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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2012; 196(2); 153-159; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.007

Dietary restriction in combination with a nutraceutical supplement for the management of equine metabolic syndrome in horses.

Abstract: Few studies have examined the effect of dietary restriction in horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). This study aimed to determine improvements in insulin sensitivity following dietary restriction for 6 weeks, and to determine if the improvement would be greater in horses receiving short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS). Dietary management involved feeding grass hay, restricted to 1.25% of body mass (BM) as daily dry matter intake and soaked in cold water prior to feeding, with the addition of a vitamin and mineral nutraceutical supplement with or without the addition of sc-FOS (10 g/100 kg). Soaking the hay resulted in a significant reduction in non-structural carbohydrates (38%, P = 0.01), digestible energy (6.78%, P = 0.01) and water soluble minerals. Following 6 weeks of dietary restriction with soaked grass hay and nutraceutical supplement, horses lost an average of 6.8% BM and showed reductions in body condition score (BCS) and belly circumference. Sensitivity to insulin improved overall, as determined by the total insulin response during the combined glucose insulin test. The magnitude of improvement in insulin sensitivity was associated with the degree of insulin resistance recorded at outset, and the extent of overall losses in BM and BCS, but was independent of the addition of sc-FOS. The nutraceutical supplement was highly palatable and no adverse effects were noted. From the findings of this study a strict dietary program in combination with a specifically designed vitamin and mineral nutraceutical supplement can be recommended to obtain rapid improvements in BM, BCS and insulin sensitivity of animals presenting with EMS.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2012-11-08 PubMed ID: 23141962DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.007Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research studied the effects of dietary restriction coupled with a nutraceutical supplement on horses suffering from equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). The study found that a reduction in diet along with a vitamin and mineral supplement can lead to notable improvements in body mass, body condition score, and insulin sensitivity.

Detailed Explanation

Dietary restriction methodology

  • The study started with implementing dietary restrictions for the horses diagnosed with EMS.
  • The restricted diet was composed of feeding grass hay, which was diluted to 1.25% of the horse’s body mass as daily dry matter intake.
  • The grass hay was soaked in cold water before being given to the horses.
  • A nutraceutical supplement was added to this structured diet, with or without the addition of short-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (sc-FOS).

Results of dietary restriction

  • The soaked hay resulted in a significant decrease in non-structural carbohydrates and digestible energy in the horse’s diet with considerable reduction in water-soluble minerals.
  • After six weeks of this diet combined with the nutraceutical supplement, horses lost an average of 6.8% body mass and showcased reductions in body condition score (BCS) and belly circumference.
  • These horses also registered improved insulin sensitivity, as inferred from the insulin response during the combined glucose insulin test.

The role of sc-FOS and Nutraceutical supplement

  • Despite the integration of sc-FOS in some horse’s diet, the research found that improvement in insulin sensitivity was independent of its addition.
  • The degree of improved insulin sensitivity was correlated more to the original level of insulin resistance and the total cease in body mass and BCS of the horses.
  • The nutraceutical supplement, a powered mixture of various vitamins and minerals, was found to be highly palatable to the horses and did not lead to any noticeable side effects.

Study Conclusion

  • The researchers concluded that, for horses with EMS, a disciplined dietary plan combined with a vitamin and mineral nutraceutical supplement showed rapid improvements in body mass, body condition score, and insulin sensitivity.
  • The findings can help design effective dietary management strategies for horses with EMS.

Cite This Article

APA
McGowan CM, Dugdale AH, Pinchbeck GL, Argo CM. (2012). Dietary restriction in combination with a nutraceutical supplement for the management of equine metabolic syndrome in horses. Vet J, 196(2), 153-159. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2012.10.007

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 196
Issue: 2
Pages: 153-159
PII: S1090-0233(12)00429-7

Researcher Affiliations

McGowan, C M
  • Department of Musculoskeletal Biology, Institute of Infection and Global Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, United Kingdom. C.M.Mcgowan@liverpool.ac.uk
Dugdale, A H
    Pinchbeck, G L
      Argo, C McG

        MeSH Terms

        • Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
        • Animals
        • Diet, Reducing / veterinary
        • Dietary Supplements
        • Female
        • Horse Diseases / diet therapy
        • Horses
        • Insulin Resistance
        • Male
        • Metabolic Syndrome / diet therapy
        • Metabolic Syndrome / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 15 times.
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        8. de Laat MA, Hampson BA, Sillence MN, Pollitt CC. Sustained, Low-Intensity Exercise Achieved by a Dynamic Feeding System Decreases Body Fat in Ponies. J Vet Intern Med 2016 Sep;30(5):1732-1738.
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