Lactobacillus is the most commonly used bacterial species (Swyers et al. 2008). A study conducted by Al Jassim et al. recorded that several species of Lactobacillus were located throughout the equine gastrointestinal tract. This concludes that these microbes have the ability to adapt to pH changes and survive in different environments. L. mucosae and L. salivarius were found to be the most abundant. L. salivarius, specifically, was cultured from the stomach, colon, and rectum, suggesting its high survival rate in acidic environments (Al Jassim et al. 2005). While probiotics are supposed to be the “good” bacteria, there are certain strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium that are considered to be detrimental to the horse 's health. A study
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Supplements containing yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has shown to decrease microbial change. Faubladier et al. found that this particular yeast was able to survive the gastrointestinal tract, but no more was found after discontinuing supplement (Faubladier et al. 2013). An earlier study done by McDaniel et al. found that Saccharomyces cerevisiae was not able to promote better digestibility (McDaniel et al 1993). In contrast, more recent studies that used cannulated horses on a high fiber or high starch diet show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can improve acid fiber detergent digestion. It can also stimulate cellulose activity to increase fiber digestion, which creates an increase in the ratio between acetate and propionate. Since acetate is a compound involved in fermentation, it can be a beneficial microbe (Mackenthun et al. 2012). Studies have also shown that this yeast can benefit pregnant and lactating mares by increasing digestion (Glade 1991; McDaniel et al 1993). Aspergillus oryzae is a fungus that has been not been studied as in depth as others. Dairy cows have been used to study this fungus. One study showed that Aspergillus oryzae increased the digestibility in the rumen, fat increased in the milk, and bacteria used to hydrolyze cellulose also increased. The same study, conducted by McDaniel et al., concluded that little difference in fermentation (McDaniel et al.
Supplements containing yeast, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, has shown to decrease microbial change. Faubladier et al. found that this particular yeast was able to survive the gastrointestinal tract, but no more was found after discontinuing supplement (Faubladier et al. 2013). An earlier study done by McDaniel et al. found that Saccharomyces cerevisiae was not able to promote better digestibility (McDaniel et al 1993). In contrast, more recent studies that used cannulated horses on a high fiber or high starch diet show that Saccharomyces cerevisiae can improve acid fiber detergent digestion. It can also stimulate cellulose activity to increase fiber digestion, which creates an increase in the ratio between acetate and propionate. Since acetate is a compound involved in fermentation, it can be a beneficial microbe (Mackenthun et al. 2012). Studies have also shown that this yeast can benefit pregnant and lactating mares by increasing digestion (Glade 1991; McDaniel et al 1993). Aspergillus oryzae is a fungus that has been not been studied as in depth as others. Dairy cows have been used to study this fungus. One study showed that Aspergillus oryzae increased the digestibility in the rumen, fat increased in the milk, and bacteria used to hydrolyze cellulose also increased. The same study, conducted by McDaniel et al., concluded that little difference in fermentation (McDaniel et al.