Omneity® Pellets
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Topic:Metabolism
Equine metabolism encompasses the biochemical processes that occur within horses to maintain life, including the conversion of food into energy, the synthesis of necessary compounds, and the elimination of waste products. These processes are essential for supporting various physiological functions such as growth, reproduction, and physical performance. Key components of equine metabolism include carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism, each of which contributes to the overall energy balance and health of the horse. Factors influencing metabolic rate and efficiency in horses include age, breed, diet, exercise, and health status. This page compiles peer-reviewed research studies and scholarly articles that explore the mechanisms, regulation, and implications of metabolic processes in equine physiology.
Serum and uterine fluid extracellular vesicles and prostaglandin E metabolite concentrations during diestrus and early pregnancy in mares. Prostaglandins produced by endometrial and conceptus tissues have an established role in maintaining luteal function in early pregnancy and initiating luteolysis during diestrus in mares. The cellular mechanisms controlling the secretion and delivery of prostaglandins have not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized that nanosized lipid bilayer extracellular vesicles (EV) that carry a variety of biological molecules would be involved in these key regulatory processes. Serum and uterine fluid samples were collected from diestrus and pregnant mares on day (D) 10 and D14 post-ovulation, and concep...
An in-feed oral glucose test increases post-prandial high molecular weight adiponectin concentration in horses. Adiponectin is a fat-derived adipocytokine that has been associated with laminitis risk in ponies. Factors that affect sampling timing for measurement of adiponectin concentration have been inadequately investigated. This study aimed to determine the effect of an oral glucose test (OGT) and fed-state on adiponectin concentration in horses and ponies. Blood samples were collected before and after an OGT in 85 horses and ponies and high molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin concentration was measured. Total adiponectin concentration was measured in a subset of 25 animals. Assays validated for use w...
From bodyweight to biomarkers: Season-associated metabolic, endocrine and haematological shifts in breeding stallions. Breeding stallions are subjected to sustained seasonal metabolic, endocrine, and immune demands requiring systemic energy engagement. Prospective longitudinal data in the same individuals are limited. Objective: To screen adaptive responses of breeding stallions of clinical relevance through longitudinal characterisation of temporal changes across the mating season and negative photoperiod: (i) health and nutritional status; (ii) oxidative status and immune modulation; and (iii) metabolic and endocrine biomarkers as correlates of reproductive potential. Methods: Prospective longitudinal observ...
Echocardiographic characteristics and evidence of ventricular remodeling in subclinical insulin-dysregulated Warmblood horses. In humans, systemic hypertension and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy are common sequelae of metabolic syndrome and pre-diabetes warranting investigation in horses with insulin dysregulation (ID). Objective: To compare echocardiographic variables, non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP), and adipokines between Warmblood (WB) horses with and without ID. Methods: Nineteen client-owned WB horses, 5-15Â years of age, presenting for elective procedures were included. Horses had no history of metabolic disease, ID, laminitis, renal or cardiac disease. Methods: Blinded cross-sectional study. Horses were ...
Understanding Stallion Sperm Capacitation: Species-Specific Mechanisms, Cryocapacitation, and Implications for IVF. Until recently, no repeatable protocol for equine in vitro fertilization (IVF) had been established, despite decades of trying. Recent studies have demonstrated reproducible IVF outcomes under specific experimental conditions, bringing equine IVF into a new perspective. Prolonged incubation of stallion spermatozoa in a TALP based medium supplemented with penicillamine, hypotaurine and epinephrine (PHE) appears to be important factors of protocols that support sperm capacitation and markedly improved IVF outcomes. The sperm capacitation procedure has now been applied successfully using both fre...
Effect of canagliflozin treatment on β-cell responsiveness in insulin-dysregulated horses: a 4-week, multi-arm, double-blind, randomized clinical trial. The sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor canagliflozin (CAN) decreases hyperinsulinemia in insulin-dysregulated (ID) horses, but its effects on pancreatic β-cell responsiveness to glucose are unknown. Objective: Compare the effects of 2 CAN dosages (0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg) with placebo (PBO) on β-cell responsiveness to IV glucose in ID horses using a graded glucose infusion (GGI) test. Methods: Forty-two privately-owned ID horses. Methods: Randomized, multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, multi-arm, PBO-controlled study. Horses underwent GGI testing before and after 4 weeks of...
