The effects of diet on blood glucose, insulin, gastrin and the serum tryptophan: large neutral amino acid ratio in foals

High carbohydrate diets can affect the health and behaviour of foals, but the mechanisms are not always fully understood. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of feeding a starch and sugar (SS), or a fat (oil) and fibre (FF) rich diet to two groups of eight foals. Diets were fed from 4 to 42 weeks of age, alongside ad libitum forage. Faecal pH levels did not differ significantly between groups and endoscopic examination showed that the gastric mucosa was healthy in both groups at 25 and 42 weeks of age. At 40 weeks of age, SS foals had significantly higher total blood glucose and lower total blood gastrin than FF foals during the 6h period following ingestion of their respective diets, but insulin levels did not differ significantly. The ratio between serum tryptophan and other large neutral amino acids showed a trend towards an interaction between diet and sampling time. The results provide preliminary information about the effects of diet on the physiology of young horses.     

Insulin resistance and compensation in Thoroughbred weanlings adapted to high-glycemic meals

Insulin resistance has been suggested to increase the risk of certain diseases, including osteochondrosis and laminitis. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of adaptation to high-glycemic meals on glucose-insulin regulation in healthy Thoroughbred weanlings. Twelve Thoroughbred foals were raised on pasture and supplemented twice daily with a feed high in either sugar and starch (SS; 49% nonstructural carbohydrates, 21% NDF, 3% crude fat on a DM basis) or fat and fiber (FF; 12% nonstructural carbohydrates, 44% NDF, 10% crude fat on a DM basis). As weanlings (age 199 +/- 5 d; BW 274 +/- 5 kg) the subjects underwent a modified frequently sampled i.v. glucose tolerance test. A series of 39 blood samples was collected from -60 to 360 min, with a glucose bolus of 300 mg/kg BW injected at 0 min and an insulin bolus of 1.5 mIU/kg BW at 20 min. All samples were analyzed for glucose and insulin, and basal samples also were analyzed for plasma cortisol, triglyceride, and IGF-I. The minimal model of glucose and insulin dynamics was used to determine insulin sensitivity (SI), glucose effectiveness, acute insulin response to glucose (AIRg), and disposition index (DI). Insulin sensitivity was 37% less (P = 0.007) in weanlings fed SS than in those fed FF; however, DI did not differ (P = 0.65) between diets because AIRg tended to be negatively correlated with SI (r = -0.55; P = 0.067). This finding indicates that the SI decrease was compensated by AIRg in the weanlings adapted to SS. This compensation was further demonstrated by greater insulin concentrations in SS-adapted weanlings compared with FF-adapted weanlings at 11 of 36 sample points (P < 0.055) and greater (P = 0.040) total area under the insulin curve in SS than in FF weanlings. Plasma cortisol and triglycerides did not differ between dietary groups, but IGF-I was greater (P = 0.001) in SS weanlings. Despite appearing healthy, horses adapted to high-glycemic feeds may exhibit changes in altered insulin sensitivity and compensation that increase the risk of diseases involving insulin resistance. These changes seem to be partially amenable to dietary management.     

The effect of exercise on bone growth and development in weanling horses

Nineteen weanling horses (average age = 147 d) were divided into exercised (EX; n = 10) and nonexercised (NEX; n = 9) groups, with age, sex and breed represented as equally as possible. The EX group was exercised on an automatic walker at a medium trot for up to 20 min, 5 d each week. Both groups were fed to meet 100% of their protein and 110% of their energy requirements (NRC, 1978). The EX group's diet was supplemented, on exercise days, with corn starch to meet the additional energy requirements for exercise. The experiment was conducted over a 111-d period. Body weight was measured at 10-d intervals, and height at the withers and metacarpal circumference was measured at 20-d intervals. Radiographs of the distal radius, metacarpal joint and the proximal and distal ends of the third metacarpal were taken at 147, 218 and 255 d of age to determine bone density and to observe any possible bone abnormalities. There were no differences between groups in weight or wither height gain; however, gain in third metacarpal circumference was greater (P less than .01) in the EX group than in the NEX group from 167 to 215 d of age. Bone density in the EX group increased by a greater amount (P less than .06) than in the NEX group by the end of the trial. There were no lameness problems or bone abnormalities observed in either group. Exercise training of horses during the weanling to yearling age period was shown to improve the stress-bearing characteristics (radiographic bone density and metacarpal circumference) of the third metacarpal without affecting the quantity of body growth.     

