Overview

• Research analyzed gut bacteria in 52 foals, tracking their health and race performance over three years.
• Higher bacterial diversity at one month old correlates with better race results and fewer health issues.
• Early antibiotic use negatively impacts gut microbiome diversity, leading to poorer race outcomes and higher disease risk.
• Findings suggest responsible antibiotic use and potential for probiotics to enhance foal gut health.
• Study underscores the critical role of gut health in the early development of racehorses.