Forage chemical composition drives early metabolic shifts in ponies fed different haylages. Rapid changes between feeds can cause dysbiosis and colic in horses. The metabolic consequences of transitioning between haylages (HY) are currently unknown. Objective: To characterise urinary and faecal metabonomics in ponies transitioned between HY varying in botanical composition and physiological age and to evaluate the speed of metabolic adaptation. Methods: In vivo experiments repeated Latin Square. Methods: Eight Welsh Mountain ponies were fed four HY (R1, R2, M1, M2) across 4 × 15-day periods; a structured 3-day (Days 13-15) changeover was observed: old:new 70:30, 50:50and 30:70....
Melatonin as a daily rhythm control signal for glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in horses. An involvement of melatonin in the regulation of glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion in pancreatic β-cells has been proposed. To evaluate the features of the daily rhythms of plasma melatonin, blood glucose, and insulin in horses, ten clinically healthy Italian Saddle geldings, 9-10 years old with a mean body weight of 490 ± 25 kg, were enrolled. The animals were housed in individual boxes under natural environmental conditions (sunrise 06:10; sunset 18:10; 12-15°C, 77% RH). All horses were cannulated the day before the start of the study for sample collection, which was perfo...
The effects of feeding frequency on glycemia and insulinemia in moderately exercised young horses. Concentrates are typically fed twice daily to supplement forages in horses to facilitate management, especially those with higher energy needs, but high-grain meals can contribute to digestive and metabolic challenges, including insulin dysregulation. This study investigated the effects of feeding frequency on glycemia, insulinemia, and insulin sensitivity measured by an oral sugar test in moderately exercised young horses. Thirty-two healthy Quarter Horses (2-3Â years old) were assigned to either traditional feeding (TF; two grain meals/day) or fractioned feeding (FF; automated grain delivery...
The effect of ertugliflozin on serum insulin and glucose in healthy horses receiving dexamethasone. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i) can be used to manage insulin dysregulation (ID). Their effect on corticosteroid-induced ID is unknown. Objective: Evaluate effects of ertugliflozin on serum insulin and glucose concentrations in horses receiving dexamethasone (DEX). We hypothesized that DEX would induce ID and ertugliflozin coadministration would mitigate that effect. Methods: Seven healthy horses. Methods: Randomized crossover design; horses received DEX (0.06Â mg/kg IV q48h; DEX)or ertugliflozin (0.05Â mg/kg PO q24h) plus DEX (SGLT-2i group) for seven days. Oral sugar (OST...
Characterisation of microbial metabolite profiles across the gastrointestinal tract of horses fed on pasture, hay or oat-supplemented rations. Dietary composition substantially influences the intensity and site of microbial metabolite production in the gastrointestinal tract. These metabolites have numerous beneficial effects on equine health, but may also be involved in the development of gastrointestinal disorders. It remains unclear whether different feeding strategies, including starch supplementation, can alter microbial metabolite profiles along the gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to compare the metabolite profiles of the microbial communities in the gastrointestinal tract of horses fed on pasture 24 h/day (PST; n =â...
Ursodeoxycholic Acid Oral Pharmacokinetics and Plasma Bile Acid Profile Changes in a Population of Healthy Neonatal Foals. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a secondary bile acid used in humans for the treatment of some cholestatic diseases. Interest in its potential use in equine patients with liver conditions has increased. Pharmacokinetic parameters in adult horses have recently been reported; however, they are not available for foals. The objective of this study was to characterize the pharmacokinetics of UDCA following a single oral dose of 15 mg/kg in six healthy neonatal foals and evaluate associated changes in bile acids (BA) profile. UDCA concentrations were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass...
