Page 29 - The Game March 2006
P. 29

Your Thoroughbred Racing Community Newspaper The Game, March 2006 29
Special Advertorial Feature
Health & Nutrition 2006
Why Fat-Enhanced, Lower Starch Diets Help Maximize Racing Performance:
Daniel J. Burke, Ph.D.
Buckeye Nutrition, Dalton, Ohio
FITNESS
A horse becomes more fit due to physical and biochemical changes in his muscle and cardiovascular system elicited by exercise over time (training). We will discuss some of these changes and how the horse’s diet can maximize the benefits of the biochemical responses to exercise.
TYPES OF EXERCISE
There are two main types of exercise, with a great range in between. The first is
MAXIMAL EXERCISE - work
of high-intensity for a short period
of time (seconds), such as sprint racing. The main substrate used to supply energy in maximal exercise is carbohydrate (CHO), though fat and protein can be involved depending upon the fitness of the horse and the diet he is being fed.
The second type of exercise is SUBMAXIMAL EXERCISE - work of low-intensity for a long period of time, such as endurance racing. In a fit horse, the major energy substrate is fat.
Obviously, there a many types of exercise that fit between maximal and submaximal, like dressage and jumping, as well as longer races (minutes). The preferred energy substrate would depend on how close to maximal or submaximal the work is and the fitness level of the horse.
It is important to note that CHO and protein are metabolized ANAEROBICALLY (without oxygen), with the main end- product being LACTIC ACID, a primary cause of fatigue. Fats, on the other hand, are metabolized AEROBICALLY (with oxygen), with the end-products being CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) and WATER. The end-products of fat metabolism, are much less disturbing to acid/base balance of the horse and will delay fatigue. Horses will only use protein as an energy source when the diet contains more protein than will meet the horse’s requirement. Using protein as an energy source is not only wasteful, but has been shown to decrease the horse’s performance.
The energy substrate preference changes as the horse becomes more fit. In a fit horse, a greater portion of the exercise bout utilizes fat, sparing CHO for the times in a race when maximal effort is required - starts and finishes.
LONG-TERM PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE TO EXERCISE:
important changes in physical and biochemical characteristics of the horse develop.
• Improved oxygen (O2) carrying capacity - better delivery of O2 to working muscles, supporting use of fat for fuel.
• Muscles use O2 more efficiently.
• Reduced lactic acid production - delays fatigue.
• Horse can tolerate higher levels of lactic acid before fatigue sets in.
• Increased fat utilization, sparing glucose.
• Increased resting glycogen concentration - more fuel
for starts and finishes.
What does this mean in practice??
1. The natural response to training shifts the preferred energy source from carbohydrate to fat.
2. A higher portion of the workout/race is run on fat.
3. Increased glycogen stores in muscle - more energy for starts/finishes.
4. Increased time to production of lactic acid - delays fatigue.
5. Increased tolerance of lactic acid - delays fatigue.
CONTINUED PAGE 30
Over many weeks of training,
Don’t be fooled by the numbers: A key reason equine West Nile virus seems to be under control is that owners are vaccinating and boosting their horses annually – 9 out of 10 of them with West Nile-Innovator®.
If you think the West Nile virus threat is over, you’re wrong. Keep giving the best protection: West Nile-Innovator.
Are you in
Are you in
If you’re not one of them, your horses are still at risk of contracting this deadly disease.
de-Nile?
So keep up the protection with West Nile- Innovator, the West Nile vaccine that stays stronger longer, maintaining 95% of its effectiveness at the end of mosquito season. And West Nile-Innovator’s unique formulation makes it gentle for your horses.
When it comes to protecting against West Nile virus, annual vaccination is essential. So don’t be in de-Nile: be sure your vet makes West Nile-Innovator part of your regular spring vaccination regimen.
West Nile-Innovator from Wyeth Animal Health, the leader in equine vaccines.
® The Wyeth logo and West Nile-Innovator are registered trademarks of Wyeth Animal Health, a division of Fort Dodge Animal Health.
© 2006 Wyeth Animal Health. All rights reserved.
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