A high protein meal affects plasma insulin concentrations and amino acid metabolism in horses with equine metabolic syndrome.

This research looked at the impact of a high protein meal on the insulin and amino acid response in horses, specifically those with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). It found that high protein meals cause a significant insulin response and alter amino acid dynamics in horses with EMS, thus suggesting that dietary protein content is a crucial factor to consider in managing such horses.

Objective of the Research

• The primary objective of the research was to gain an understanding of the insulin and amino acid responses following the consumption of a high protein meal in both healthy horses and horses with Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS). EMS is characterized by an abnormal insulin response to a glucose challenge, and there is limited data available on the impact of dietary protein on insulin dynamics in these horses.

Research Method

• The research involved six mature horses diagnosed with EMS and six age-matched control horses without EMS.
• All horses were fed a high protein pellet meal in two phases – at 0 and 30 minutes, totalling 4g/kg body mass, after an overnight fast.
• Blood samples collected during a 4-hour period were analysed for plasma glucose, insulin, amino acids, and urea concentrations.

Research Findings

• The study found that horses with EMS had a 9-fold greater insulinemic (related to insulin) response to a high protein meal compared to the controls.
• Post-meal histidine, citrulline, tyrosine, valine, methionine, isoleucine, leucine and ornithine levels were higher in horses with EMS.
• No significant difference was found in glucose concentrations between the two groups. Similarly, baseline urea nitrogen concentrations were not significantly different between groups.

Implications of the Research

• The research affirms that consumption of a high protein meal results in a hyperinsulinemic response and affects amino acid dynamics in horses with EMS.
• This suggests that the dietary protein content should be part of the considerations in managing insulin dysregulation in horses, particularly those with EMS, despite the normally prevalent focus on carbohydrate content.