Pancreatic α-cell dysfunction associated with equine insulin dysregulation. Insulin dysregulation (ID) in horses is characterised by insulin resistance and exaggerated insulin responses, yet the underlying endocrine mechanisms remain incompletely understood. In humans, α-cell dysfunction characterised by exaggerated glucagon secretion contributes to metabolic disease; however, the role of pancreatic α-cell function in equine ID has not previously been investigated. Objective: To investigate whether horses with moderate to severe ID exhibit α-cell dysfunction, characterised by fasting and postprandial hyperglucagonaemia as well as impaired postprandial glucagon supp...
Proteomic Profiling and Targeted Validation Reveal a More Extensive Salivary than Serum Response to a Feed-Deprivation Protocol in Horses with Gastric Lesions. Gastric ulceration is common in horses and remains challenging to diagnose, as gastroscopy is the gold standard. This study aimed to characterise the salivary and serum protein changes associated with a feed-deprivation protocol. Eight horses underwent this protocol, and gastric lesions were assessed by gastroscopy at the end of the experimental period. Saliva and blood samples were collected pre- and post-protocol, and pooled samples from each biological fluid and condition were analysed by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis to compare protein profiles. Fifteen salivary and five serum protei...
Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases in Donkeys. Donkeys have a plethora of species-specific metabolic traits that make them predisposed to endocrinopathies and metabolic disturbances. Due to their ability to digest poor-quality feedstuff and accumulate adipose tissue, donkeys are prone to obesity. Insulin dysregulation/metabolic syndrome, pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, and endocrinopathic laminitis are also prevalent in donkeys. Their efficiency to mobilize fat in situations of increased energy demands increases the predisposition to dyslipidemias. There are major endocrine differences between horses and donkeys, with different prot...
Thyroid Diseases. Thyroid hormones in horses fluctuate with factors like time of day, diet, activity, or medications. True hypothyroidism is rare in adults, and other causes for the observed clinical signs, such as equine metabolic syndrome, should be considered. Hyperthyroidism can occur in older horses and is sometimes associated with clinical signs requiring surgical treatment. In neonatal foals, distinct forms of hypothyroidism are associated with dysmaturity and can be life-threatening. While thyroid supplementation can help in managing equine metabolic syndrome, inappropriate use can impair athletic perfo...
The Influence of Season on Endocrine Testing in Equids. Endocrine function in equids is strongly influenced by season, with photoperiod as the primary driver and additional modulation by factors such as breed, geography, age, and nutrition. These seasonal effects have important implications for the interpretation of endocrine diagnostic tests. Circannual rhythms influence pituitary activity, resulting in predictable seasonal variation in adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations and forming the basis for seasonally adjusted diagnostic thresholds for pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction. Seasonal effects on insulin dynamics are less understood but...
Disorders of Phosphorus in Critical Illness. Disorders of phosphorus are common in critically ill horses, often occurring secondary to conditions such as endotoxemia, renal failure, or malnutrition. Phosphate imbalances can impair skeletal and cardiac muscle function, erythrocyte integrity, and bone metabolism, thereby complicating recovery. Diagnosis relies on routine biochemical testing. Treatment depends on severity: mild hypophosphatemia may be managed with oral supplementation, whereas severe cases require slow intravenous replacement with calcium monitoring. Hyperphosphatemia is addressed by promoting excretion and limiting absorpt...
Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Dysregulation. Equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) is defined as a collection of metabolic and clinical features that contribute to the development of hyperinsulinemia-associated laminitis (HAL). Insulin dysregulation (ID) is the hallmark feature of EMS and a risk factor for development of HAL. There are several diagnostic tests that can be used to diagnose various forms of ID in horses and ponies. Treatment of EMS/ID includes providing an appropriate diet, exercise program, and pharmacologic intervention in some severe cases.
