SPILLERS Brand Showcases Pioneering Equine Nutrition Research At European Conference
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Eleven new studies involving the SPILLERSTM brand highlight practical advances in feeding and managing horses to reduce laminitis risk and improve understanding of the equine microbiome
New findings on laminitis risk, grazing management and the equine microbiome were among the latest research studies presented by SPILLERSTM scientists and collaborators at the 13th European Workshop on Equine Nutrition (EWEN) in Lisbon, Portugal earlier this month.
Held every two years, EWEN brings together leading equine nutrition scientists, veterinarians, technical specialists and industry professionals from across Europe and beyond to share the latest scientific advances shaping equine health and nutrition.
The researchers representing the science behind the SPILLERS brand delivered eight presentations covering 11 studies, with seven of these offering new insights into two of the equine veterinary sector’s most important areas of research: reducing the risk of laminitis and advancing understanding of the equine digestive system and microbiome.
Links between NSC in grass and laminitis1
Laminitis remains one of the most significant health challenges facing horses and ponies. Most cases of laminitis are related to high levels of insulin in the blood. In many of these situations, laminitis is triggered by the horse or pony consuming enough non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) or ‘starch and sugar’ to raise insulin levels.
SPILLERS brand-associated research presented at EWEN provided valuable new information to help owners and veterinary professionals better manage horses at risk of laminitis.
Among the key findings were:
- Spring grass was shown to contain consistently high levels of NSC throughout the day and overnight, resulting in high insulin levels in ID and some non ID horses.
- In late summer, NSC levels in grass peaked at 7pm and were lowest early in the morning, with insulin responses in ID horses closely mirroring these changes.
- Moving from grass to a grass-free dry lot and feeding low NSC hay significantly reduced insulin levels after 24-hours in five of the six ID horses studied.
- Grazing muzzles may help to reduce insulin response in some horses, although their effectiveness varies between individuals and may be influenced by grass NSC levels.
“In terms of practical advice for horse owners the studies show that we mustn’t assume that early morning turnout is always safe during periods when grass NSC levels remain high,” said Edd Knowles, Science Director at Mars Horsecare, home of the SPILLERS Brand.
“Even metabolically healthy horses can produce high amounts of insulin when grazing high-NSC pasture, while insulin-dysregulated horses may still require restricted grazing even when grass sugar levels are relatively low.
“Complete removal from pasture may be necessary for horses at greatest risk especially during high-risk periods such as spring and autumn, while veterinary guidance and individual testing remain essential, as horses can respond very differently to the same forage.”
Unravelling the mysteries of the microbiome2
The equine microbiome continues to attract growing interest for its role in digestion, metabolism and overall health. Studies presented by SPILLERS researchers and collaborators explored the complexity and variability of the horse's digestive system.
The most notable findings were:
- The faecal microbiome can change in a short space of time (samples taken 24-hours apart), even when there are no changes to diet or management.
- In certain situations, different microbial populations may perform similar digestive functions, at least in vitro.
Researchers showcased advances in in vitro laboratory models that simulate equine digestion, developed through a long-term collaboration between the Royal Agricultural University, the University of Glasgow and SPILLERS.3-7
“These increasingly sophisticated models allow scientists to evaluate how different feeds and ingredients are digested in both the foregut and hindgut while reducing reliance on in vivo studies,” said Edd Knowles.
“The technology is expected to play an increasingly important role as the industry explores novel feed ingredients in response to climate change and seeks a deeper understanding of how nutrition influences the microbiome.”
The SPILLERS brand, together with collaborators, has published more than 100 scientific papers related to laminitis, obesity and EMS, resulting from more than twenty years of research. Wherever possible, the findings are translated into practical advice to help owners care for their horses in the best way possible.
To explore expert advice and resources on equine nutrition and for personalised nutrition support visit www.spillers-feeds.com or call the SPILLERS Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626.
ENDS
*SPILLERS does not participate in invasive digestibility studies
References
1. M.J. Askins, P.A. Harris, M.E. McClendon, A.A. Adams, Nonstructural carbohydrates and management strategies influence on horses with insulin dysregulation, Animal - Science proceedings, (2026), 17: 169, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anscip.2026.06.033.
2. S. Daniels, S Martin, P. Harris, M.J.S. Moore-Colyer, Variability within the equid gut microbiome over two sampling time points, Animal - Science proceedings, (2026), 17: 166, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anscip.2026.06.027.
3. D.E.F. Taylor, V. Farci, P.M. Hastie, J.A.M.D. Murray, P.A. Harris, S.P. Daniels, The effect of simulated foregut digestion on gas composition during in vitro fermentation of meadow hay with equid faecal inoculum, Animal - Science proceedings, (2026), 17: 159, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anscip.2026.06.014.
4. D.E.F. Taylor, V. Farci, P.M. Hastie, J.A.M.D. Murray, P.A. Harris, S.P. Daniels, Effect of simulated foregut digestion and gas production (GP) system on in vitro fermentation kinetics of meadow hay in equids, Animal - Science proceedings, (2026), 17: 160, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anscip.2026.06.016.
5. D.E.F. Taylor, V. Farci, P.M. Hastie, J.A.M.D. Murray, P.A. Harris, S.P. Daniels, Assessment of gas composition during in vitro fermentation of feedstuffs with equid faecal inoculum, Animal - Science proceedings, (2026), 17: 161, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anscip.2026.06.018.
6. Daniels, S Martin, P. Harris, M.J.S. Moore-Colyer, Effect of prior gut microbiome stability on in vitro gas production kinetics, Animal - Science proceedings, (2026), 17: 159-160, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anscip.2026.06.015.
7. S. Daniels, S Martin, P. Harris, M.J.S. Moore-Colyer, Is lag time within in vitro gas production a system factor or biological?, Animal - Science proceedings, (2026), 17:160-161, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.anscip.2026.06.017.
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