Effects of weight carrying, exercise and a myo-anabolic supplement on growth and muscle.

This research explores the impact of weight-carrying exercise and nutritional supplementation on muscle development and growth in young horses, finding that weight-carrying coupled with dietary protein supports greater muscle anabolism.

Research Methodology and Grouping

• The researchers conducted a study on 17 horses that were distributed into three separate groups to investigate the effect of weight-bearing exercises and dietary supplementation on their muscle development and growth.
• The groups consisted of a control group (which performed free-flow exercises), a weight group (which did the same exercises but gradually added weight [up to 45kg]), and a weight-supplement group (which did the same exercises as the weight group and received a myo-anabolic supplement).

Acclimation, Conditioning and Measurements

• Prior to starting the exercise regimen, the horses were accustomed to handling for 30 days, after which baseline measurements of weight, body condition score, wither height, hip height, forearm and gaskin circumferences, and the cross-sectional area of the longissimus dorsi (a major muscle of the back) were taken.
• Subsequently, the horses were stalled for 108 days and conditioned for 78 days. Following the conditioning period, the aforementioned measurements were taken again for comparison.

Results

• The weight-supplement group displayed an increase in lean body tissue, as indicated by a significant increase in body weight (P<0.05), coupled with a decreased body condition score (P<0.01).
• Increases in wither and hip heights were noted in the weight-bearing group, probably due to increased muscle tone (P = 0.09 for wither height, P<0.01 for hip height).
• The weight-supplement group also showed increased forearm (P<0.01) and gaskin circumferences (P<0.05).
• The study concluded that weight-carrying, when combined with additional dietary protein, seemed to support greater muscle growth (anabolism).

Implications and Future Research

• The findings imply that the combination of weight-bearing exercise and nutritional protein supplements can enhance muscle development in young horses.
• The researchers suggest further exploration into the possible additive effect of resistance training and diet to understand their combined implications for muscle development and growth.