CAROL HUGES
MPhD, MSc, BHSII

Carol Hughes is a highly qualified microbiologist behind the formation of Equibiome.  She holds a PhD in infectious disease, and MSc in Equine Science and has completed post-graduate modules in; Environmental Science, Sustainable Grassland Management, Ruminant Microbiology, Sustainable Agriculture and Climate change and soil function.  Her passion for improving all aspects of equine welfare was particularly sparked by her introduction into the horseracing world as an equine physiotherapist, having gained her MSc.  She remained within the industry for 25 years, working to improve welfare by working with trainers.  After moving to Wales with her herd of Welsh Ponies, she analysed the chemicals of plants and grasses in her 25 acre plot, in collaboration with Bangor University.  The result was the beginning of her first company, Phytorigin.  Later, Carol was given the opportunity to research equine and canine gut biomes and subsequently set up Equibiome and Petbiome.

Equibiome is the first equine dedicated laboratory service, using the latest MiSeq NGS technology to produce a snapshot of the internal microbial community.

 

The data produced provides valuable insight into the diet, metabolism and energy production which together contribute to the health and performance of the horse. 

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The equine intestinal tract houses an incredibly complex and diverse microbial population, producing energy for the horse . The microbes directly influence good health and performance.  Including temperament, energy levels, nutrient availability and vitamin production. Your horse is what he eats and the success of the diet depends first of all on knowing what is going on in the gut!

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The rRNA extraction process is technically challenging and lengthy. Trillions of bacteria are sequenced and interpreted to give you  an accurate and real time picture of your horse's biome.