A GROUNDBREAKING study from the University of Surrey, UK, reveals the crucial link between early gut health in foals and their long-term health and performance outcomes. The three-year study tracked hind-gut bacterial diversity of thoroughbred racehorses from day two to day 365 of life. Results showed that foals with low gut bacterial diversity at 28 days faced higher risks of respiratory diseases, soft tissue issues, and weaker performance outcomes, including lower ratings and prize money.

Antibiotic use in early life was also investigated, revealing its negative impact on gut diversity, with increased risks of respiratory disease and poor performance. This underscores the importance of cautious antibiotic use during this critical window for gut microbial development in the first 60 days of a foal’s life.