Insight into your horse’s gut microbiome
Health begins earlier than you can see from the outside
VET-Lab shows what is happening in your horse’s gut microbiome. The report explains which bacterial groups are present, how active they are and how they interact. It gives you practical guidance to help you make informed changes to feeding and management.
Science led · Preventive · Independent Laboratory
Built on more than ten years of human microbiome expertise from NL-Lab in the Netherlands.
Changes you cannot always see
What looks calm on the outside may already be shifting within.
A horse can appear healthy even while the ecosystem of bacterial groups in its gut microbiome is already changing. Feeding, stress, parasites, forage quality, antibiotics, other medication, hormones, training, life stage, relocation, pregnancy and weaning can all affect that balance.
An imbalance may be associated with digestive discomfort, slower recovery, changes in focus, less consistent performance, and greater susceptibility to infection or injury.
VET-Lab helps you identify changes earlier and see where targeted adjustments may be useful.
For everyone
making decisions
about a horse’s health
For owners
Get a clear view of your horse’s gut microbiome through a detailed report that helps you make informed choices about feeding and management.
Use the findings to support day-to-day health, recovery and consistent performance.
For breeders and trainers
Follow mares, foals and young horses through rearing, weaning, feed changes and other periods of transition. See where an individual horse or the group may need extra attention to stay in the best possible condition.
For vets and practitioners
Use additional microbiome data to support decision-making and give owners a clearer explanation of what the results may mean. The vet retains medical oversight throughout.
The gut microbiome
Why the gut
microbiome
influences so much
The gut microbiome is a complex ecosystem. Bacterial groups work together to digest feed, produce usable compounds and maintain a stable gut environment. The composition, balance and activity of these groups are connected to:
Digestion and feed utilisation
how fibre and other nutrients are broken down into usable building blocks.
Energy and motivation
how feed is converted into usable energy for the body.
Recovery and performance
how the horse responds to training and exertion.
Resilience
how the gut microbiome supports the gut wall and immune function.
Behaviour and focus
through the interplay between gut, brain and nervous system.
Digestive complaints
are linked to symptoms that show up in manure, gas formation or abdominal sensitivity.
The report gives a practical starting point for tailoring feeding, management and support to the horse.
One manure sample
Two separate
analyses
VET-Lab can run two separate analyses from the same manure sample.
Gut microbiome analysis
VET-Lab shows which bacterial groups are present, their relative abundance, how active they are and how they relate within the wider ecosystem. This gives you a more functional view of what is happening in the gut microbiome and where changes to feeding or management may be useful.
Separate parasite test
VET-Lab can use the same sample for a separate analysis of worms and other parasites. The results can help you discuss follow-up testing and any treatment with your vet.
From report to
clear advice
The gut microbiome report translates the findings into practical feeding and management recommendations, prioritised by what needs attention first. You can see where to start.
Science-led
Measuring what
bacteria are doing
VET-Lab uses the patented C-FISH analysis method. Fluorescent DNA probes make selected groups of microorganisms visible. Advanced image analysis then counts and interprets the signals. This shows which bacterial groups are present, their abundance and their metabolic activity.
Activity can change sooner than absolute numbers. VET-Lab assesses abundance and activity alongside scientific knowledge about bacterial functions and their role within the wider ecosystem. The result is a more detailed view of what is happening in the gut microbiome.
Why activity matters
A bacterial group can be present in large numbers yet be barely active. A smaller bacterial group can be highly active. Assessing both abundance and activity provides a more functional interpretation of the gut microbiome and supports more precise, targeted changes.
From manure sample to
targeted adjustment
Choose your analysis
Select the package and sampling time that best suit your horse and your situation.
Take the sample
You receive a test kit with clear instructions for collecting and returning the sample.
Receive the report
VET-Lab analyses your sample and typically delivers a digital report, including explanations and interpretation, within ten working days.
Test again (optional)
A follow-up analysis shows how the gut microbiome changes after adjustments to feeding, management, training or the environment.
Request advice (optional)
If you would like comprehensive feeding and management advice, our partner offers this as an additional consultation.
Measure when
it matters
The gut microbiome responds to feeding, management, illness, the environment, training and life stage. An analysis is most valuable during periods when workload or circumstances change.
Mare, foal and growing up
Track the gut microbiome around pregnancy, birth, weaning, feed transitions and the start of training.
Feed and management
See how the gut microbiome responds to changes in forage, hard feed, supplements, medication or routine.
Training, sport and recovery
Track feed utilisation, gut balance and recovery during a training build-up, the competition season and other demanding periods.
Relocation and a new environment
Compare results before and after a move to a new yard, new grazing, a different feed or another major change in surroundings.
A report can also give extra direction for recurring questions about manure, illness, feed, energy, recovery, behaviour, motivation or focus.
Progress in view
A first analysis shows where the horse stands. The follow-up shows what changes.
A first analysis provides a baseline. After a change in feed, management, training or environment, the gut microbiome needs roughly 8 to 12 weeks to respond. With a follow-up analysis at a suitable moment you compare the results and see how the ecosystem adapts.
VET-Lab works with a range of analyses and monitoring programmes that match the horse’s life stage and purpose. Together you decide which test package suits your situation, and when.
Who is VET-Lab
Independent
Dutch
laboratory
VET-Lab is an independent laboratory in the Netherlands specialising in microbiological research and health monitoring for horses. Based in Leeuwarden, we combine microbiological expertise with practical knowledge of nutrition and horse management.
VET-Lab was developed from more than ten years of expertise and experience at NL-Lab in analysing the human microbiome. NL-Lab supports elite athletes, healthcare practitioners and individuals seeking greater insight into their health. This expertise forms the scientific foundation of VET-Lab.
Our analyses are independent and are not tied to any supplier or brand. You receive a scientifically grounded explanation of the results, along with practical recommendations based on the findings and tailored to your horse and situation. If you would like more detailed guidance, you can request an additional consultation. VET-Lab helps support your horse’s health, preventive care and responsible performance.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
Is this the same as classic manure testing?
What does VET-Lab measure in the gut microbiome?
Why does VET-Lab also measure bacterial activity?
Can a single analysis be enough?
Can both analyses be run from the same manure sample?
Is an analysis relevant without visible symptoms?
Do I receive feeding advice?
Does the test replace my vet?
How long does the analysis take?
Look beyond the outside
Understand the balance and activity of your horse’s gut microbiome
See where feeding, management and support may need closer attention.
For several horses or a longer programme:
info@vet-lab.eu · +31 (0) 85 007 4174
VET-Lab results are intended as additional insight and do not constitute a medical or veterinary diagnosis. If you have concerns about your horse’s health, persistent symptoms or changes in behaviour, contact your vet.