FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Postprandial insulin responses to various feedstuffs differ ...
Equine veterinary journal2021; 54(3); 574-583; doi: 10.1111/evj.13474

Postprandial insulin responses to various feedstuffs differ in insulin dysregulated horses compared with non-insulin dysregulated controls.

Abstract: Controlling postprandial hyperinsulinaemia is important in insulin dysregulated (ID) horses to reduce the risk of laminitis. Objective: To evaluate postprandial insulin responses of ID versus non-insulin dysregulated (NID) horses to feedstuffs varying in nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) and crude protein (CP). Methods: Randomised crossover. Methods: Eighteen adult mixed-breed horses (13.3 ± 2.2 years; 621 ± 78.8 kg) were individually fed [~1 g/kg body weight (BW)] specific feedstuffs within two crossover studies. Eight ID and eight NID were used in Study A, and 11 ID and 5 NID in Study B. In Study A, all horses were randomly fed once: cracked corn (CC: ~74% NSC & ~9% CP), ration balancer with low protein (RB-LP: ~15% NSC & ~17% CP), ration balancer with high protein (RB-HP: ~14% NSC and ~37% CP) and 50:50 mixture of RB-LP:RB-HP (MIX-P). In Study B, horses were randomly fed once: CC, RB-HP, steam-flaked corn (SF: ~73% NSC & ~10% CP), oat groats (OG: ~64% NSC & ~14% CP) and a low NSC pellet (L-NSC: ~6% NSC & ~12% CP). Blood was collected for insulin determination [radioimmunoassay (RIA)] before and 30, 60, 75, 90, 105, 120, 150, 180, 210 and 240-minute post-feeding in Study A and at 60-minute in Study B. Data were analysed via analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures after any required transformations. Results: ID horses had significantly greater insulin responses (AUCi) than NID for all diets in both studies (P < .001; ID 22 362 ± 10 298 µIU/mL/min & NID 6145 ± 1922 µIU/mL/min). No effect of diet on AUCi for NID (P = .2), but in ID, the CC (32 000 ± 13 960 µIU/mL/min) AUCi was higher than RB-LP (P = .01; 18 977 ± 6731 µIU/mL/min). ID insulin (T60) was lower for the L-NSC (57.8 ± 18.5 µIU/mL) versus all other diets (P < .02; 160.1 ± 91.5 µIU/mL). Conclusions: Small numbers of horses; no ponies. Conclusions: NSC appears to be the main driver of the postprandial insulin response. ID horses respond disproportionately to feeding even small amounts of low/moderate NSC feedstuffs. Data on possible dietary thresholds for postprandial insulin responses cannot be extrapolated from NID horses.
© 2021 EVJ Ltd.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2021-07-08 PubMed ID: 34053111DOI: 10.1111/evj.13474Google 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.
LinkedInCopy
  • Clinical Trial
  • Veterinary
  • Journal Article

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.

The study investigates how various feeds affect insulin responses in horses, particularly those with insulin dysregulation (ID). The result showed that ID horses had significantly greater insulin responses to all diets compared to non-ID ones, and that nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) levels appear to be the main determiner of post-meal insulin responses.

Methods

  • A total of eighteen adult horses of mixed breeds were used in the study across two separate investigations, Study A and Study B
  • Eight insulin dysregulated (ID) and eight non-insulin dysregulated (NID) horses were involved in Study A, while Study B comprised eleven ID and five NID horses
  • Different feedstuffs were used, including cracked corn (rich in NSC and moderate in crude protein), two variations of a ration balancer with low and high protein (moderate in NSC), a mixture of both ration balancers, steam-flaked corn, oat groats, and a low NSC pellet
  • Blood samples were taken at various time intervals after feeding to evaluate their insulin levels
  • Insulin determination was done using a method known as radioimmunoassay (RIA)
  • Data was analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA) techniques.

