Dr. Jyme Nichols of Bluebonnet Feeds on equine nutrition, Captain Crunch, leaky gut and Snickers bars. The most fun discussion of horse feed science ever!

Published: Aug. 19, 2019, 8:31 p.m.

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This interview was full of great information and much laughter! Dr. Jyme Nichols and I have a fascinating discussion on equine nutrition breakthroughs and the parallels to new theories for human nutrition. Issues such as leaky gut, ulcers, inflammation and metabolic disorders have surprising connections in both horses and humans. Dr. Nichols is an ARPAS certified Professional Animal Scientist (PAS) in the Equine discipline. She is the Director of Nutrition for Bluebonnet Feeds and leads efforts behind the Stride Animal Health brand. 

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Lest you think she is a boring scientist type, Dr. Nichols is a true cowgirl who grew up on a ranch at the border of Nebraska and South Dakota. Her family included saddle bronc riders, ropers and barrel racers. She went to college on a rodeo scholarship. After entering her graduate academic program, Dr. Nichols then assisted in coaching the team members to a national championship. In between rodeo competitions, her published research focused on managing blood glucose and insulin concentrations in horses with an oral psyllium supplement. Which sounds technical but just think about it as related to Snickers bars and Captain Crunch. 

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Dr. Nichols\\u2019 additional research has focused on identifying equine veterinarians\' educational needs in equine nutrition. Dr. Nichols has been part of the Bluebonnet Feeds team since 2011. 

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Informative links from the interview:

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Bluebonnet Feeds product line: https://bluebonnetfeeds.com/

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Oral Plasma information (the biggest tip from the interview): https://strideanimalhealth.com/content/product-info/LIFELINE_TechBul.pdf

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Dr. Nichols\\u2019 dissertation (Identifying Equine Veterinarians\' Continuing Educational Needs in Equine Nutrition): https://shareok.org/handle/11244/320979

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For regional listeners in Texas/Oklahoma counties, please check out Lindsay Burer\\u2019s informative page. She is an Equine Nutrition Consultant and often holds terrific educational events: https://www.facebook.com/lbequinenutrition/

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As always, for more information on Horse Wise and our national education services: http://horsewisecoach.com/ 

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