What is Biotal?

14
Apr
2009

So you’ve heard of Biotal, but you’re not entirely sure who they are or what they produce. Here is our quick guide to the products available from Biotal and how they could benefit your horse.

Equine Gold and Gastro Gold™ are scientifically formulated products produced by one of the UK’s leading biotechnology companies, Biotal, part of a global organisation specialising in the development, production and marketing of yeasts and bacteria. Biotal benefits from significant investment and scientific expertise from its parent company Lallemand Inc. Equine Gold and Gastro Gold are now used by professionals and amateurs alike to improve the condition, health and performance of their horses.

Biotal Equine Gold, which is available as a powder or paste, is a versatile probiotic supplement for all types of horses and ponies, as it helps the horse get more from its diet. Firstly, it helps to maintain a normal hindgut environment by reducing acidity and controlling the oxygen levels, to ensure that ‘friendly bacteria’ (fibre digesters and lactic acid utilisers) can flourish. This helps horses to process their feed effectively, but can also protect against the negative effects of large high starch meals on the hindgut. This is particularly beneficial for competition or race horses, where this type of diet is prevalent.

As feeding Equine Gold promotes a well balanced and healthy functioning hindgut, this leads to better water re-absorption from the gut, helping to prevent dehydration; a significant factor in poor performance, especially in hot climates. A healthy hindgut also means a robust immune system, as the gut represents the frontline for infection. Dehydration and infection, particularly related to the respiratory system, are common with travel by road or air and dietary support with live yeast, such as Equine Gold is advantageous.

Promotes ‘friendly’ lactic acid utilizing bacteria
Keeps lactic acid and acidity levels in check
Normalisation of levels of ‘friendly fibre digesting bacteria’ in the hindgut
Helps offset the negative effects of excess starch consumption on the hindgut
Maintains normal fermentation & water re-absorption
Supports natural immunity

Because Equine Gold improves overall digestive efficiency it should be the only supplement your horse needs, providing of course that your horse is fed a balanced diet and has no further specific dietary needs.

Gastro Gold™ is designed for horses at risk from gastric ulcers. It is not just an antacid, but relies on ‘nutracines’ generated during a specialist fermentation process. Gastro Gold is designed to ‘buffer’ stomach acids, and moderate inflammation to support natural healing and maintain the integrity of the gastric mucosa.

Research on Gastro Gold by top veterinarians in France has yielded positive results. Forty horses with clinical signs of gastric ulceration, including loss of appetite, loss of condition or loose droppings, showed substantial improvement following 30 days of supplementation.

Gastro Gold is a palatable pellet that can be added to the existing feed. Unlike some veterinary medications such as omeprazole, Gastro Gold can be fed under the rules of racing with no withdrawal period required.