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Journal of animal science2021; 99(10); skab264; doi: 10.1093/jas/skab264

β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate supplementation to adult Thoroughbred geldings increases type IIA fiber content in the gluteus medius.

Abstract: Consumption of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) alters muscle composition and metabolism leading to strength and agility improvements in human athletes. To determine if HMB affects athletic performance and muscle function in horses, Thoroughbred geldings were fed a control (CON; n = 5) or HMB (n = 6) supplement for 6 wk prior to completing a standardized exercise test (SET). Gluteus medius (GM) muscle biopsies were obtained before the SET for fiber typing. Heart rate, biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) surface electromyograms (EMG), and fore and hind limbs metacarpophalangeal joint angles were captured at the gallop of the SET. Results demonstrate that HMB supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the percentage of type IIA and IIA/X muscle fibers in the GM with a corresponding decrease (P < 0.05) in type IIX fibers. The percentage of type I fibers was unaffected by diet. Supplementation with HMB did not result in any measurable effects on performance or biomechanical properties by comparison to CON. Supplementation with HMB resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in ST median frequency at speeds of 10 m/s and greater. Increasing treadmill speed resulted in an increase (P < 0.05) in stride length and the maximal proximal forelimb fetlock angle, and a decrease (P < 0.05) in stance phase time of the gait cycle. Integrated EMG (iEMG) increased (P < 0.05) with increasing treadmill speeds for both the BF and ST with the BF exhibiting greater (P < 0.05) iEMG values than the ST. In summary, HMB increased the percentage of type IIA GM fibers, which did not translate into improved performance.
© The Author(s) 2021. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the American Society of Animal Science. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.
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Publication Date: 2021-09-14 PubMed ID: 34516615PubMed Central: PMC8493890DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab264Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This study investigated the effects of β-hydroxy β-methylbutyrate (HMB) supplementation on muscle function and performance in Thoroughbred geldings. The results showed that while HMB supplementation increases the number of certain types of muscle fibers, it doesn’t lead to noticeable improvements in the horses’ performance.

Research Methodology

  • Two groups of Thoroughbred geldings were used in the study: a control group (n = 5) and an HMB-supplemented group (n = 6).
  • For six weeks, the horses in the HMB group were given HMB supplements. The control group were given a regular diet.
  • Following the diet period, a Standardized Exercise Test (SET) was conducted involving running on a treadmill at progressive speeds.
  • As part of the study, biopsies of the Gluteus medius (GM) muscle were taken from the horses before the SET. The biopsies were used to determine the muscle fiber composition.

Measurements Tracked

  • Various measurements were taken during the SET, including heart rate, electromagnetic (EMG) spasms in the biceps femoris (BF) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles, and joint angles.
  • Changes in stride length, the maximal angle of the proximal forelimb fetlock, and the amount of time spent in the stance phase of the gait cycle were also observed and noted at each treadmill speed.

Key Findings

  • The dominant finding was that HMB supplementation led to a noticeable increase in the content of type IIA and IIA/X muscle fibers in the GM muscle. In contrast, a decrease in type IIX fibers was observed.
  • The researchers found no signficant change in the content of type I fibers as a result of HMB supplementation.
  • No substantial difference in performance or biomechanical traits was detected between the control group and the HMB group.
  • The study discovered an increase in the ST median frequency at speeds of 10 m/s and over.
  • In addition, as treadmill speed increased, stride length increased, and the time spent in the stance phase of the gait cycle decreased. The maximal angle of the proximal forelimb fetlock also increased with higher treadmill speeds.
  • Integrated EMG (iEMG) values for BF and ST also increased with treadmill speeds. The BF showed higher iEMG values than the ST.

Conclusion

  • In conclusion, while HMB supplementation increases the percentage of type IIA muscle fibers in Thoroughbred geldings, it does not lead to evident performance improvement. The implications of these findings for the use of HMB in horses’ diets require further research.

Cite This Article

APA
Busse NI, Gonzalez ML, Krason ML, Johnson SE. (2021). β-Hydroxy β-methylbutyrate supplementation to adult Thoroughbred geldings increases type IIA fiber content in the gluteus medius. J Anim Sci, 99(10), skab264. https://doi.org/10.1093/jas/skab264

Publication

Journal of animal science
ISSN: 1525-3163
NlmUniqueID: 8003002
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 99
Issue: 10
PII: skab264

Researcher Affiliations

Busse, Nicolas I
  • Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Gonzalez, Madison L
  • Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Krason, Mackenzie L
  • Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
Johnson, Sally E
  • Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Muscles
  • Valerates

Grant Funding

  • John Lee Pratt Animal Nutrition Program
  • Paul Mellon Research Endowment

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Citations

This article has been cited 4 times.
  1. Takahashi Y, Takahashi T, Mukai K, Ebisuda Y, Ohmura H. Effect of speed and leading or trailing limbs on surface muscle activities during canter in Thoroughbred horses.. PLoS One 2023;18(5):e0286409.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286409pubmed: 37235556google scholar: lookup
  2. Johnson SE, Barshick MR, Gonzalez ML, Riley JW, Pelletier ME, Castanho BC, Ealy EN. A Carnitine-Containing Product Improves Aspects of Post-Exercise Recovery in Adult Horses.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 14;13(4).
    doi: 10.3390/ani13040657pubmed: 36830444google scholar: lookup
  3. Barshick MR, Gonzalez ML, Busse NI, Helsel PJ, Johnson SE. The initial delay to mitotic activity in primary cultures of equine satellite cells is reduced by combinations of growth factors.. J Anim Sci 2022 Aug 1;100(8).
    doi: 10.1093/jas/skac140pubmed: 35908788google scholar: lookup
  4. Busse NI, Gonzalez ML, Wagner AL, Johnson SE. Short Communication: Supplementation with calcium butyrate causes an increase in the percentage of oxidative fibers in equine gluteus medius muscle.. J Anim Sci 2022 Aug 1;100(8).
    doi: 10.1093/jas/skac108pubmed: 35908781google scholar: lookup
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