Equine Research Digestion

Investigation of the fermentation activity & buffering action of AquaCid invitro

M Moore-Colyer, Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, UK
Manuscript Submitted for Publication
This research evaluated the potential for AquaCid to increase fermentation and to buffer acid
production by measuring gas production, lactic acid production and pH levels in-vitro. The in-vitro
techniques used were designed to simulate-hind gut conditions in the horse. Pre-digestion
conditions were incorporated to simulate the enzyme activity and acidic conditions of the foregut.
Treatment Diets:
Two commercial diets rich in fibre or concentrate were combined to give 4 treatment diets.
Fermentation of these diets was then investigated in the presence or absence of AquaCid.
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High Fibre Diet +/- AquaCid

70:30 high fibre: high concentrate mix +/- AquaCid
30:70 high fibre: high concentrate mix +/- AquaCid
High concentrate diet +/- AquaCid

Measurements:
Gas Production
Lactic Acid Production
pH levels
Results:
Increased concentrate ratios in the diets resulted in increased fermentation as measured by
increased lactate levels and gas production and by a drop in pH
The addition of AquaCid numerically stimulated fermentation as measured by lactate production
(1.87 mmol/L) and gas production. This benefit is due to the inclusion of the scFOS prebiotic in
AquaCid.
The buffering capacity of AquaCid kept pH levels constant in all diets despite the rise in lactate
production.
Incubation of AquaCid with solutions designed to mimic foregut acid hydrolysis did not prevent
the beneficial action of either scFOS or the buffering capacity of AquaCid.
Conclusions:
AquaCid increased fermentation rates
AquaCid prevented a drop in pH
AquaCid was not degraded by simulated foregut hydrolysis