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More than 30 years ago, Kentucky Equine Research® was founded by equine nutritionist Joe Pagan, Ph.D., with one goal in mind: to put innovations in equine nutrition and exercise physiology in the hands of feed manufacturers and horse owners.
From the beginning, Pagan envisioned worldwide reach in achieving this goal. Soon after the company opened its doors, it launched a satellite office in Australia, which continues to serve thriving racehorse and performance-horse markets. Further expansion occurred during the intervening years, and Kentucky Equine Research now works with feed manufacturers on six continents. Under the unwavering leadership of Pagan, the company is a global leader in many facets of equine nutrition.
At the Heart: Research
As the name of the company suggests, the cornerstone of Kentucky Equine Research is its in-house exploration of nutrition and exercise physiology. Year-round trials form the basis for development of novel feed ingredients and nutritional supplements. The trials are conducted at two facilities in the United States, the flagship farm in Kentucky and the Thoroughbred training center in Florida.
Different research trials have been conducted at Kentucky Equine Research over the years. Digestibility trials determine how horses derive nutrients from different feedstuffs and how nutrients interact with one another to affect digestibility. Feed preference trials measure palatability among different feedstuffs and flavors. Exercise studies involve treadmill tests of various intensities, including sprint and endurance trials. More recent trials have focused on heart rate and lactate concentration as a measure of performance, as well as the effect of common medications such as furosemide and omeprazole on nutrient digestibility.
In addition to its own studies, Kentucky Equine Research collaborates with world-renowned scientists in academia to develop and patent products and diagnostic techniques that target specific problems in young, growing horses and equine athletes. One notable partnership involved pioneering work with professor Stephanie Valberg, D.V.M., Ph.D., which resulted in the formulation of the first low-starch feed intended for horses with exertional rhabdomyolysis, or tying-up. This alliance revolutionized the feeding of racehorses, as tying-up is a frequent cause of wastage in the racing industry.
Boosting Feed Quality Through Premixes
Feed manufacturers worldwide rely on Kentucky Equine Research to provide expertise in formulation, ingredient technology, and quality control, in addition to technical support. At the center of these relationships with feed, manufacturers lie micronutrient premixes formulated by Kentucky Equine Research. Premixes represent the nutritional core of modern horse feeds, combining vitamins and minerals in an easy-to-mix form suited for textured or pelleted formulas. By using a premix, feed manufacturers can guarantee precision in fortification for all classes of horses.
The formulations and exclusive premixes used in partner feeds to reflect the latest findings in nutrition research. Each premix is customized with the region’s specific climate and soil conditions in mind and with an understanding of the nutritional profile of forages available in the area.
Beyond Feeds: Specialised Nutritional Supplements
In the early 2000s, Kentucky Equine Research responded to requests for more specialized products for horses with specific nutritional needs by developing a line of cutting-edge supplements. Designed to work in concert with partner feeds, these supplements are thoroughly researched and produced with a stringent level of quality control. Proprietary ingredients and unique solutions characterize the products.
As an example of its ingenuity, Kentucky Equine Research recently released Nano-Q10™, a source of the antioxidant coenzyme Q10, or ubiquinone, a compound known to improve aerobic energy generation and protect against exercise-induced muscle damage. Nano-Q10 targets cells through nanotechnology, a delivery mechanism that boosts bioavailability. In fact, research has shown that Nano-Q10 is three times more bioavailable than powdered crystalline ubiquinone.
Kentucky Equine Research relies on a global network of international distributors, including Barastoc and Milne in Australia, to supply horse owners and trainers with its line of research-based products, including
With a rich history of research, product development, and consultation, Kentucky Equine Research has established itself as a leader in equine nutrition worldwide and will continue with the same commitment to excellence in the coming years. For more information, visit ker.com.