the immune system
the immune system
The Immune System in Horses
What is the Immune System?
The immune system is an intrinsic defense mechanism that protects horses from external threats like pathogens and toxins. It spans the entire body, with key organs such as the skin, mucous membranes, saliva, stomach, spleen, lymph nodes, tonsils, and intestines working together to maintain a robust immune response.
- Skin: The largest organ, enveloping the horse’s body, holding it together, and providing a barrier against foreign germs through its slightly acidic environment.
- Saliva and Tears: Contain enzymes that protect against germs.
- Stomach: Produces stomach acid that kills many germs upon entry.
While some defense mechanisms are innate, others develop through exposure to pathogens. Immune system disturbances can lead to allergies (hypersensitivity) or immune deficiencies.
Importance of Proper Feeding
The saying “the horse is what it eats” highlights the significance of appropriate feeding for a healthy immune system. As perennial grazers, horses need a steady supply of hay and crude fiber, minimal interruptions between meals, and a balanced intake of minerals. Essential trace elements and vitamins, which horses cannot produce themselves, must be supplied through their diet. The intestine, a central organ of metabolism, hosts microorganisms crucial for metabolic processes.
Challenges for the Immune System
- Coat Changes: Horses shed their coats twice a year, in autumn and spring, requiring significant nutrients and energy. This process can deplete substances needed for a strong immune system.
- Stable Conditions: In autumn, horses are stabled, leading to changes in light and air quality. Reduced sunlight, less movement, and a diet shift from grass to hay can impact their metabolism.
- Cold Season: Winter presents additional challenges with lower temperatures, moist soil, and stronger winds. These conditions increase the risk of illnesses such as colds, coughs, and mud fever.
Prophylaxis and Support
Proper feeding can support and strengthen the horse’s immune system, helping to prevent or shorten illnesses.
- Stiefel Immune Herbs: A blend of rosehip, echinacea, licorice, taiga root, peppermint, and goldenrod to boost the immune system. Rosehip is rich in vitamin C, licorice has antibiotic properties, and echinacea can reduce infection duration. These herbs can be fed preventively or during acute illnesses, particularly effective when brewed as tea.
- Zinc: An essential trace element vital for an intact immune system. Zinc cannot be stored in the body and must be regularly supplied, especially during coat changes or illness. Stiefel Zinc Plus provides a balanced ratio of trace elements, all organically sourced for optimal absorption.
- Black Cumin: Known for its positive impact on the immune system, black cumin aids in the production of bone marrow cells and interferon, which protects cells from viral infections and destroys pathological cells. It also increases B cells that produce antibodies. Black cumin seed and oil contain omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties. Stiefel black cumin pellets, cold-pressed and ready for feeding, are particularly beneficial for horses with respiratory issues or skin problems like summer eczema.
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy immune system in horses requires a comprehensive approach, including proper feeding and addressing seasonal challenges. By integrating immune-supporting herbs, essential trace elements like zinc, and beneficial supplements such as black cumin, horse owners can help ensure their horses stay healthy and resilient throughout the year.