Single photon absorptiometry for the measurement of bone mineral content in horses

A safe, non-invasive method for the accurate measurement of bone mineral content in the third metacarpal bone of the horse is described. The technique involves scanning the bone with a single photon beam from an Americium-241 source. Data were obtained from the excised metacarpal bones from both forelimbs of 50 normal and seven lame horses. Measurements were made in vivo on eight normal and seven lame horses and on one experimental horse with osteopenia induced by partial weightlessness in a flotation tank. In the normal horses bone mineral content altered with age, particularly in the first six months of life. There were also differences according to the site of scanning on the metacarpus. The contribution of the splint bones to the total bone mineral content was less than 2 per cent distal to the mid-point of the metacarpus, but in the proximal shaft it increased to 12 per cent. No significant differences were noted either between right and left limbs, or between male and female animals. A reduction in bone mineral content was demonstrated in the affected leg of horses with chronic lameness and with osteopenia induced by weightlessness. The bone mineral content (g/cm) correlated well with the ash content (mg/100 mg dry bone weight), the specific gravity and the apparent transverse velocity of ultrasound (m/sec) through the bone. A measure of bone mineral density (g/cm3) was calculated from the bone mineral content and cross sectional area of the bone to overcome the individual differences in size of the metacarpus.     

Response of young horses in training to varying concentrations of dietary calcium and phosphorus

This experiment was conducted to determine if additional mineral supplementation during early training would increase mineral retention and improve the strength of bone as indicated by the mineral content of the third metacarpal. Twelve previously untrained Quarter Horse geldings were randomly divided into two groups, broke to ride, trained to gallop on the track and maintained in training for four 28-day periods. One group of four horses served as controls and was fed a ration averaging 28.3 g of Ca/day and 21.9 g P/day while in training. Eight other horses were fed a ration averaging 34.9 g Ca/day and 26.4 g P/day while in training. Feed, feces and urine were analyzed to determine mineral balance. Radiographs were taken of the left front leg to examine bone density as indicated by radiographic bone aluminum equivalence (RBAE). The high mineral treatment group retained more Ca than controls (P<.05) at days 56 and 84. An increase in Ca retention would prove beneficial in facilitating the bone remodeling process and overall skeletal growth. Additionally, the high mineral group had a greater increase in total RBAE (P<.05) when compared to the control group. Hence, it appears that benefit was derived from feeding the greater amount of Ca to the young racehorse at the onset of training.     

The course of some bone remodelling plasma metabolites in healthy horses and in horses offered a calcium-deficient diet

An inquiry was carried out to assess the concentrations of plasma metabolites related to bone remodelling in 21 saddle horses of Warmblood breed aged 4-26 years, five draught horses of Ardennes breed aged 4-10 years, and 10 Ardennes foals aged 9-11 months. They were fed according to normal feeding practice in Belgium. The changes in some bone remodelling plasma metabolite concentrations were studied when an unbalanced diet was offered and later corrected for four Warmblood horses. Bone formation was evaluated by bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP), total alkaline phosphatase (TALP) and osteocalcin (bone gla-protein, OC). Bone resorption was assessed by hydroxyproline (HYP). Total calcium, ionized calcium, phosphorus (P) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 [25-(OH)D] concentrations were more or less constant. The comparison of four bone remodelling factors between the Ardennes and Warmblood horses showed higher concentrations in the Ardennes breed. Bone marker concentrations decreased according to age. The correction of the unbalanced Ca : P diet induced inconsistent effects at plasma level. The interpretation of the different bone parameters appeared to be difficult if not associated with other parameters such as a complete anamnesis and clinical examination of the animal in addition to dietary evaluation.     

