Effect of balanced vs. standard protein on muscle mass development in exercising horses.
Abstract: Twelve horses weighing 570 ± 35 kg were split into two groups (standard protein, STD, and balanced protein, BAL) to evaluate the effect of balanced vs. unbalanced protein on muscle mass. Groups were fed grass hay and a 12% CP feed (one formulated for balanced protein). Horses were out of work for 14 wk prior and participated in 1 to 2 h of light-to-moderate exercise 5 d/wk for 12 wk. A 4-d total urine and feces collection period was conducted at the start and end of the study. Urine and feces samples were analyzed for nitrogen (N) to calculate N balance. Muscle mass status was evaluated using histochemistry, muscle scoring, and body measurements at the start and end of the study. Muscle biopsies were analyzed for free amino acid concentrations. An ANOVA was done using the Proc MIXED function of SAS (2006). Nitrogen retention was greater and urine nitrogen as a percent of intake less for the STD group at the end of the study (P = 0.01). Muscle free concentrations of methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, and arginine were greater in the BAL group at the end of the study compared to the STD group (P < 0.04) while muscle free histidine, threonine, and valine were less for the STD group at the end of the study compared to the start of the study (P < 0.05). Muscle fiber diameters were greater at the start of the study for the STD group (P = 0.004) but greater for the BAL group at the end of the study (P = 0.001). There is some evidence of improved muscle mass for the BAL group with greater muscle free amino acids (arginine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and valine) as well as greater type II muscle fiber areas and diameters. While changes did not appear evident between groups at the "whole body" level, changes at the tissue level appear more evident.
© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science.
Publication Date: 2024-08-16 PubMed ID: 39219716PubMed Central: PMC11362989DOI: 10.1093/tas/txae118Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article examines whether a balanced protein diet or a standard protein diet is more effective for muscle mass development in horses. The study found that the balanced protein diet resulted in higher levels of certain amino acids in the horses’ muscles, and led to greater type II muscle fiber areas and diameters.
Study Design
- The study involved twelve horses weighing a collective total of 570 ± 35 kg. The horses were divided into two groups: one group was fed a standard protein diet, while the other group was given a balanced protein diet.
- The horses had not worked for 14 weeks prior to the start of the study and took part in light to moderate exercise, 5 days per week for 12 weeks.
- At the start and end of the 12-week period, a collection of urine and feces samples from the horses was conducted over four days. The samples were tested for Nitrogen (N) to evaluate N balance, which is used to identify the protein intake and metabolism.
- Muscle status of the horses was assessed at the beginning and end of the study period using techniques including histochemistry, muscle scoring, and body measurements.
- Muscle biopsies were also taken to evaluate concentrations of free amino acids in the muscles.
- The statistical data were analyzed using the PROC MIXED function of SAS (2006).
Findings
- By the end of the study, the standard protein group had greater nitrogen retention.
- Examining the muscle biopsies, the balanced protein group had higher concentrations of certain free amino acids including methionine, leucine, phenylalanine, and arginine compared to the standard protein group.
- Muscle fiber diameters were initially larger in the standard protein group at the start of the study. However, by the end of the study, the balanced protein group had larger muscle fiber diameters.
- Overall the study presented some evidence of improved muscle mass in the balanced protein group with greater muscle free amino acids and greater type II muscle fiber areas and diameters.
Conclusion
- Although the changes between both groups were not clearly noticeable at the “whole body” level, modifications at the tissue level were more prominent. Therefore, balanced protein diets may be more beneficial for horses in exercise, especially in terms of muscular development, than standard protein diets.
Cite This Article
APA
Graham-Thiers PM, Bowen LK.
(2024).
Effect of balanced vs. standard protein on muscle mass development in exercising horses.
Transl Anim Sci, 8, txae118.
https://doi.org/10.1093/tas/txae118 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Studies, Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA 24327, USA.
- Department of Equine Studies, Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA 24327, USA.
Conflict of Interest Statement
None declared.
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