Effects of astaxanthin on gut microbiota of polo ponies during deconditioning and reconditioning periods

The present study asses the effects of astaxanthin (ASTX) supplementation on the equine gut microbiota during a deconditioning-reconditioning cycle in polo ponies. Tweleve polo ponies were assigned to a control (CON) or supplemented (ASTX) group. Horses in CON did not receive any supplement whereas ASTX received 75 mg ASTX daily orally for 32 wk. At the beginning of the study, all horses underwent a 16-wk deconditioning period, where no forced exercise was given. Horses then underwent a 16-wk reconditioning program where physical activity gradually increased. Fecal samples were obtained at four different timepoints: the beginning of the study (Baseline), after deconditioning (PostDecon), after reconditioning (PostRecon), and 16 weeks after the cessation of ASTX supplementation (Washout).