Plasma glucose and insulin responses of Thoroughbred mares fed a meal high in starch and sugar or fat and fiber

Plasma concentrations of glucose and insulin following a meal were compared in twelve Thoroughbred mares fed a pelleted concentrate (PC), a traditional sweet feed high in sugar and starch (SS), or a feed high in fat and fiber (FF). The feeds had similar DE and CP but differed in fat (19, 32, and 166 g/kg DM, respectively), NDF (199, 185, and 369 g/kg DM, respectively) and nonstructural carbohydrates (574, 645, and 247 g/kg, respectively). Mares were randomly assigned to two groups balanced for foaling date and weight. All mares received PC in late gestation; then, after foaling, one group was fed SS and the other FF for trials in early and late lactation. Mares were placed in stalls and deprived of feed overnight. A series of blood samples was collected via a jugular catheter from 0 (baseline) to 390 min after consumption of 1.82 kg of feed. Plasma was analyzed for glucose and insulin. Baseline values, peak values, and areas under curves (AUC) were compared by ANOVA. Baseline values were 74.7 +/- 10.9 mg/dL for glucose and 5.86 +/- 1.80 mIU/L for insulin for all diets and stages. Responses to PC did not differ between the two groups (P > 0.34), indicating the groups were metabolically similar. Peak plasma glucose and insulin concentrations were higher (P < 0.001) in the SS group than in the FF group during early and late lactation. Similarly, glucose and insulin AUC were larger (P < 0.003) in SS than in FF during early and late lactation. These results indicate that metabolic fluctuations are moderated by the replacement of sugar and starch with fat and fiber. This replacement may reduce the risk of certain digestive and metabolic disorders that have been linked to feeding meals of grain-based concentrates to pregnant or lactating mares.     

Evaluation of transfixation casting for treatment of third metacarpal, third metatarsal, and phalangeal fractures in horses: 37 cases (1994-2004)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical findings, complications, and outcome of horses and foals with third metacarpal, third metatarsal, or phalangeal fractures that were treated with transfixation casting. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. Animals-29 adult horses and 8 foals with fractures of the third metacarpal or metatarsal bone or the proximal or middle phalanx. PROCEDURES: Medical records were reviewed, and follow-up information was obtained. Data were analyzed by use of logistic regression models for survival, fracture healing, return to intended use, pin loosening, pin hole lysis, and complications associated with pins. RESULTS: In 27 of 35 (77%) horses, the fracture healed and the horse survived, including 10 of 15 third metacarpal or metatarsal bone fractures, 11 of 12 proximal phalanx fractures, and 6 of 8 middle phalanx fractures. Four adult horses sustained a fracture through a pin hole. One horse sustained a pathologic unicortical fracture secondary to a pin hole infec-tion. Increasing body weight, fracture involving 2 joints, nondiaphyseal fracture location, and increasing duration until radiographic union were associated with horses not returning to their intended use. After adjusting for body weight, pin loosening was associated with di-aphyseal pin location, pin hole lysis was associated with number of days with a transfixation cast, and pin complications were associated with hand insertion of pins. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results indicated that transfixation casting can be successful in managing fractures distal to the carpus or tarsus in horses. This technique is most suitable for comminuted fractures of the proximal phalanx but can be used for third metacarpal, third metatarsal, or middle phalanx fractures, with or without internal fixation.     

Growth and development of yearling horses fed either alfalfa or coastal bermudagrass: Hay and a concentrate formulated for bermudagrass hay

Two experiments were conducted with yearling horses to determine whether the use of a concentrate designed to be fed with Coastal bermudagrass hay would cause growth differences or skeletal abnormalities when fed with western alfalfa hay. In experiment 1, 13 thoroughbred and quarterhorse yearlings, 332.8 ± 8.5 days, of age were assigned at random within breed and gender subgroups to 1 of 2 diets: (1) alfalfa hay plus a 12.7% CP concentrate and (2) coastal bermudagrass hay plus the same concentrate. The horses were housed in drylot paddocks in groups of 3 or 4 animals and group fed the hay at 1 kg/100 kg BW daily. The concentrates were fed individually to appetite for two 1.5-hour feeding periods daily for 112 days. Orts were weighed back daily. The animals were weighed, measured, and blood samples collected at the start of the experiment and at 28-day intervals for 112 days. Radiographs of the third metacarpal were made on day 0, 56, and 112 for estimation of bone mineral content. In experiment 2, 15 thoroughbred and quarterhorse yearlings, 345.6 ± 8.4 days of age, were used to repeat the experiment. The concentrate fed in this experiment contained 12.4% CP. In experiment 1, the hay protein content was less than anticipated, resulting in a protein intake below NRC¹ recommendations. In experiment 2, the hay protein was higher and more typical of NRC¹ values. In both experiments, feed intake of the 2 diets was not different (P > .10). Weight gain (P = .0136, P = .0330), heart girth gain (P = .0084, P= .0044), and hip height gain (P = .0165, P = .0137) were higher for the alfalfa fed yearlings for experiment 1 and experiment 2, respectively. Withers height gain (P = .0079) and body length gain (P = .0232) were also greater for the alfalfa fed yearlings on experiment 2. Bone mineral content and bone metabolism indicators were not influenced by diet (P > .10).     

