Effect of a post exercise fat-supplemented diet on muscle glycogen repletion.

The research investigates the impact of fat supplementation on the restoration of muscle glycogen in horses and concludes that although initially it slows the rate of replenishment, after an adaptation period, it does not change the rate compared to a normal diet.

Objective and Purpose of the Study

• The study aimed to understand the effects of fat supplementation on the repletion or restoration of muscle glycogen, vital for muscular activity and endurance.
• The need for this study arises from the fact that optimal muscle glycogen replenishment may enhance performance in horses required to compete on consecutive days.

Methods and Procedure

• A total of twelve Finnhorses were involved in the study which comprised of various exercise tests and diet patterns.
• The exercise tests were carried out on a treadmill for uniformity. The diets provided post the exercises had distinct compositions for each trial.
• In trial A, the horses received hay and a concentrate at 2 and 4 hours post the exercise.
• Trial B repeated the same exercise but the diet was supplemented with either a 1000g of carbohydrate or 400g of vegetable oil.
• Trial C mirrored trial B, except the fat group of horses had already been on a dietary fat regimen for three weeks.
• Blood samples of horses were analyzed for various parameters such as lactate, glucose, glycerol, triglycerides, NEFA, cholesterol, beta-OH-butyrate, insulin and glucagon. Additionally, muscle samples were scrutinized for glycogen and triglycerides concentration.

Results and Conclusion

• The results demonstrated that fat supplementation initially slowed down the rate of muscle glycogen repletion in horses not adapted to fat feeding.
• However, on continuation and adaptation to the fat supplementation diet, the rate of muscle glycogen repletion did not show significant deviation when compared to the rate with a normal diet.