Yucca Schidigera is a Liliaceae plant native to the United States and Mexico. Yucca saponin is a special substance extracted from yucca Yucca schidigera plants. It has no toxic side effects on animals and can reduce the emission of ammonia gas and the concentration of harmful gas in livestock houses, which not only improves the output but also solves the environmental problems caused by the breeding industry. Studies have shown that yucca saponins can regulate the intestinal environment of animals, improve the digestibility and utilization rate of nutrients, and enhance the immune function of animals. Yucca saponins conform to the concept of organic farming and can be used as a natural multi-functional feed additive in animal husbandry. At present, the research on yucca saponins in animal husbandry mainly focuses on piglets, cows, broilers, etc. Whether it can be applied to horses is still under further study but its safety has been proved.
The experiment of pig feeding shows that yucca saponins can replace antibiotics in the diet of weaned piglets. Yucca saponins can not only significantly increase the average daily gain and reduce the ratio of feed to gain of piglets, but also inhibit the diarrhea and anti-stress of piglets. When yucca saponin was added 120 mg/kg, the ratio of feed to gain was decreased by 7.8%, daily feed intake and weight gain of piglets were increased by 9.0% and 17.95%, and diarrhea symptoms were also significantly decreased. The possible mechanism is that yucca saponins can enhance the microbial reproduction in the intestinal tract of piglets, thus promoting the effective utilization and synthesis of nitrogen, and protein can slow down the rate of dietary passage through the digestive tract by promoting the intestinal development of piglets, so as to fully absorb nutrients, thus improving the digestibility and weight gain rate. Therefore, yucca saponins can be used as a feed additive in the diet of weaned piglets (The best dose is 120mg/kg).
Saponins also have the properties of surfactants, which can reduce cell surface tension, stimulate immune cell response and promote the generation of antibodies to improve animal immunity. Researchers believe that yucca saponins may have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also suspected to have antispasmodic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Studies in humans have shown that yucca can reduce cholesterol levels. The compound is also thought to have anti-arthritic, anti-spasmodic, and antibacterial properties. It’s safe to say that Yucca saponin can be a good supplement for horses, some of the benefits of yucca saponin for horses include: reducing the incidence of inflammation and pain.