Growth, nutrient utilization, radiographic bone characteristics and postprandial thyroid hormone concentrations in weanling horses fed added dietary fat

Thirty, 19-week-old Quarter Horses were utilized in a 112-d study to compare growth, nutrient utilization and post prandial thyroid hormone concentrations in weanling horses fed fat-supplemented or conventional diets. Concentrates were formulated to contain the same nutrient-calorie ratios and were fed with Coastal Bermuda grass hay in a 70:30 concentrate:hay ratio. Initially and at 28-d intervals the horses were weighed and measured for height, heart girth circumfer ence and subcutaneous fat thickness over the rump and ribs. Radiographs were taken of the right carpal and metacarpal phalangealjoints at the beginning and end of the experimental period for evaluation of bone density and physeal maturation. A digestion trial was conducted on each horse 10 d prior to completion of the study. On d 70, blood samples were col lected from 6 females in each treatment group over a 6-h collection period for evaluation of postprandial insulin, T₄ and T₃ concentrations in response to the diets. Horses in both groups consumed an average of 2.6% of body weight daily of total feed (Dry Matter). Weanlings consuming the fat-supplemented concentrate tended to have higher (P = .10) average daily weight gains (.80 vs .74 kg) and lower (P<.05) feed:gain ratios (6.3 vs 7.3) than weanlings fed the control diet. Gain in heart girth circumference was greater (P<.05) for the fat fed weanlings (20.1 cm) than the control weanlings (17.9 cm). All other linear measurements of growth were similar between treatments. There were no radiographic indications of abnormalities in the physes of horses on either treatment. Closure of the physes occurred at normal rates in foals on both treatments. Radiographic bone density was not different between treatments, and there was an expected increase in bone density in weanlings on both treatments over time. Digestibilities of protein and energy were similar between treatments, while ether extract and neutral detergent fiber digestibilities were higher (P<.05 and P<.06, respec tively) in those horses consuming the fat-supplemented diet (65.39 vs 57.67% and40.55 vs 35.62%, respectively). These data indicate that fat can be used as an energy source to support growth and development in weanling horses.     

Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses to early training. 6. Bone parameters in the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones

AIM: To determine the effect of a known training regimen on the size and mineral content of the third metacarpal (Mc3) and third metatarsal (Mt3) bones of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses trained on racetracks. METHODS: Mc3 and Mt3 of seven horses trained on grass and sand tracks were scanned at several sites using conventional quantitative and peripheral computed tomography (CT). Bone dimensions and density in the diaphysis and epiphysis were compared with those from seven untrained horses. Calcein label was injected in two clusters, during Weeks 9 and 12. The extent and rate of diaphyseal modelling was determined by confocal fluorescent microscopic examination of thin plane parallel sections of the mid-metacarpal region. RESULTS: Volumetric bone mineral density (BMDv) of the epiphysis was markedly higher and of the diaphysis was slightly higher in trained compared with untrained horses, but greater bone size in the trained horses had the greatest effect on an index of bone strength. Active osteons, defined as Haversian systems containing calcein label, were fewer, of smaller diameter at the time of calcein injection, and had a greater bone apposition rate in trained than in untrained horses. CONCLUSIONS: Conventional training of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses over a 13-week period had a significant effect on bone size, density and strength index when compared to untrained horses. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bone responded rapidly to early training. The data provide reference values and sites for use in longitudinal studies of commercial training regimens.     

