Effects of a propriety oiled mixed hay feeding system on lung function, neutrophilic airway inflammation and oxidative stress in severe asthmatic horses.

Summary

# Editorial Summary Severe equine asthma remains heavily influenced by hay feeding, yet complete hay removal is neither practical nor desirable for most horses; the Nutri-Foin Système addresses this challenge by coating mechanically processed hay with soybean oil to reduce dust inhalation. The research team evaluated whether this oiled hay system could improve lung function and reduce airway inflammation markers in horses with severe asthma, measuring bronchoalveolar lavage fluid neutrophil counts, oxidative stress biomarkers, and dynamic compliance alongside clinical assessments. Results demonstrated meaningful reductions in neutrophilic airway inflammation and oxidative stress indices in horses fed the proprietary system compared to controls, with corresponding improvements in pulmonary function parameters. For practitioners managing SEA cases, this approach offers a practical middle ground—allowing continued hay feeding whilst potentially reducing reliance on pharmaceutical intervention—though individual horse responses and proper implementation of the oiling protocol remain important variables. Whilst not a replacement for environmental management and medical therapy, incorporating such feeding strategies into a comprehensive SEA control plan warrants consideration as part of multimodal management protocols.

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Key Findings

• •Nutri-Foin Système incorporates soybean oil into mechanized hay to reduce inhaled dust particles
• •Study evaluated effects on lung function markers in horses with severe asthma
• •Treatment aimed to control SEA clinical signs while maintaining hay feeding

Conditions Studied

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