Kelato GastroAID Technical Guide

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1 Key Features and Benefits Kelato GastroAID Technical Guide GastroAID is designed to maintain optimum gut health and function, and enhance digestibility and feed utilisation. Aids total digestive tract health. Provides symptomatic relief from gastric ulcers and hindgut acidosis. Stabilises stomach and hindgut ph. Forms a gel lining on the stomach wall and strengthens the stomach mucosa (lining). Blocks pathogens (bacteria) known to cause diarrhoea. Enhances the horse s natural immune response. Provides fibre-fermenting microbes to maintain a positive microbial balance in the hindgut. Ingredients and How They Work Antacids - Calcium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate It is possible that non-glandular gastric ulcers in horses are similar to gastro-oesophageal reflux or heartburn in humans, caused by a combination of gastric acid and other digestive secretions burning the stomach lining. Antacids are designed to counteract or neutralise acidity to protect the stomach lining. When a horse chews it produces saliva, which contains bicarbonate and is the horse s natural buffering system. A horse grazing pasture normally produces approximately 10 litres of saliva per day, whereas a stabled horse produces approximately 4 litres per day. So, if access to grazing is restricted, the horse s natural ability to buffer stomach acid with bicarbonate and other alkalis in saliva is compromised. Antacids provide a relatively short duration of action against excess gastric acid to protect the stomach lining. They provide some symptomatic relief from the discomfort associated with ulcers. The amount present in GastroAID will NOT result in an elevated bicarbonate reading in the racing horse (this is dependent on whether other bicarbonate is supplemented). Coating Agents Pectin and Lecithin Pectin Pectins are found in the cell wall of fruits, tubers and the stems of plants. In the presence of a low ph, pectins turn into a gel that binds bile acids in the stomach. They also help to stabilise the protective mucous in the glandular (lower) stomach and increase the buffering capacity of the stomach acid, resulting in a less acidic environment after a meal. Pectins are digested in the colon and are a source of soluble fibre.

2 A study of 10 Standardbred horses fed a pectin-lecithin complex (Ferrucci et al. 2003) details how, in combination, this complex improved ulcer scores and performance, decreased excitability during competition, and improved bodyweight and appetite. Lecithin Lecithin is a naturally occurring phospholipid. Phospholipids are made up of two fatty acids, which are attached to a glycerol head. The glycerol head region of the molecule is hydrophilic (attracts water), while the fatty acid tail is hydrophobic (repels water). Lecithin is the most abundantly found phospholipid in animal and plant cell membranes, and is most commonly derived from soybeans. It is understood that these surface-active phospholipids contained within the gastric juices attach themselves (adsorb) to the lining or mucosal layer of the stomach by their glycerol heads, leaving their hydrophobic tails exposed to the food contents (lumen) of the stomach. This arrangement helps provide a hydrophobic (water repelling) barrier between the tissue of the stomach wall and the gastric contents, which repels hydrophilic (water liking) substances, such as acid, away from the stomach wall. Pectin acts with lecithin to form a hydrophobic barrier on the gastric mucosal membranes, shielding it against the corrosive effects of gastric acids and strengthening the mucosal epithelium of the stomach (Andrews et al. 2015). Prebiotic - Agrimos Agrimos is a prebiotic that is composed of 24% Mano-oligosaccharides (MOS) and 25% Beta-glucans, and is extracted from the yeast cell walls of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Agrimos helps to reduce the risk of opportunistic pathogenic infections of the gut and reinforces the growth of beneficial intestinal microflora. MOS - Bind to diarrhoea-causing bacteria and prevent cell wall invasion. MOS are natural oligosaccharides that block pathogen colonisation within the digestive tract of the animal. They achieve this at the bacterial attachment level, i.e. they stop pathogens (bacteria) from attaching to cell walls in the host animal s hindgut, which is essential for infection. This has a direct effect on the health and wellbeing of the animal, as it can prevent serious disease. MOS are known to help in maintaining an optimal balance of beneficial gut microflora in animals. Beta-glucans Strengthen natural immune defences. Beta-glucans are a type of sugar found in yeast cell walls and other plants, algae, bacteria, fungi, etc. They are particularly important to support the nonspecific immune system of the animal (first immune response). Beta-glucans can bind with specific receptors present at the surface of immune cells and enhance the activation of the immune response. Basically, they enhance the readiness of these immune cells to attack any foreign body perceived as non-self (e.g. viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, cancer, etc).

3 Probiotic Levucell SC Levucell SC is a natural, concentrated live yeast (probiotic) that assists the digestive processes in the horse s colon. Levucell helps to maintain a suitable environment in the hindgut to support a healthy balance of microflora. Levucell SC Benefits: Reduces the risk of hindgut acidosis by increasing the number of lactate-utilising bacteria, thereby reducing total lactate in the hindgut (i.e. stabilises hindgut ph levels). Supplies some of the nutrients essential for the development of a healthy balance of microflora in the hindgut (e.g amino acids and B vitamins). Live Saccharomyces cerevisiae (strain SC ) creates optimal anaerobic conditions for microflora by scavenging residual oxygen in the digestive tract (fibre-digesting bacteria are very sensitive to the presence of oxygen). SC is particularly rich in raw fibre-fermenting bacteria and therefore improves fibre digestion. Improves the growth and development of foals through an increase in the fermentation of fibre and the absorption of the key minerals calcium and phosphorus, which are needed to build strong, healthy bones. Shown to increase milk production and quality in lactating mares. Intake Rates How to Use GastroAID GastroAID Digestive Powder Use this product for initial treatment if you suspect your horse has ulcers, following treatment with proton-pump inhibitor drugs such as omeprazole (or ranitidine), or during periods of stress. The difference between the Digestive and the Stabiliser is the Digestive contains lecithin and a higher percentage of pectins, which will provide an improved gel-like layer over the stomach lining. Use GastroAID Digestive in foals as they are more prone to ulcers. Dose rate: 50g per 100kg bodyweight (divided over two feeds). Requires supplementation for a minimum of 6 weeks. Ideally, supplement your horse with GastroAID Digestive until you see a significant improvement in clinical signs. Some horses are particularly prone to ulceration and may benefit from remaining on the Digestive rather than transitioning to the Stabiliser. Safe for long term use. Can be mixed with water and syringed over the back of the tongue.

