This soapy effect comes from a surfactant in horse sweat called latherin.

这种肥皂效应来自马汗中的一种叫做泡沫素的表面活性剂。

And the same properties may help latherin protect horses from bacteria.

同样的特性可能也让泡沫素保护马匹免受细菌侵害。

The real utility of latherin most likely comes from its ability to spread watery sweat across the animal's oily, water-resistant coat.

泡沫素的真正用途很可能来自于它能将水状汗液涂抹在动物的油性防水皮毛上。

So even though a horse's sweaty skin seems like an ideal place for microorganisms to grow, latherin could help to keep them from taking hold.

因此，即使马出汗的皮肤看起来是微生物生长的理想场所，泡沫素可以帮助阻止它们的滋生。