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Insulin-like growth factor I in growing thoroughbreds.
Abstract: The objective of this longitudinal study was to characterize growth and plasma insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations in pasture-raised thoroughbreds fed two sources of dietary energy. Mares and foals were randomly assigned to either a sugar and starch (SS) or fat and fibre (FF)-rich feed, and plasma IGF-I and growth were measured once a month from 1 to 16 months of age. These dependent variables were also compared with day length and ambient temperature. There was an association between plasma IGF-I concentration and average daily gain (ADG) (r = 0.32, p 0.10) in the FF group when compared with the SS group, and was higher in the SS group during a rapid growth phase in the spring of year 2 (p < 0.10). The results establish an association between ADG and IGF-I in the horse and indicate that environment and age may influence this relationship. In addition, plasma IGF-I is influenced by dietary energy source at particular times of year. This link has important implications in designing feeding management strategies that are aimed at addressing skeletal development.
Publication Date: 2007-09-12 PubMed ID: 17845246DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2006.00666.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research studied the relationship between dietary energy sources, growth, and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) levels in growing thoroughbred horses. It found associations between these variables and the influence of environmental factors, suggesting a consideration for dietary adjustments in feeding strategies for better skeletal development.
Research objectives and methodology
- The study aimed to understand the growth and plasma IGF-I concentrations in thoroughbred horses raised at pasture and fed two different types of dietary energy – sugar and starch (SS) or fat and fibre (FF).
- Mares and foals were randomly assigned to either of these diets and their growth was measured monthly for a period of 16 months.
- These dependent measurements were compared with day length and ambient temperature to factor in the influence of environmental conditions.
- The researchers looked into correlations between plasma IGF-I, average daily gain (ADG), and the dietary energy source.
Research findings
- There was a notable correlation between plasma IGF-I concentration and the average daily gain in horse’s weight (r = 0.32, p < 0.001).
- The measures of ADG and plasma IGF-I exhibited seasonality, with high values recorded in June and May, and a low value in March, indicating a strong influence of day length and temperature.
- No significant difference in plasma IGF-I was found between horses fed FF and those fed SS at most times; however, during a quick growth phase in spring of the second year, IGF-I levels were higher in the SS group.
Conclusions and implications
- The study confirmed an association between ADG and IGF-I in horses and indicated that this relationship could be influenced by age and environmental factors like day length and temperature.
- Plasma IGF-I levels were also influenced by the source of dietary energy, specifically during certain times of the year. This could have important implications when designing feeding strategies for horses, especially when focusing on skeletal development.
Cite This Article
APA
Staniar WB, Kronfeld DS, Akers RM, Harris PA.
(2007).
Insulin-like growth factor I in growing thoroughbreds.
J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 91(9-10), 390-399.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1439-0396.2006.00666.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, USA. wstaniar@vt.edu
MeSH Terms
- Aging / blood
- Analysis of Variance
- Animal Feed
- Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena / physiology
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Dietary Fats / administration & dosage
- Dietary Fats / metabolism
- Dietary Fiber / administration & dosage
- Dietary Fiber / metabolism
- Dietary Sucrose / administration & dosage
- Dietary Sucrose / metabolism
- Female
- Horses / blood
- Horses / growth & development
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
- Longitudinal Studies
- Nutritional Status
- Radioimmunoassay / methods
- Radioimmunoassay / veterinary
- Seasons
- Starch / administration & dosage
- Starch / metabolism
- Temperature
- Weight Gain
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Moore-Colyer M, Westacott A, Rousson L, Harris P, Daniels S. Where Are We Now? Feeds, Feeding Systems and Current Knowledge of UK Horse Owners When Feeding Haylage to Their Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 Apr 7;13(8).
- Verwilghen DR, Vanderheyden L, Franck T, Busoni V, Enzerink E, Gangl M, Lejeune JP, van Galen G, Grulke S, Serteyn D. Variations of plasmatic concentrations of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I in post-pubescent horses affected with developmental osteochondral lesions. Vet Res Commun 2009 Oct;33(7):701-9.
- Parmantier S, Kyriazopoulou P, McClendon M, Adams A, Murphy BA. Influence of Extended Photoperiod Using Blue Light Masks on Hypertrichosis, Coat Condition and General Health Parameters in Horses with Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 5;15(19).
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