Results

  • The insulin levels of ID horses were significantly higher than those of NID horses for all diets
  • Cracked corn resulted in higher insulin responses (AUCi) in ID horses compared to the low protein ration balancer
  • In ID horses, the insulin level (T60) was lower for the diet containing low NSC pellets compared to all other diets
  • The type of diet given did not significantly affect the AUCi in NID horses.

Conclusions

  • Nonstructural carbohydrates (NSCs) appear to be the primary driver of insulin response after feeding
  • Even a small number of ID horses respond disproportionately to feeding, particularly when the feedstuff has low to moderate NSC content
  • The researchers caution against extrapolating any identified dietary thresholds for post-meal insulin responses from NID to ID horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Macon EL, Harris P, Bailey S, Barker VD, Adams A. (2021). Postprandial insulin responses to various feedstuffs differ in insulin dysregulated horses compared with non-insulin dysregulated controls. Equine Vet J, 54(3), 574-583. https://doi.org/10.1111/evj.13474

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 2042-3306
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 54
Issue: 3
Pages: 574-583

Researcher Affiliations

Macon, Erica L
  • Department of Veterinary Science, M. H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Harris, Patricia
  • Equine Studies Group, WALTHAM Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire, UK.
Bailey, Simon
  • Melbourne Veterinary School, Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia.
Barker, Virginia D
  • Department of Veterinary Science, M. H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
Adams, Amanda
  • Department of Veterinary Science, M. H. Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Blood Glucose
  • Diet / veterinary
  • Horse Diseases / metabolism
  • Horses
  • Hyperinsulinism / veterinary
  • Insulin / metabolism

