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SPILLERS Brand’s Endocrine Research Presented At Global Scientific Conference

3 weeks ago
538 views

Posted
21st January, 2025 12h05

Author
Spillers


SPILLERS™ was the sole UK feed brand to be represented at the prestigious Global Equine Endocrine Symposium (GEES) earlier this month. The brand was linked to more than 25% of the research papers presented, showcasing the latest pioneering work on endocrine disease. 

The SPILLERS brand, via the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group and international collaborators, was involved with 10 out the 37 research papers presented, thereby helping to advance its quest to better understand Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction (PPID: also known as Equine Cushing’s Syndrome), insulin dysregulation (ID) and laminitis. 

“We are extremely proud of our contributions to GEES this year,” said SPILLERS Product Manager Sarah Nelson. “Undertaking and sharing our important research is part of our ongoing mission to help senior horses and ponies live happier, healthier lives, and to help prevent as many horses and ponies as possible from developing laminitis.”

The 6th Global Equine Endocrine Symposium, hosted by Boehringer Ingelheim, took place at the World Equestrian Center Ocala, Florida from 7th – 9th January 2025. The event brings together eminent researchers and equine vets to share research and findings about equine endocrinological disease.

The 10 SPILLERS-associated papers were presented by researchers from around the world including the SPILLERS brand’s director of science, Dr Pat Harris. 

The presentations included: 

·       Research on the decrease of alpha cells and increase of beta cells in the pancreas, which may contribute to high insulin levels and laminitis risk (Presented by Simon Bailey, University of Melbourne).

·       How levels of non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) or ‘starch and sugar’ in grass change (morning vs afternoon as well as day by day) and how this can affect blood insulin levels in insulin dysregulated horses. High intakes of NSC and insulin dysregulation are known risk factors for laminitis (Presented by Morgan Askins, University Kentucky).

·       Research on the production of cytokines (proteins that play a role in inflammation) and the stimulation of insulin production after eating starch rich diets. It has been speculated that there is a link between insulin dysregulation (ID) and inflammation. (Presented by Simon Bailey, University of Melbourne). 

·       How levels of NSC (starch and sugar) in grass change throughout the day in spring vs late summer and how this can significantly affect blood insulin levels in horses with and without insulin dysregulation (Presented by Morgan Askins, University Kentucky).

·       How the concentration of insulin in the blood compares to the concentration of insulin in saliva in horses with and without ID following the oral sugar test. In this study there was no correlation between salivary insulin and serum insulin. In addition, salivary insulin concentrations did not consistently differentiate between ID and non ID animals. (Presented by Erica Jacquay, formerly of the University of Kentucky and now at Midway University, Kentucky).

·       How blood concentrations of certain, key catecholamines (hormones involved in the body’s stress response) were lower in horses with PPID compared with horses of a similar age without PPID. This could help to explain some of the clinical signs typically attributed to PPID, such as alterations in demeanour. (Presented by Nicolas Galinelli, University of Melbourne).

·       Results of an international survey investigating horse owners’ knowledge of PPID, which showed considerable scope for education of horse owners regarding PPID, since almost half of respondents self-declared an incomplete understanding of this condition and dietary changes were not always appropriate. (Presented by Pat Harris, SPILLERS). Full details of the survey are due to be published.

·       Factors associated with total adiponectin concentrations (in the blood) in native ponies, which expanded our knowledge of the potential relationship between low adiponectin (a hormone produced by fat cells), obesity and insulin dysregulation.  Low levels of adiponectin are a risk factor for laminitis. (Presented by Edd Knowles, The Royal Veterinary College). 

·       The effect of Pergolide – a drug used to treat PPID – on adiponectin concentrations in horses and ponies, which showed that Pergolide treatment slightly increased adiponectin concentrations potentially though a direct effect on fat tissue. This might have beneficial effects which require further investigation. (Presented by Skye Mackenzie, University of Melbourne).

·       How pasture-induced obesity affects insulin sensitivity and total adiponectin concentrations in the blood. The work highlighted the variability between ponies and the importance of monitoring individual animals especially those considered at increased risk of laminitis. At the end of the study all the ponies had lower levels of adiponectin than they started with, indicating a potential increased risk of laminitis. (Presented by Nicola Menzies-Gow, The Royal Veterinary College).

“The SPILLERS-associated research that was presented at GEES is an important part of our work to improve the health and welfare of horses and ponies with endocrine disease and an increased risk of laminitis,” said Sarah. “Building our knowledge and understanding of PPID and ID and its effects on horses and ponies, enables us to continue to improve our ability to predict which ones may be at greatest of laminitis, help us to minimise risks and manage them better.” 

The SPILLERS brand is committed to improving the health and welfare of horses and ponies. For the past 22 years the brand, via the WALTHAM™ Equine Studies Group, has been involved with numerous research collaborations which bring together world-leading equine veterinary, nutrition and research experts to support the wellbeing, performance and longevity of senior horses and ponies. By translating their science and sharing highlights and practical take home messages the brand endeavours to give the owners of seniors the extra support they need to help keep their horses in the best possible health.

To find out more about the SPILLERS range contact the Care-Line on + 44 (0)1908 226626 or visit www.spillers-feeds.com.


 


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