The effect of previous conditioning exercise on diaphyseal and metaphyseal bone to imposition and withdrawal of training in young Thoroughbred horses

This study recorded the response to training of the diaphysis of the proximal phalangeal bone and the third metacarpal bone (Mc3) and the Mc3 proximal metaphysis. Nineteen 2- and 3-year old horses in training were exposed either to spontaneous exercise at pasture (PASTEX group) or additional imposed exercise (CONDEX group) from a very young age. Quantitative computed tomography scans were analysed for bone mineral content, size, bone mineral density, periosteal and endosteal circumference, cortical thickness and an estimate of bone strength. The bones of the CONDEX horses were bigger and stronger than those of the PASTEX horses at the start of the observation period, and these differences were maintained after adjusting for training workload. Increase in the bone strength index was through size and not density increase. Density increased during training and decreased during paddock rest between the two training campaigns, during which time bone strength continued to increase because of the slow growth that was still occurring. The greatest variance in the response to the training exercise of diaphyseal bone mineral content, bone strength index or cortical thickness was associated with the cumulative workload index at the gallop, although statistically significant unexplained variances remained. There were no differences in bone response to training, with the exception of the endosteal circumference at 55% of the Mc3 length from the carpometacarpal joint space between CONDEX and PASTEX, which indicated that young horses may be able to be exercised slightly more vigorously than currently accepted.     

Influence of dietary calcium and phosphorus content in a fixed ratio on growth and development in Great Danes

OBJECTIVE: To study the musculoskeletal development of Great Dane puppies fed various dietary concentrations of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) in fixed ratio by use of dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), determination of serum insulin-like growth factor 1 and parathyroid hormone concentrations, radiography, and blood chemistry analysis results. ANIMALS: 32 purebred Great Dane puppies from 4 litters. PROCEDURE: At weaning, puppies were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 diets. Blood was collected for biochemical analyses and hormone assays, and radiography and DEXA were performed through 18 months of age. Changes in body weight, bone mineral content, fat tissue weight, lean mass, result of serum biochemical analyses, hormonal concentrations, and radius lengths were analyzed through 18 months of age. RESULTS: Bone mineral content of puppies correlated positively with Ca and P content of the diets fed. Significant differences between groups in bone mineral content, lean mass, and body fat were apparent early. The disparity among groups increased until 6 months of age and then declined until body composition was no longer different at 12 months of age. Accretion rates for skeletal mineral content, fat, and lean tissue differed from each other and by diet group. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Ca and P concentrations in the diet of young Great Dane puppies are rapidly reflected in the bone mineral content of the puppies until 5 to 6 months of age, after which hormonal regulation adjusts absorption and excretion of these minerals. Appropriate Ca and P concentrations in diets are important in young puppies < 6 months of age.     

Characteristics of Metacarpal Bones from Cows of Different Ages and Weights

Metacarpals from 59 Angus/Gelbvieh rotationally crossed cows were studied to determine whether bone loss occurs in beef cows between 33 and 153 mo of age. Bone loss or a change in bone composition could affect lean meat yield and proportions of carcass components such as ash. With the exception of 18 single-calf cows that were fed a high concentrate diet after their calves were weaned at 120 d of age, all cows with suckling calves grazed the same pastures. Calves from pasture-fed cows were weaned 46 d before the cows were slaughtered on October 23. Although carcasses from 153-mo-old, pasture-fed cows were heavier (P<0.01) than those from 33-mo-old, pasture-fed cows, no differences (P>0.05) in metacarpal weight, length, cortex shaft area, moisture in cortex, or ash in cortex were observed. Weight and length of metacarpals from 33-mo-old pasture-fed cows with 226.8-kg carcasses were similar (P>0.05) to those from 33-mo-old concentrate-fed cows with 409.3-kg carcasses. Metacarpals from the concentrate-fed, single-calf cows were then compared with those from 129-mo-old cows. Again, no differences (P>0.05) in weight or length of the bones were present. Low correlation coefficients obtained by pooling data for all 59 cows confirmed that no differences (P>0.05) in weight or length of bones existed among animals varying greatly in weight or age. Because complete calcification of the epiphyseal growth plates on the metacarpals occurs prior to 33 mo of age, no change in length was expected. However, our findings that no change in metacarpal weight or bone cortex composition occurred with large changes in age or weight are of interest. Within Angus/Gelbvieh crossed cows, the lean:bone ratio is based entirely on changes in muscle mass because bone mass remains constant. In addition to muscle mass, changes in fat content influence bone percentage in the carcass.     

Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses to early training. 6. Bone parameters in the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones

AIM: To determine the effect of a known training regimen on the size and mineral content of the third metacarpal (Mc3) and third metatarsal (Mt3) bones of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses trained on racetracks.

METHODS: Mc3 and Mt3 of seven horses trained on grass and sand tracks were scanned at several sites using conventional quantitative and peripheral computed tomography (CT). Bone dimensions and density in the diaphysis and epiphysis were compared with those from seven untrained horses. Calcein label was injected in two clusters, during Weeks 9 and 12. The extent and rate of diaphyseal modelling was determined by confocal fl uorescent microscopic examination of thin plane parallel sections of the mid-metacarpal region.

RESULTS: Volumetric bone mineral density (BMDv) of the epiphysis was markedly higher and of the diaphysis was slightly higher in trained compared with untrained horses, but greater bone size in the trained horses had the greatest effect on an index of bone strength. Active osteons, defined as Haversian systems containing calcein label, were fewer, of smaller diameter at the time of calcein injection, and had a greater bone apposition rate in trained than in untrained horses.

CONCLUSIONS: Conventional training of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses over a 13-week period had a significant effect on bone size, density and strength index when compared to untrained horses.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Bone responded rapidly to early training. The data provide reference values and sites for use in longitudinal studies of commercial training regimens.     

Obesity and diet affect glucose dynamics and insulin sensitivity in Thoroughbred geldings

Insulin resistance is considered a risk factor in obesity, laminitis, exertional rhabdomyolysis, and osteochondrosis. The objective was to use the minimal model to estimate glucose effectiveness (Sg) and insulin sensitivity (Si) in nonobese to obese horses initially adapted to forage only, then adapted to forage plus supplements rich in starch and sugar (SS) or fiber and fat (FF). Ten Thoroughbred geldings, with BCS of 5 (nonobese), 6 (moderately obese), and 7 to 8 (obese), were adapted to pasture and hay, allocated to two groups, and fed SS or FF in a switch-back design with 8 wk of adaptation. Modified frequent-sampling i.v. glucose tolerance tests were applied after adaptation to forage, SS, and FF. For the tolerance tests, horses were kept in stalls overnight and provided hay, and venous catheters were placed the next morning. Baseline samples were collected, 0.3 g of glucose/kg of BW was given i.v., and blood was sampled at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 19 min. At 20 min, 30 mU of insulin/kg of BW was given, followed by sampling at 22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, and 180 min. Plasma was analyzed for glucose and insulin, and Si, Sg, acute insulin response to glucose, and the disposition index were calculated. Normality was tested using the Shapiro-Wilk statistic. Body condition effects were analyzed using a mixed model with repeated measures. Diet effects were analyzed using a Wilcoxon signed rank test. The Sg was higher in obese than nonobese (P = 0.003) and moderately obese (P = 0.007) horses; Si was lower in obese than nonobese (P = 0.008) horses, and acute insulin response to glucose was higher in obese than nonobese (P = 0.039) horses. Effects of diet were likely confounded by body condition, but horses had lower Si (P = 0.066) when fed SS compared with FF, especially when nonobese. In conclusion, the minimal model effectively estimated Sg, Si, acute insulin response to glucose, and disposition index in horses. Obese geldings were insulin-resistant and seemed to rely primarily on Sg for glucose disposal. Feeding a diet rich in sugar and starch decreased insulin sensitivity of horses. Maintenance of body condition and avoidance of grain-based meals rich in sugar and starch would be beneficial to decrease the risk of developing insulin resistance and associated metabolic syndromes in horses, especially for horses at risk for these syndromes.     

Effect of dietary phosphorus on finishing steer performance, bone status, and carcass maturity.