Grant Funding

  • MARS Petcare UK

References

This article includes 39 references
  1. Frank N, Bailey SR, Bertin FR, de Laat M, Durham A, Kritchevsky J. Recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of equine metabolic syndrome (EMS).. Equine Endocrinology Group 2020.
  2. Durham AE, Frank N, McGowan CM, Menzies-Gow NJ, Roelfsema E, Vervuert I. ECEIM consensus statement on equine metabolic syndrome.. J Vet Intern Med 2019;33:335-49.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.15423google scholar: lookup
  3. Asplin K, Sillence M, Pollitt C, McGowan C. Induction of laminitis by prolonged hyperinsulinemia in clinically normal ponies.. Vet J 2007;174:530-5.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.07.003google scholar: lookup
  4. de Laat M, McGowan C, Sillence M, Pollitt C. Equine laminitis: induced by 48 h hyperinsulinemia in Standardbred horses.. Equine Vet J 2010;42 2:129-35.
    doi: 10.2746/042516409x475779google scholar: lookup
  5. Meier AD, de Laat MA, Reiche DB, Pollitt CC, Walsh DM, McGree JM. The oral glucose test predicts laminitis risk in ponies fed a diet high in nonstructural carbohydrates.. Domest Anim Endocrin 2018;63:1-9.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2017.10.008google scholar: lookup
  6. Karikoski NP, Horn I, McGowan TW, McGowan CM. The prevalence of endocrinopathic laminitis among horses presented for laminitis at a first-opinion/referral equine hospital.. Domest Anim Endocrin 2011;41:111-7.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2011.05.004google scholar: lookup
  7. Rendle D, Argo CM, Bowen M, Carslake H, German A, Harris PA. Equine obesity: current perspectives roundtable.. UK-Vet Equine 2018;2(Sup5).
    doi: 10.12968/ukve.2018.2.s2.3google scholar: lookup
  8. Borgia L, Valberg S, McCue M, Watts K, Pagan J. Glycemic and insulinemic responses to feeding hay with different non-structural carbohydrate content in control and polysaccharide storage myopathy-affected horses.. J Anim Physiol and Anim Nutr 2011;95:798-807.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2010.01116.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  9. Vervuert I, Voigt K, Hollands T, Cí·¯ord D, Coenen M. Effect of feeding increasing quantities of starch on glycemic and insulinemic responses in healthy horses.. Vet J 2009;182:67-72.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.04.011google scholar: lookup
  10. Loos CMM, Dorsch S, Elzinga S, Brewester-Barnes T, Vanzant ES, Adams AA. A high protein meal affects plasma insulin concentration and amino acid metabolism in horses with equine metabolic syndrome.. Vet J 2019;251:105341.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2019.105341google scholar: lookup
  11. Harris P, Dunnett C. Nutritional tips for Veterinarians.. Equine Vet Educ 2018;30:486-96.
    doi: 10.1111/eve.12657google scholar: lookup
  12. Henneke DR, Potter GD, Kreider JL, Yeates BF. Relationship between condition score, physical measurements and body-fat percentage in mares.. Equine Vet J 1983;15:371-2.
  13. Carter RA, Geor RJ, Staniar WB, Cubitt TA, Harris PA. Apparent adiposity assessed by standardized scoring systems and morphometric measurements in horses and ponies.. Vet J 2009;179:204-10.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2008.02.029google scholar: lookup
  14. Perkins GA, Lamb S, Erb HN, Schanbacher B, Nydam DV, Divers TJ. Plasma adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) concentrations and clinical response in horses treated for equine Cushing's disease with cyproheptadine or pergolide.. Equine Vet J 2002;34:679-85.
    doi: 10.2746/042516402776250333google scholar: lookup
  15. Jose-Cunilleras E, Taylor LE, Hinchcliff KW. Glycemic index of cracked corn, oat groats and rolled barley in horses.. J Anim Sci 2004;82:2623-9.
    doi: 10.2527/2004.8292623xgoogle scholar: lookup
  16. Zeyner A, Hoffmeister C, Einspanier A, Gottschalk J, Lengwenat O, Illies M. Glycemic and insulinemic response of Quarter Horses to concentrates high in fat and low in soluble carbohydrate.. Equine Vet J 2006;36(Suppl):643-7.
  17. Métayer N, Lhǒte M, Bahr A, Cohen ND, Kim I, Roussel AJ. Meal size and starch content affect gastric emptying in horses.. Equine Vet J 2004;36:436-40.
    doi: 10.2746/0425164044868468google scholar: lookup
  18. Karasu GK, Krabbenborg R, Einspanier A, Vervuert I. Insulinemic and glycemic responses to a second meal of fiber - or - starch enriched compound feed in healthy horses.. Vet J 2015;204:220-2.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.01.027google scholar: lookup
  19. Carslake HB, Argo CMcG, Pinchbeck GL, Dugdale A, McGowan CM. Insulinaemic and glycaemic responses to three forages in ponies.. Vet J 2018;235:83-9.
    doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.03.008google scholar: lookup
  20. Zeyner A, Romanowski K, Orgis A, Vernunft A, Gottschalk J, Einspanier A. Feed intake patterns and immediate glycemic and insulinemic responses of horses following ingestion of different quantities of starch from oat, barley, and grains.. Open J Nutr 2017;11:39-51.
