A racehorse’s future success depends on the health of its gut, says study

The future success of a racehorse can be detected in the animal’s gut when it is just one month old, research suggests.

A recent veterinary study analysed horses' poo, measuring the bacteria in the digestive systems of more than 50 thoroughbred foals over the first three years of their lives.

According to the BBC, the study found the more types of gut microbes a foal had at just four weeks old directly correlates to its future health, and its success on the racecourse.

The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, add to an emerging biological picture regarding the importance of the trillions of microbes that live inside young animals’ digestive systems – and their role in long-term health.

Like human infants, young horses pick up vital gut bacteria from their mothers and from the environment

“Gut health is absolutely critical,” said lead researcher Chris Proudman, a professor of clinical veterinary science at the University of Surrey.

Young racehorses provide veterinary scientists with an ideal opportunity for studying the gut.

“There is a growing understanding that what happens in human guts and in animal guts – horses, in this case - has a profound influence on many aspects of health and disease.”

“It’s also about timing,” he explained. “The nature of the gut bacteria in those first few weeks of life predicts the future health, and the future performance, of these horses.”

Young racehorses provide veterinary scientists with an ideal opportunity for studying the gut, the BBC report added.

Breeders and trainers of thoroughbred foals typically keep highly detailed records of each animal’s birth, diet and health, as well as any veterinary care they receive.

“Anything we can investigate — to help them be in as good shape as possible — is a really good opportunity for us,” said Jane Black, co-owner of Chasemore stud farm in Surrey, which bred some of the foals involved in the research.

Over the course of three years, owners and trainers recorded how their horses performed on the racecourse, including where they placed and how much prize money they earned.

The team of scientists also investigated the long-term consequences of young foals being treated with antibiotics.

Foals treated with antibiotic drugs had fewer types of bacteria in their guts, and subsequently went on to win less prize money in their racing careers compared to horses that had not received early antibiotic treatment.