Yearling crossbred steers (n = 60; 386 kg) were individually fed in a completely randomized experimental design to determine their P requirement. Treatments were in a factorial arrangement with two levels of Ca (.35 or .70% of DM) and five concentrations of P (.14, .19, .24, .29, or .34% of DM). The finishing diet consisted of 34.5% dry-rolled corn, 22.5% brewers grits, 22.5% corn bran, 7.5% ground corncobs, 5% molasses, 3% fat, and 5% supplement. Supplemental P was provided as monosodium phosphate and Ca as limestone. Ash content was determined on the first phalanx bone from the lower front legs following slaughter, and rib bone breaking strength was determined with an Instron Universal Testing Machine. Carcass maturity and shear force were also evaluated on wholesale rib cuts. Because no interactions between Ca and P levels were detected, only main effects are presented. Daily gain, DMI, and feed efficiency were not affected by dietary P concentration or P intake. Bone ash (g or g/100 kg BW) and rib bone breaking strength were also unaffected by dietary P. Feeding .7% Ca decreased (P<.06) ADG and efficiency compared with feeding .35% Ca. Neither dietary Ca nor P had a significant effect on tenderness (shear force), skeletal maturity, or overall maturity. These results indicate that the P requirement for finishing yearlings is .14% of diet DM or less and that supplementing P above levels supplied by basal ingredients in many grain-based finishing diets is not necessary.     

Insulin-like growth factor I in growing thoroughbreds

The objective of this longitudinal study was to characterize growth and plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations in pasture-raised thoroughbreds fed two sources of dietary energy. Mares and foals were randomly assigned to either a sugar and starch (SS) or fat and fibre (FF)-rich feed, and plasma IGF-I and growth were measured once a month from 1 to 16 months of age. These dependent variables were also compared with day length and ambient temperature. There was an association between plasma IGF-I concentration and average daily gain (ADG) (r = 0.32, p < 0.001). There were also clear seasonal patterns in both ADG and plasma IGF-I, with high values in June and May, and a low value in March. Plasma IGF-I and ADG were positively associated with day length and temperature. Plasma IGF-I was never higher (p > 0.10) in the FF group when compared with the SS group, and was higher in the SS group during a rapid growth phase in the spring of year 2 (p < 0.10). The results establish an association between ADG and IGF-I in the horse and indicate that environment and age may influence this relationship. In addition, plasma IGF-I is influenced by dietary energy source at particular times of year. This link has important implications in designing feeding management strategies that are aimed at addressing skeletal development.     

The effect of replacing nonstructural carbohydrates with soybean oil on the digestibility of fibre in trotting horses

The hypothesis tested was that the intake of extra fat at the expense of an isoenergetic amount of nonstructural carbohydrates reduces fibre utilisation in horses. In a crossover trial with feeding periods of 42 days each, 6 mature trotting horses (age 4-12 years, bodyweight 340-476 kg) were given either a control or test diet. The test concentrate was formulated to contain 37% of net energy in the form of soybean oil. The control concentrate contained an isoenergetic amount of corn starch plus glucose. The concentrates were fed in combination with the same amount of hay so that the control and test diet contained 25.13 and 86.66 g crude fat/kg dry matter, respectively. Apart from the amounts of fat and nonstructural carbohydrates, the 2 diets were identical. The test diet reduced the apparent total tract digestibilities of crude fibre, neutral and acid detergent fibre by 8.0 (P = 0.007), 6.2 (P = 0.022) and 8.3 (P = 0.0005) percentage units, respectively. It is suggested that a high fat intake by horses may increase the amount of fat entering the large intestine to levels that depress fermentation by cellulolytic bacteria. The observed interaction between fat content of the diet and fibre utilisation may have consequences for practical horse feeding in that calculating the energy content of test diets on the basis of feedstuff tables leads to overestimating the amount of energy provided by the high-fibre ingredients of the diets.     

Bone mineral content of the third metacarpal bone in Quarter Horse foals from birth to one year of age

Dual photon absorptiometry (DPA) is a valid method for bone mineral content (BMC) evaluation, but there are no reports on the use of this technology in in vivo studies in the horse. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the changes of BMC of the third metacarpal bone (MC3) in vivo in foals during their first year of life using DPA. The BMC of the MC3 of 41 Quarter Horse foals was evaluated every 4 weeks during their first year of life by DPA using a bienergetic Gadolinium-153 (¹⁵³Gd) source. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of an in vivo study of BMC in foals using DPA by means of a bienergetic ¹⁵³Gd source. The results demonstrated a positive correlation of age, heart girth, and withers height with BMC of the MC3 independent of gender and an exponential behavior of the BMC increment along the first year of life. There was an effect of weaning associated with change in diet and stall confinement on BMC in foals weaned at age 17 weeks, but not in foals weaned at age between 19 and 24 weeks.