Body Builder for broodmares

[JaradM]

I would like to hear from anyone who has used body builder on any of their problem bloodstock. Any improvements with problem mares?? Any insight would be appreciated.

[btcountess]

Someone on this board recommended Opti-Zyme and it has helped two of my horses. My yearling was severely underweight from starvation and abuse at the farm we were paying to "take care of her" and my mare that survived peritonitis after losing her foal is putting weight back on with it. It helps their gut when they are taking on so much additional food. I would hightly recommend it. The wonderful trainer/owner of the farm where they are now just puts 2 oz. on their food each day.

[JaradM]

I read some where that body builder helps increase blood flow to the uterus (SP) thus improving conception rate of problem breeding mares. I have no problems with the weight of my mares.

[Mood Swings]

I know someone that swears by it and puts all of his mares on it. I worked for a feed company and I remember comparing Body Builder to Rice Bran Oil because of the gamma oryzanol they both contain. I believe the Body Builder undergoes a different process to extract the gamma oryzanol. Rice Bran Oil is of course significantly cheaper so I have been feeding that to my mares. I have had mixed results. Had a mare with an infected placenta that the vet didn't think would carry to term and she did (huge, lovely filly too), whether one could attribute any of the success to the rice bran oil versus all of the medications and management however I do not know. I probably wouldn't stop using it now because I can't say it didn't help.

I don't think that there is enough research to prove its effectiveness or lack thereof in broodmare soundness. It's tough though because if you have good luck with it why not continue? Whether it works or not at least it is not harmful

[Supernova]

Do you think it would have any effect on a mare who has had a c-section and aborted the following year?

Thanks