Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transfer system and a potent antioxidant. The impact of CoQ10 supplementation on mitochondrial capacities and the muscle proteome is largely unknown. This study determined the effect of CoQ10 supplementation on muscle CoQ10 concentrations, antioxidant balance, the proteome, and mitochondrial respiratory capacities. In a randomized […]

Researchers assessed the relationship between plasma and RBC fatty acid composition and incidence and severity of squamous gastric ulcers when altered by short- or long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation. Thirteen fit Thoroughbred horses in training were used in this study. Horses were evaluated by gastroscopy for squamous ulcer score, gastric pH, and blood fatty acid […]

Coenzyme-Q is vital for mitochondrial respiration, but the impact of coenzyme-Q supplementation on equine skeletal muscle mitochondria is unknown. Exercising Thoroughbred horses (8.7±2.2 yr) were used in a cross-over design to test the hypothesis that supplementation of highly bioavailable coenzyme-Q (Nano-Q10, Kentucky Equine Research) would improve mitochondrial metrics in the gluteus medius. Muscle samples collected […]

Horses have one of the highest skeletal muscle oxidative capacities amongst mammals, which, combined with a high glycolytic capacity, could perturb redox status during maximal exercise. We determined the effect of 30 d of oral coenzyme Q10 and N-acetyl cysteine supplementation (NACQ) on muscle glutathione (GSH), cysteine, ROS, and coenzyme Q10 concentrations, and the muscle […]

Racehorses are among the most elite athletes in the equine industry. However, little is known about mitochondrial adaptations to race training. To test the hypothesis that race training increases mitochondrial biogenesis and capacity, gluteus medius samples were collected from Thoroughbred horses (11 geldings, 2 mares) before and after 14 wk of early race training. Horses […]

The relationship between heart rate (HR) and velocity under saddle or on a treadmill can be used to estimate cardiovascular fitness in horses. Whether HR data gathered during other types of exercise can be used to estimate fitness is unknown. This study hypothesized that HR data collected on a mechanical walker could be used to […]

The present study clearly demonstrates that daily intake of EPA and DHA from KER EO-3™ significantly increases RBC membrane EPA and DHA but that a similar amount of omega-3 in the form of ALA from flax (linseed) oil does not.  

In combination with exercise, nutrition is an essential component of managing horses with myopathies. The optimal feeding program for an individual is tailored to the diagnosis of a specific underlying myopathy. Exertional myopathies are defined by muscle pain and impaired performance during or after exercise. Exertional rhabdomyolysis (ER) represents a subset of exertional myopathies characterized […]

Research into the growth and development of Thoroughbreds managed on commercial breeding farms is reviewed in this paper. Because horses are not meat-producing animals, less research has been performed quantifying growth, muscle, and bone development than with other production animals. However, variations in growth and development are linked with both value and wastage in young […]

Proton pump inhibitors like omeprazole reduce nutrient digestibility in humans. This study determined the effect of omeprazole on the digestibility of diets containing limestone or marine-derived calcium (BMC) and to assess changes in blood parameters associated with gastric acid production and calcium status in horses. Thoroughbreds were used to evaluate the digestibility of diets containing […]