Protexin

The inclusion of Protexin multi-strain probiotic in the Mitavite XLR8 formulation is a breakthrough in the provision of a complete racing feed that more comprehensively addresses the needs of equine athletes.

It recognises that the racing thoroughbreds' and standardbreds' performance can be significantly affected by their gastro-intestinal well-being. Like any athlete, training and racing at the highest level, horses are susceptible to many stresses which disturb the natural balance of microflora in the gut. This can lead to undesirable outcomes and ultimately retard performance.

XLR8 is an outstanding racing feed offering many advantages - steam-extruded and micronized grains for improved digestibility, Omega 3 oils for added energy and many other benefits, one of the highest levels of biotin of any complete feed for greater hoof care and a matchless standard in essential amino acid levels with chelated minerals - for muscle growth and repair and support for skeletal development and bone strength.

However, without a healthy well functioning digestive system many of these benefits would not be enjoyed at planned optimum levels. The synergy between XLR8 and Protexin was obvious and the catalyst for its inclusion in the formulation.

While some trainers may already be familiar with Protexin and its benefits, additional information has been included in this bulletin.

Trainers' Concerns
From comments, it appears obvious one of the major issues facing trainers is that of maintaining a healthy appetite. Most horses retain a reasonable appetite up until they trial, at which time they tend to tighten up and depending on age and experience, can react in a number of ways. One example with young inexperienced horses is that they may tend to sleep more and lay around, whereas experienced older animals may tend to relax but be very alert prior to trialling or racing. In both cases they will probably lose weight (up to 15 kgs or more) and recovery is generally based on horses returning to original weight - which may take from a few days up to 2 weeks.

Stress is the common denominator affecting both groups. The results may include lack of appetite, restlessness, walking fences, lethargy and bowel looseness. Stress disrupts the balance and activity of gut bacteria which can lead to reduced digestive function and depending on severity, can take the edge off performance. A common cause of stress, which all horses are exposed to, is being trucked or floated (which may take from minutes to several hours) to trial or race. The trip and being away from familiar surroundings and their mates can be handled well by some and be very distressing to others, which, logically, has to effect performance.

COMMON CAUSES OF STRESS FOR HORSES IN RACING
TRAINING/EXERCISE
FLOATING
DIET CHANGES
NEW STABLING
ANTIBIOTIC USE RE-LOCATION
TEMPERATURE EXTREMES.

Protexin's Role
As these are high performance animals Protexin's role is to help protect them from the impacts of stress. Protexin works to maintain appetite, optimise gut health, optimise digestibility of feed, reduce the potential for digestive upsets, build immunity, restrict overgrowth of disease-causing bacteria in the gut and generally enhance the animal's health, naturally.
Protexin is wholly natural, safe, (cannot be over dosed/overfed), non toxic, and does not contravene the rules of racing.

We've come a long way since yoghurt.
Yoghurt has been used in the past to treat digestive upsets but food grade bacteria (in this case lactobacillus acidophilus) degenerates quickly to the point where only very small quantities remain by time of usage. Tens of litres and more would need to be consumed to match the Protexin in one days' feed of XLR8 (and then it would only be with one to three strains of bacteria).
Intestinal dysfunction and upsets to gut microflora may require a combination of 4 or more different strains of bacteria, at appropriate levels, to restore balance, which is why there are 9 different strains in the Protexin formulations.

Protexin remains the most advanced and comprehensive multi-strain probiotic yet registered with the National Registration Authority.

PROTEXIN'S BACTERIAL STRAINS
Lactobacillus acidophilus; L. delbrueckii subspecies bulgaricus; L. plantarum; L. rhamnosus; Bifidobacterium bifidum;
Enterococcus faecium; Streptococcus salivarius
subspecies thermophllus; Aspergillus oryzae; Candida pintolepesii.

Dosage Rates
Protexin is available in powder, liquid and soluble forms and individual dosage rates are noted on labels.

These products are mostly used for therapeutic purposes, administered initially at stress levels. then reduced to maintenance levels for a period. Ongoing problems with affected horses may be safely addressed by continuous usage - however, this is not a common situation.

XLR8's concentration is at 1gm per kilogram of feed and assuming 5 kilos are fed per day, the horse ingests 5 gins of Protexin. This is an 'everyday' dose, not intended as a therapeutic treatment, but designed to protect and maintain levels of microflora in the gut - preventing problems before they start and/or reducing the impact of disturbances.

For horses which are already experiencing digestive problems, XLR8's greater digestibility can assist and the Protexin in the feed can be augmented by additional administration of Protexin powder, liquid or soluble to suit the needs of the individual horse.