In vitro assessment of horse-isolated strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Ligilactobacillus equi species for fecal microbiota modulation in horses.
Authors: Nogacka A M, García A, G de Los Reyes-Gavilán C, Arboleya S, Gueimonde M
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Maintaining a balanced hindgut microbiota is fundamental to equine health and digestive efficiency, yet evidence-based probiotic interventions remain limited, particularly those using strains isolated from horses themselves. Researchers conducted in vitro fermentation studies using faecal inocula from Asturcón horses, supplementing cultures with four lactobacilli strains (two *Lactobacillus acidophilus* and two *Ligilactobacillus equi* isolates) derived from the same breed, then characterising microbiota composition via 16S rRNA gene sequencing and short-chain fatty acid production through gas chromatography. Of the four candidates tested, *L. acidophilus* IPLA20127 demonstrated the most promising profile: it increased microbiota diversity, elevated relative abundance of the *Lactobacillus* genus, and boosted butyric and valeric acid concentrations without inducing excessive pH reduction, pathological gas accumulation, or dysbiotic shifts. For equine practitioners, this work suggests that strain selection matters considerably in probiotic development—not all lactobacilli produce equivalent metabolic benefits—and that equine-origin isolates warrant further in vivo investigation as they appear capable of promoting favourable fermentation patterns without the risks (acidification, bloat potential) associated with less-selective supplementation strategies.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •L. acidophilus IPLA20127 may serve as a safe probiotic candidate for horses with compromised hindgut fermentation, though further in vivo trials are needed before clinical application
- •Using equine-origin probiotic strains appears more promising than generic probiotics for maintaining healthy intestinal microbiota composition in horses
- •Probiotic selection should focus on strains that increase short-chain fatty acids (particularly butyrate) without causing acidosis or bloating
Key Findings
- •L. acidophilus IPLA20127 increased intestinal microbiota diversity and Lactobacillus genus abundance in fecal fermentation models
- •L. acidophilus IPLA20127 produced higher butyric and valeric acid levels without causing pH reduction or excessive gas production
- •Ligilactobacillus equi strains did not demonstrate the same beneficial metabolic profile as L. acidophilus IPLA20127 in this in vitro model
- •Horse-origin lactobacilli strains show potential as probiotic supplements for maintaining hindgut fermentation balance