Calcium propionate is an alkalizing agent in exercising Standardbreds.

The researchers tested whether calcium propionate affects the balance of acid and bases (alkalizing effect), as well as glucose and insulin levels, in racehorses during exercise. The research did not find significant effects of treatment on these parameters, but it did note that calcium propionate can function as an alkalizing agent in horses.

Research Methodology

• The study utilized a randomized crossover design to check if calcium propionate can modify levels of total CO2 (tCO), Calcium (Ca), blood pH, strong ion difference (SID), glucose, and insulin in racehorses undertaking a simulated race test (SRT) on a high-speed equine treadmill.
• The sample group consisted of eight horses (aged 13 – 21 years) and blood was collected at various stages: 10 and 5 minutes before treatment or control administration, right before the subsequent SRT, immediately after the SRT, and at 60 and 90 minutes post-SRT.
• Duplicate measurements for plasma pH and concentrations of glucose, Ca, sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), lactate (for SID calculation) were made using a blood gas analyzer. Serum insulin levels were evaluated through radioimmunoassay.
• The collected data were analyzed with a two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings

• No significant effects of the treatment or the interaction between treatment and sampling timepoint were found on plasma pH, Na, K, Cl, SID, insulin, and glucose (p>0.05).
• After the SRT, plasma levels of tCO2, glucose, Ca, Na, and SID were significantly lower, while lactate levels were significantly higher. These findings suggest that exercise is associated with significant changes in these parameters, regardless of calcium propionate supplementation.
• Notably, plasma tCO2, bicarbonate, and Ca concentrations were significantly higher in the treated horses when compared to the control group at multiple timepoints after the treatment/control administration, indicating that administration of calcium propionate alters these parameters.
• Serum insulin concentration, which was measured only before and 30 minutes after treatment/control administration, remained unchanged by treatment.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that calcium propionate functions as an alkalizing agent in horses, but it does not significantly impact plasma pH, SID, glucose, and insulin levels.