Changes in intramuscular amino acid levels in submaximally exercised horses – a pilot study.

The research article discusses the effects of protein/amino acid (AA) supplementation and exercise on the intramuscular amino acid concentrations in horses. It’s observed that supplementation and exercise significantly affect the levels of certain intramuscular amino acids.

Study Design and Procedure

• The study involved nine horses which were exposed to four standardized exercise tests (SETs) followed by analysis of amino acid concentrations at specific time intervals (before, immediately after, 4 hours and 18 hours after exercise).
• The study spanned two phases, each lasting three weeks, with two SETs conducted in each phase.
• In the second phase, a protein/AA supplement was given to the horses within one hour after exercise.

Findings of the Study

• There were significant temporal changes in average plasma amino acids levels, in line with findings from previous studies. These changes were also related to the administration of the protein/AA supplement.
• Several amino acids, including alanine, asparagine, aspartate, citrulline, glutamine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, serine, taurine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine, showed significant time-dependent changes in their intramuscular concentrations when compared with pre-exercise levels.
• The post-exercise intramuscular concentration of alanine, isoleucine, methionine, and tyrosine significantly increased 4 hours after feeding the supplement.
• Eighteen hours post exercise, increased levels of isoleucine, methionine, asparagine, histidine and valine were still observed, even in comparison with the levels found when no treatment was provided.

Conclusion

• The findings suggest that oral administration of amino acid mixtures to horses within one hour after exercise can enlarge the intramuscular amino acid pool.