Beyond Body Condition Score: A Proposed Interspecies Framework for Tissue-by-Tissue Nutritional Assessment in Veterinary Practice. In clinical veterinary medicine, the Body Condition Score (BCS) serves as a validated, semi-quantitative estimation of subcutaneous adipose reserves, yet it cannot by itself detect systemic nutrient deficiencies or excesses that do not necessarily imply energy storage. Human clinical dietetics addressed an analogous diagnostic gap through the Nutrition-Focused Physical Examination (NFPE), but veterinary medicine still lacks a unified, multi-species physical examination sequence for nutritional screening. This narrative review synthesizes the comparative and clinical nutrition literature into a...
Gut Microbiota as a Molecular Regulator of Mineral Homeostasis in Horses: Mechanisms and Future Perspectives. Mineral homeostasis in horses is traditionally attributed to the coordinated regulation of the intestine, kidneys, skeleton, and endocrine system. Emerging evidence suggests the gut microbiota also shapes this process by modifying the intestinal environment where mineral absorption occurs. Despite the growing interest in host-microbiota interactions, the mechanisms linking the equine gut microbiota to mineral metabolism remain poorly understood and have not been comprehensively synthesized. This review integrates current knowledge of equine gastrointestinal physiology, gut microbial ecology, a...
Blood pressure, electrolyte and fluid balance in horses with insulin dysregulation after short-term treatment with canagliflozin. Short-term treatment with SGLT-2 inhibitors decreases blood pressure in people with type 2 diabetes. The aim was to investigate the impact of a 3-week treatment with canagliflozin on blood pressure in insulin dysregulated (ID) horses and to study effects on fluid balance. This was a single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design study. The primary study evaluated glucose and insulin responses during an oral sugar test, and these results have been published previously. Here we report the effect of canagliflozin treatment on blood pressure, PCV, serum proteins and e...
Exercise-Induced Acid-Base, Electrolyte, and Metabolic Responses in Colombian Creole Horses Across Different Gait Modalities. Exercise physiology in Colombian Creole Horses remains poorly characterized despite the breed's extensive use in athletic activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate exercise-induced changes in blood biochemical and gas parameters and to determine whether these responses differed according to sex, geographic origin, or gait modality. An analytical observational study with repeated measures was conducted in 76 athletic CCHs. Blood samples were obtained from the jugular vein at rest and immediately after exercise to measure acid-base indicators (pH, carbon dioxide pressure, bicarbona...
Multiple Probiotic Lactic Acid Bacteria with Marked Cholesterol-Lowering Effects Were Discovered in Equine Colostrum. Xinjiang ranks among the key domestication origins of horses. Local nomadic ethnic groups have a long-standing tradition of consuming equine dairy products, which endows mare-derived dairy matrices with abundant, distinctive and scarce probiotic resources. Equine colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins and growth factors; nevertheless, its pharmacological activities and micro-ecological composition remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to isolate and screen native strains with cholesterol-lowering potential from Xinjiang equine colostrum and conduct a preliminary investigation into their ...
Magnesium Dysregulation. Magnesium (Mg) is a critical intracellular cation involved in energy metabolism, neuromuscular and cardiac stability, and endocrine regulation of calcium and potassium. In horses, Mg dysregulation is common in gastrointestinal disease, systemic inflammation and critical illness, yet often remains underdiagnosed. Hypomagnesemia contributes to ileus, cardiac arrhythmias, and refractory hypocalcemia or hypokalemia, whereas hypermagnesemia is rarely reported and typically iatrogenic. This review summarizes Mg physiology, regulation, clinical manifestations of Mg dysregulation, diagnostic approache...
High molecular weight adiponectin as an adjunct biomarker for insulin dysregulation in equids. Total adiponectin concentration is associated with hyperinsulinemia and laminitis risk in ponies but the high molecular weight (HMW) multimer is a more sensitive indicator of metabolic disease in other species and could be a useful biomarker for insulin dysregulation (ID). Objective: To determine a cut-off value for using HMW adiponectin as an adjunct diagnostic tool for ID. Methods: Cohort of 127 privately and university-owned horses and ponies of various breeds with 55 classified as ID positive and 72 as ID negative. Methods: Cohort study. Baseline and postprandial blood samples from an in-f...
