Effect of longeing and glucosamine supplementation on serum markers of bone and joint metabolism in yearling quarter horses.

The research studies the impact of specialized exercises and dietary supplementation with glucosamine on the joint health of yearling quarter horses.

Research Design and Methodology

• The study involved 21 young quarter horses split into four groups, each receiving distinct treatments. The grouping was designed to test the impact of different kinds of exercise and whether this effect was altered by glucosamine supplementation.
• One group was given a daily regimen of running in circles (longeing) for 20 minutes without glucosamine supplement (LN). The second group also followed the longeing routine but their diet was supplemented with glucosamine (LG). The third and fourth groups were put on a mechanical walker for 120 minutes per day, with the former not receiving glucosamine (WN) and the latter receiving glucosamine supplements (WG).
• The glucosamine supplement was administered orally in a decreasing dosage pattern; initially at 5.5g twice daily in the first 4 weeks, then dropping to 3.5g for weeks 5 and 6, and finally to 2.0g for weeks 7 and 8.

Biomarkers and Results

• The study focused on two biomarkers in the horses’ blood serum; keratan sulfate and osteocalcin. Both are related to bone and joint health, hence the relevance to the glucosamine supplementation and exercise regimen.
• After 8 weeks of routine, horse blood samples were analyzed every week. The study revealed that horses which walked and were receiving glucosamine (WG) had a slightly higher level of keratan sulfate in their serum, compared to control group (P = 0.04). However, this change was not statistically significant.
• The concentration of osteocalcin in the horses’ serum was not significantly affected (P ≥ 0.08) by either glucosamine supplementation or the form of exercise.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that the observed conditions of longeing, walking, or glucosamine supplementation did not significantly alter levels of keratan sulfate or osteocalcin in horses.
• These results advise further exploration to discover the specific conditions under which glucosamine supplementation and/or specific exercise regimes may alter joint and bone health in horses.