objectives
Some horse owners adhere to traditional practices, administering deworming treatments every 8 to 12 weeks. Others believe that natural supplements like garlic and wormwood are sufficient to prevent worm infestations, opting not to deworm at all. However, neither approach is advisable, as both can be detrimental to your horse's health. So, what does the latest research say about deworming? Here’s a statement regarding the goals of parasite management in horses from the Australian Veterinary Journal, Australian Guidelines for Equine Internal Parasite Management.
The objectives of internal parasite control in horses have changed substantially since the era of emphasis on chemical intervention. The focus on advice has shifted from complete elimination of parasites and/or prevention of clinical disease through interval-based treatments to maintaining “manageable” levels of infection through more strategic and targeted approaches. Regardless of geography or climatic conditions, modern objectives should be overarching. These are:
1. Reduce the risk of parasitic disease
2. To limit parasite egg shedding into the environment, particularly when favourable conditions for egg and larval survival prevail.
3. To decrease the frequency of anthelminthic administration and maintain a refugia population through selective use of effective anthelmintics
4. To determine effective drugs for use on individual properties through the faecal egg count reduction test (ECRT) and/or egg reappearance period
5. To avoid the transmission of resistant parasites between farms through the implementation of effective quarantine protocols
The aim is to reduce egg shedding and parasitic disease while addressing the overuse of anthelmintics in the Australian equine industry. Emerging resistance among intestinal parasites highlights the need for new parasite control strategies. Recent research provided insights into intestinal parasites and the importance of maintaining a refugia population.
Key points include:
Fecal Egg Count (FEC) Testing
`Recommended at least annually, more frequently if high burdens are suspected.
Fresh manure samples should be collected for testing.
Interpreting FEC Results
Low Shedders (<200 EPG): Deworm twice a year.
Moderate Shedders (200–500 EPG): Deworm three times a year.
High Shedders (>500 EPG): Deworm four times a year.
Deworming Treatments:
Spring: Ivermectin or moxidectin.
Summer: Ivermectin.
Autumn: Combination treatments.
Winter: Moxidectin.
Annual deworming is advised for parasites not detected by FEC, such as tapeworms. Integrating FEC testing with tailored deworming can effectively manage parasite burdens and promote horse health. Good husbandry practices such as removing manure 3 days per week will also reduce parasite burden on paddocks.
Effects of Anthelmintics on the Gut
When anthelmintics are administered, the gut may be affected in several ways:
Disruption of Microbial Balance: The elimination of some beneficial bacteria can lead to a reduction in microbial diversity, which is essential for the metabolism and fermentation of fibre.
Changes in Microbial Composition: The decrease or removal of parasites can modify the gut environment and the types of bacteria present. Some bacterial species that thrived alongside parasites may decline, while others may proliferate.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Effects: The disruption of the gut microbiome post-treatment can take time to stabilize. In cases of repeated or frequent use, there may be long-lasting effects.
Impact on Digestion and Immunity: Given that the gut microbiome is vital for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function, disturbances caused by dewormers may temporarily affect these processes, though significant harm is rare with proper usage.
Research Context
Ongoing research aims to fully understand these effects. Current findings highlight the importance of targeted and careful use of anthelmintics to minimize overuse, resistance and unnecessary disruption to the gut microbiome
How Can Hi Form Help?
BioEquus and BioEquus Gold feature: Prebiotics, Probiotics, Postbiotics
These beneficial bacteria play a crucial role in restoring and stabilising the microbiome, with over 11 billion CFUs in each formula. Notably, every ingredient is of human-grade quality, which is rare in equine supplements.
Prebiotics nourish beneficial bacteria.
Probiotics introduce beneficial bacteria.
Postbiotics are non-living by-products of fermentation, including VFA's, peptides, Vitamin B, Vitamin K, and immune-modulating compounds that offer health benefits.
Additionally, BioEquus and BioEquus Gold are enriched with healing herbal extracts that aid in repairing the epithelial lining and digestive tract tissue, which can be compromised by migrating parasites. Restoring this lining is vital to preventing leaky gut, excessive toxin absorption and ulcer forming lesions.
Hi Form’s gut supporting formulas, don’t have just one action like most other equine gut supplements. They have several courses of action in the one low dose
including:
Promoting beneficial bacteria
Reducing dysbiosis
Decreasing excess acid
Assisting in the regulation of hindgut pH
Soothing and healing damaged tissue in the digestive tract
|
DY WEIGHT |
RATE PER DAY (1 Spoon = 5g) |
|
MAINTENANCE |
|
|
300kg |
4g |
|
500kg |
5g |
|
600+ kg |
8g |
|
TREATMENT |
|
|
300kg |
16g |
|
500kg |
20g |
|
600+ kg |
32g |
