Chia Study #1 In November 2011, ProfitPro, LLC, Albert Lea, MN, began using Chia in several equine applications and, to date, has found a variety of beneficial qualities for many issues currently seen in the equine industry from years of feeding practices that are not always advantageous to the horse. It should be noted that there is a difference between therapeutic and maintenance dosages. Also, depending on the issue and the individual, it may take several months to see any changes or differences. The following, while strictly anecdotal, show remarkable results: Equine Pregnancy The test subject was a 13 year old mare that had foaled the previous year, but had needed a daily dose of oral synthetic progesterone to maintain the pregnancy. (If the progesterone level is low in early pregnancy, the uterus may be unable to withstand estrogen effects. Contractions then dislodge the embryo and prevent implementation, which results in fetal death/spontaneous abortion.) The mare was started on HS-35 late May 2010. HS-35 is a supplement containing vitamins and mineral, all 10 essential amino acids, selenium, biotin, prebiotics and probiotics. (The supplement is designed to assist all of the horse’s biological systems including reproduction by increasing uterine health. For optimum results, it is recommended that mares be on the diet at least 90-100 days prior to breeding.) Although in fairly good outward physical condition, the mare showed signs of nutrient imbalances (lackluster coat, chipped hooves, cranky, touch sensitive, behavior problems, etc.). Despite regular heat cycles and live cover as well as AI and extensive veterinary tests and care, the mare was unable to conceive during June, July and August. A blood test revealed low progesterone levels. The attending vet recommended oral progesterone if she was able to conceive. Her last breeding date was September 30. A follow up ultrasound at 21 days was unable to distinguish the presence of a fetus. In November, four ounces of Chia was added to the mare’s daily diet. However, in January, it was noted that the mare appeared to be in a much more “rounded frame.” A blood test at 120 days after the last breeding date showed a significant mean concentration (pg/mL) of Total Estrogens, which indicated pregnancy! (A Total Estrogen test is valid after 110 days of pregnancy and the level reflects the viability of the fetal- placental unit.) At 120-130 days an average pg/mL is 469; this mare was at 1,000. She was fed HS-35 and Chia (in place of oral doses of progesterone) throughout her pregnancy. Case Opinion It is of the opinion that had the mare not been on Chia, she would have been unable to maintain her pregnancy without it since she had been unable to maintain pregnancies prior to this trial without oral progesterone. While this is strictly an anecdotal account, the use of Chia holds great promise for mares unable to maintain pregnancies.
Bioshares In this edition. The players’ bench in the biotech sector sees lots of rotation with the result that an apparently less well known performer can run into the play and move investment sentiment forward, compensating for the hits and misses that previously dragged down performance. Sirtex Medical is one such star performer but its rise comes as no surprise to readers of Bioshares wh
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