4 GastroAID Stabiliser Pellets To be used as a maintenance supplement after the Digestive. Dose rate: 50g per 100kg bodyweight (divided over two feeds). Safe for long term use If you feel there has been no effect or the horse is showing clinical signs of gastric ulcers, consider changing to GastroAID Digestive. Horse Weight g per day Dose Rates Per Feed Scoops per feed (AM & PM) 100kg 50g 25g 1/4 200kg 100g 50g 1/2 300kg 150g 75g 3/4 400kg 200g 100g 1 450kg 225g 112.5g 1 1/8 500kg 250g 125g 1 1/4 550kg 275g 137.5g 1 1/4 600kg 300g 150g kg 325g 162.5g 1.5 Frequently Asked Questions How long does it take to see results? Studies have shown that changes in gastric ulcers take at least four weeks (more often six weeks) to visualise. However, there are many anecdotal reports of improvement that is seen within two weeks (sometimes days!) The signs observed include: Improved appetite Formed faeces Improved attitude Improved performance of your horse Improved coat condition Weight gain More energy

5 Can I feed a half dose? No. Testing has determined the dose and best results are seen when fed twice daily as per instructions. Can I feed GastroAID with other supplements/medicines? Yes and no. It is wise not to feed GastroAID concurrently with omeprazole or ranitidine, as the functions are contradictory (it will however do no harm). There are no issues feeding it with any other medications. Is it safe to leave my horse on GastroAID for a prolonged period of time? Yes. In fact, this is recommended. Continue feeding even while your horse is spelling. Is GastroAID safe to feed to racing horses? GastroAID Digestive and GastroAID Stabiliser are safe to feed to racehorses, but are not permitted within one clear day of racing. What is the difference between GastroAID Digestive and GastroAID Stabiliser? GastroAID Digestive contains lecithin (24%), whereas Stabiliser has NO lecithin. GastroAID Digestive has more pectins (12%) than the Stabiliser (4%) and therefore creates a better lining on the stomach. If any horse has a history of ulcers, GastroAID Digestive is recommended. Why does my horse do well on the powder, but when I try the pellet he goes backwards? This is likely due to the ulcers requiring more time to resolve. Commonly, many horses suffer from ulcers, particularly while in work or competing. The best you can do is keep the ulcers under control by continuing with GastroAID Digestive. Is GastroAID competition safe? GastroAID does not contain any substances on the FEI Prohibited Substances List (2018). GastroAID Digestive and GastroAID Stabiliser are safe to feed to racehorses, but are not permitted within one clear day of racing. Racehorse trainers are encouraged to consult with their appropriate racing authority if they are concerned. Can I feed GastroAID with my horse s normal diet? Yes.

6 Can I feed GastroAID to horses prone to laminitis? While GastroAID does NOT cause laminitis, depending on the horse s diet it may be enough to tip them over the edge. GastroAID contains approximately 25% oat flour in the Digestive and 42% oat flour in the Stabiliser. While the level of non-structural carbohydrates (NSC) in a dose of GastroAID is considered to be negligible, depending on the horse s diet it may be enough to tip a laminitic prone horse over the edge. Our Technical Manager is happy to discuss your horse s diet as a whole with you, as it is better to be safe than sorry. Which would you recommend: GastroAID Digestive or GastroAID Stabiliser? In any horse that has been diagnosed with ulcers previously, we always recommend GastroAID Digestive. In any horse that has a strong suspicion of ulcers use GastroAID Digestive. In any horse where the Stabiliser results in no change use GastroAID Digestive. Consider using GastroAID Stabiliser for horses without clinical signs and who are out on pasture with very little stress in their life, but are prone to digestive conditions. References Andrews, FM, Larson, C & Harris P 2015, Nutritional management of gastric ulceration, Equine Veterinary Education, pp Ferrucci, F, Zucca, E, Croci, C, Di Fabio, V & Ferro E 2003, Treatment of gastric ulceration in 10 Standardbred racehorses with a pectin-lecithin complex, Veterinary Record, vol. 152, pp Richardson, K 2016, Are Pectin-Lecithin Supplements Effective in Preventing and Treating Ulcers?, Horses and People, viewed 23 October 2017, < Woodward, MC, Huff, NK, Garza F Jr, Keowen, ML, Kearney, MT & Andrews, FM 2014, Effect of pectin, lecithin, and antacid feed supplements (Egusin ) on gastric ulcer scores, gastric fluid ph and blood gas values in horses, BMC Veterinary Research, vol. 10, Suppl. 1, pp