Equine-X Science

Horses in training and competition, as well as leisure horses, invariably face stressors such as increased stable confinement, reduction in pasture turn-out, increased exercise intensity, travel, competition venue stabling and a heightened risk of exposure to pathogens (disease-causing organisms). These stressors tax not only their musculoskeletal systems but also their immune systems (Lynch, 2021).

In addition to a good vaccination program, a balanced diet is one of the best defences a horse has against disease, and any deficiencies or imbalances in nutrition, including minerals, essential amino acids and fibre, can compromise immune function (Lynch, 2021).

The musculoskeletal system includes the bones, cartilage, muscles, ligaments, joints, tendons, and other connective tissue. Disorders of these systems are common in horses, which can lead to lameness and other problems (Adams, 2022).

The mineral Silicon has been associated with bone mineralization, collagen synthesis, healthy skin and immune system enhancement (Jurkic et al., 2013).

“In previous studies, Si [dietary Silicon] supplementation showed potential to improve bone and cartilage health in many species, including horses and humans, but positive effects from Si were only achieved at high concentrations in the diet, making them difficult to replicate as animals get larger. Si can positively influence bone density, structure, and strength, as well as collagen metabolism in connective tissues, indicating the possibility to affect degraded cartilage and arthritis in older animals. Since arthritis is a prominent cause of lameness in the equine industry, supplementing Si would be an easy way to address this issue.”

Pritchard et al. (2020)

Recommended dosages providing bioavailable Silicon at levels shown to produce benefits in published research are the foundation for the feed rate of Silicon within CONNEXION®, which targets providing the horse with 0.3mg of Silicon per kg of bodyweight per day (Si/kg BW/day). As a representative example, this would result in a 500kg horse receiving 150mg of Silicon per day, which is equivalent to that used in a successful equine research study conducted on horses in training per Nielsen et al (1993).

Multiple research articles cite the Orthosilicic acid (OSA) releasing property of Silicon sources as being attributable to observed and perceived benefits of Silicon supplementation to both horses and humans. CONNEXION® provides Monomethylsilanetriol (MMST), in the form of Orgono® Living Silica™ Acacia-Gum MMST which is metabolized by the body into OSA.

Traditional challenges with providing dietary Silicon include the ability to meet appropriate levels of bioavailability, quantity and stability in tandem, without introducing Aluminium into the diet, which alternative sources of Silicon such as Sodium Zeolite A (SZA) and, Sodium aluminium silicate (SA) unfortunately do. This challenge is overcome by the use of Orgono® Living Silica™, a patented formulation developed in the Science Park of the University of Barcelona, which provides highly bioavailable (64%) biologically active Silicon, without the Aluminium association, in a solid and stable form, as present in CONNEXION®.

Protein makes up approximately 15% of total body mass and key functions of body proteins include providing structure (e.g., muscle, collagen, and keratin), nutrient transport, regulation of metabolic function and as a component of the immune system. Amino Acids are considered the scientific building blocks of protein and whilst protein deficiency is uncommon in horses fed typical diets, one or more individual amino acids may be deficient (Geor et al, 2013).

Essential Amino Acids cannot be synthesized by the body and therefore must be provided in the diet.

Within the Essential Amino Acid category, limiting (indispensable) Amino Acids will limit protein synthesis if not present in adequate amounts. Lysine, Threonine and Methionine are all classified as both Essential and Limiting Amino Acids. Lysine, Threonine and Methionine are generally assumed to be the first three limiting amino acids.

Lysine plays a major role in Calcium absorption, an essential role in collagen formation and helps build muscle protein. Collagen is a substance necessary for connective tissues such as skin, cartilage and tendon.

Threonine has an essential role in protein synthesis and is metabolised in the body to serine and glycine, which are important components of collagen, elastin and muscle tissue.

The known functions for methionine for the horse include:

• Production (synthesis) of actin and myosin fibres in the muscle which are essential for normal muscle function and increasing the amount muscle in the body.
• The ability to be converted to Cysteine which is necessary for the production of Glutathione, a major antioxidant within cells which can protect from injury and illness.
  • Cysteine is also converted into Keratin, an essential component of hair follicles and hooves; and Cysteine contains sulphur which is also essential for strengthening tendons and ligaments.
• Necessary for the production of Taurine which is key to a healthy heart, nervous system and eyes.

CONNEXION® contains the essential and limiting amino acids Lysine, Threonine and Methionine in the same ratios as the Nutrient Requirements of Horses (National Research Council, 2007) show as naturally occurring in equine tissue.

Acacia Gum, a natural fibre prebiotic with a low glycaemic index, is converted by anaerobic microbiota to short chain fatty acids, which have an important role in homeostasis (a physiological process that keeps the internal environment of a living organism stable and balanced).  It is present in CONNEXION® microencapsulating and stabilizing the Silicon source MMST.

At Equine-X®, we believe in the CONNEXION® formulation.

We believe in the science and research CONNEXION® is founded on and the quality that is upheld at every stage of its lifecycle.

However, we also believe in “Keeping it Real”.

A horse needs a balanced diet, appropriate exercise programme, caring management routine and access to natural horse lifestyle experiences.

Being led by integrity means we encourage you to not just use CONNEXION® but to also ensure you are meeting these important areas of need for your horse.