Effect of molassed sugar beet pulp on nutrient utilisation and metabolic parameters during exercise.

The research investigates how partially substituting oats with molassed sugar beet pulp (MSBP) in a horse’s diet affects nutrient absorption and metabolic parameters during exercise. The study found that replacing oats with MSBP led to lower levels of fat digestion, insulin production after meals, and lactate post-exercise, but maintained the same digestion level for other nutrients and energy. It suggested that altering carbohydrate composition in diet could significantly influence glycogen production and lactate levels, implying that MSBP could replace oats in a horse’s diet without compromising nutrient utilization and metabolic response during exercise.

Objective of the Study

• The study aimed to test the impact of substituting oats with molassed sugar beet pulp (MSBP) in a traditional hay/oat diet on the nutrient utilization and metabolic response in exercising horses.

Methodology

• The researchers conducted a change-over experiment involving four Standardbred geldings (male horses).
• These horses were fed two types of diet. First, a traditional hay and oat-based diet and second, a diet where oats were partly replaced with MSBP.
• Each experimental period lasted 21 days, during which total collection of feces and urine was made, and an exercise test (ET) was performed.

Findings

• The study revealed that the crude fat digestibility on the MSBP diet was lower compared to the traditional hay/oat diet.
• However, there were no differences found in the digestibility of other nutrients and energy or in the urinary excretion of nitrogen and energy.
• Furthermore, at resting states, plasma insulin levels were observed to be lower on the MSBP diet postprandially (after meals).
• No significant differences were noted between the two diets in terms of plasma glucose and insulin levels during the exercise test.
• Lesser peak plasma and muscle lactate levels were observed on the MSBP diet, and the muscle glycogen content was higher after the exercise test on the MSBP diet.

Conclusion

• The study concludes that the metabolic response varies between the two diets, with a lower lactate response and a higher muscle glycogen content post-exercise on the MSBP diet.
• This suggests that the carbohydrate composition of a diet can influence the rate of glycogen production with lactate levels.
• Furthermore, it supports the hypothesis that MSBP can replace oats in a hay-based diet without negatively affecting nutrient utilization and metabolic response in exercising horses.