|  This
proprietary blend of ingredients is formulated by nutritionists
at Kentucky Equine Research to be a source of beneficial
nutraceutical compounds aimed at promoting the overall good
health and soundness of Top of the Line Farm horses.
KERx Hindgut Buffer
The KERx hindgut buffer uses proprietary encapsulation
technology which facilitates release of the active ingredient
into the cecum and colon of the horse. The hindgut of the
horse is equipped with beneficial bacteria required for
the digestion of fiber. The environment in which these bacteria
flourish is easily
disrupted when horses consume significant amounts of soluble
carbohydrates, which are present in lush pasture and grain,
and are rapidly fermented in the hindgut. The primary effect
of this excessive fermentation is to dangerously lower the
pH of the hindgut environment through accumulation of lactic
acid. Disruption of the delicate hindgut environment can
result in decreased forage digestion, general digestive
upsets and production of endotoxins (which can cause a number
of serious conditions including laminitis and colic). Recent
research at KER has shown that horses consuming the KERx
buffer did not exhibit hindgut acidosis when subjected to
a hindgut challenge of a) high grain intake (figure 1) and
b) high fructan intake (figure 2). Research is currently
underway to investigate fiber digestion in horses supplemented
with the buffer. Results to date indicate
supplemented horses have increased ability to digest fiber.
Glucosamine, Chondroitin
Sulfate and MSM
The Top of the Line Farm Wellness
Supplement is enhanced with glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate
and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM). Glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate play key roles in the synthesis of synovial fluid
and the major components of the articular cartilage matrix.
Laboratory studies have illustrated the effectiveness of
chondroitin sulfate in inhibiting the enzymes associated
with inflammation and tissue destruction. MSM, a derivative
of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), is a bioavailable source of
sulfur and is important in relieving pain and inflammation.
All three of these key compounds have been provided at optimal
levels to support normal joint health and are comparable
to or greater than levels in joint supplements offered by
competitors.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E functions as a biological
antioxidant, preventing the oxidation of unsaturated lipid
materials within cellular and subcellular membranes by neutralizing
production of free radicals. It is a critically important
nutrient for all horses but is especially important for
exercise, reproduction, and for horses at risk of certain
neurological diseases. Horses with limited access to fresh
green forage have a greater need for supplemental vitamin
E since the nutrient quickly becomes depleted in stored
forages. Vitamin E can be obtained from natural or synthetic
sources but the chemical structure and bioavailability of
each is different. Research conducted at KER has shown the
natural form of the vitamin to be 56% more bioavailable
compared to the synthetic source. The vitamin E found in
theTop of the Line Farm Wellness Supplement is from a natural
source.
Mycotoxin Binder
Mycotoxins are toxic secondary
metabolites produced by molds. These toxic substances can
cause digestive disorders, reduced feed intake, and suppression
of the immune system. Mycotoxin binders are adsorbents that
can selectively bind to the mycotoxin during the digestive
process, allowing the mycotoxin to pass harmlessly through
the horse. The Top of the Line Farm supplement is enhanced
with the binder Toxy-Nil. Composed of high adsorbent clay
minerals, fermentation extract, organic acids and antioxidants,
this binder forms stable complexes with mycotoxins and prevents
absorption of these toxic substances.
Ground Flax
The main carrier in the Top of the Line Farm
Wellness Supplement is ground flax. Flax is rich in omega-3
fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids play a key role in joint
health, immune function, inflammatory response, and healthy
hair coat. The supplement also contains added biotin, a
water-soluble B vitamin essential for the maintenance of
connective tissue found in skin, hooves, and hair.
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