Strong Inside, Sound Outside: Why Bone and Gut Health Are Crucial in Sales Prep

As yearling sales season approaches, breeders, consignors, and pinhookers are busy preparing the next generation of equine athletes. But while conformation and movement are all under scrutiny in the ring, what’s happening inside the horse, particularly in its bones and gut, can be just as important to its success.

Groundbreaking research published last year in Scientific Reports has added weight to the growing understanding of the critical role of the gut microbiome in equine development. The study, by Leng et al. (2024), followed over 50 thoroughbred foals from birth through training and racing, tracking the composition of their gut bacteria in the first year of life and comparing it to performance and health outcomes later on.

The results were eye-opening: foals with a more diverse and balanced gut microbiome in their first year of life were more likely to achieve racing success, including better ratings and prize money. More than just digestion, the gut microbiome influences nutrient absorption, immune function, energy metabolism, and even inflammation regulation, factors that all play into a young horse’s physical development and ability to withstand the rigors of training and competition.

Critically, the study also found that foals with less microbial diversity were at a higher risk of diseases, including respiratory infections and orthopaedic issues. At just 28 days of age, those with healthier gut profiles had a reduced risk of developing inflammatory conditions and showed signs of greater resilience.

This is where Plusvital’s new supplement, Bone-Biome, fits seamlessly into modern sales prep strategies. Developed in response to the latest research, Bone-Biome is a dual-action supplement designed to support both skeletal development and microbiome health, two pillars of soundness and future athletic performance.

Breeders have long prioritised bone health, often supplementing calcium and phosphorus during the mare’s late gestation or early foal development. Bone-Biome enhances this approach with highly bioavailable phosphorus, along with marine-sourced magnesium and triple-source calcium, to ensure the developing skeleton has the essential nutrients for the structural integrity it needs.

But where Bone-Biome really innovates is in its support for gut health. Ingredients including beta-glucans, known for their immune-modulating and microbiome-enhancing properties, help foster a healthy gastrointestinal environment. This is essential, especially when up to 80% of the horse’s immune system is located in the gut.

The foal’s gut microbiome is seeded at birth, inherited from the dam. This means that supporting the mare’s gut health during late pregnancy not only benefits her, but also optimises the foal’s initial microbial population. From there, nutrition plays a key role, especially during high-stress phases such as weaning, sales preparation, breaking, and the start of training.

Gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria in the gut) during these critical windows can compromise the horse’s immune response, nutrient utilisation, and overall growth. In practical terms, this could mean increased susceptibility to illness, reduced training days, and ultimately, a diminished chance of sales success.

With Bone-Biome, Plusvital provides a science-led solution that supports horses from the inside out. By targeting both bone integrity and microbiome balance, the supplement gives young horses the best chance to grow soundly, stay healthy, and perform at their peak, not just in the sales ring, but well into their racing careers.

As we continue to unlock the potential of the gut-bone connection, one thing is clear: the future of performance starts earlier than we thought, and it begins in the gut.

Bone-Biome: Strong bones. Strong gut. Strong immunity. Strong future.

Reference:

Leng, J. et al. (2024). Early-life gut bacterial community structure predicts disease risk and athletic performance in horses bred for racing. Scientific Reports, 14(1), p.17124.