    doi: 10.2174/1874288201711010039google scholar: lookup
  21. McLean BML, Hyslop JJ, Longland AC, Cí·¯ord D, Hollands T. Physical processing of barley and its effects on intra-cecal fermentation patterns in ponies.. Anim Feed Sci Tech 2000;85:79-87.
    doi: 10.1016/s0377-8401(00)00132-2google scholar: lookup
  22. Tinworth KD, Wynn PC, Boston RC, Harris PA, Sillence MN, Thevis M. Evaluation of commercially available assays for the measurement of equine insulin.. Domest Anim Endocrin 2011;41:81-90.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2011.05.001google scholar: lookup
  23. Ellis AD, Longland AC, Coenen M, Miraglia N. Biological basis of behaviour and feed intake in horses.. The impact of Nutrition on the Health and Welfare of Horses (ed. AD Ellis, A Longland, M Coenen and N Miraglia) EAAP Publication No. 128 Wageningen Academic Publishers Wageningen, The Netherlands 2010pp. 53-74.
  24. Harris PA, Geor RJ. Primer on Dietary carbohydrates and utility of the glycemic index in equine nutrition.. Veterinary clinics of North America (equine Practice) 2009;23-38.
    doi: 10.1016/j.cveq.2009.01.006google scholar: lookup
  25. Pagan JD, Harris PA, Kennedy MAP, Davidson N, Hoekstra KE. Feed type and intake effects glycemic response in thoroughbred horses.. Equine Nutrition and Physiology Symposium Proceedings 1999;16:149-50.
  26. de Laat MA, McGree JM, Sillence MN. Equine hyperinsulinemia: investigation of the enteroinsular axis during insulin dysregulation.. Am J Physiol Endocrin Metabolis 2016;310:E61-E72.
    doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00362.2015google scholar: lookup
  27. Bamford NJ, Baskerville CL, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Postprandial glucose, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 responses of different equine breeds adapted to meals containing micronized maize.. J Anim Sci 2015;93:3377-83.
    doi: 10.2527/jas.2014-8736google scholar: lookup
  28. Julliand V, De Fombelle A, Varloud M. Starch digestion in horses: the impact of feed processing.. Livest Sci 2006;100(1):44-52.
    doi: 10.1016/j.livprodsci.2005.11.001google scholar: lookup
  29. Schuver A, Frank N, Chameroy KA, Elliott SB. Assessment of insulin and glucose dynamics by using an oral sugar test in horses.. J Equine Vet Sci 2014;34(4):465-70.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.09.006google scholar: lookup
  30. Frank N, Walsh DM. Repeatability of oral sugar test results, glucagon-like peptide-1 measurements, and serum high-molecular-weight adiponectin concentrations in horses.. J Vet Intern Med 2017;31(4):1178-87.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim14725google scholar: lookup
  31. Knowles EJ, Harris PA, Elliot J, Menzies-Gow NJ. Use of the oral sugar test in ponies when performed with or without prior fasting.. Equine Vet J 2017;49(4):519-24.
    doi: 10.1111/evy.12607google scholar: lookup
  32. Vervuert I, Coenen M, Bothe C. Effects of oat processing on glycemic and insulin responses in horses.. J Amin Physiol 2003;87:96-104.
    doi: 10.1046/j.1439-0396.2003.00420.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  33. Vervuert I, Coenen M, Bothe C. Effects of corn processing on glycemic and insulinemic responses in horses.. J Anim Physiol 2004;88:348-55.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2004.00491.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  34. Vervuert I, Bothe C, Coenen M. Glycemic and insulinemic responses to mechanical or thermal processed barley in horses.. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr 2007;91:263-8.
    doi: 10.1111/j.1439-0396.2007.00703.xgoogle scholar: lookup
  35. Geor RJ, Harris PA, Coenen M (Eds). Equine applied and clinical nutrition.. Elsevier 2013;469-86.
  36. Rahnama S, Vathsangam N, Spence R, Medina-Torres CE, Pollitt CC, de Laat MA. Effects of an anti-IGF-1 receptor monoclonal antibody on laminitis induced by prolonged hyperinsulinaemia in Standardbred horses.. PLoS One 2020;15(9):e0239261.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239261google scholar: lookup
  37. Smith S, Harris PA, Menzies-Gow NJ. Comparison of the in-feed glucose test and the oral sugar test.. Equine Vet J 2016;48:224-7.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12413google scholar: lookup
  38. Bamford NJ, Potter SJ, Harris PA, Bailey SR. Breed differences in insulin sensitivity and insulinemic responses to oral glucose in horses and ponies of moderate body condition score.. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2014;47:101-7.
    doi: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2013.11.001google scholar: lookup
  39. Jeffcott LB, Field JR, McLean JF, O’Dea K. Glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity in ponies and Standardbred horses.. Equine Vet J 1986;18:97-101.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1986.tb03556.xgoogle scholar: lookup

Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Palmer AT, Watts MR, Timko KJ, Pinnell EF, Keefer KA, Gorman O, Hostnik LD, Burns TA. Corticosteroid Administration Enhances the Glycemic, Insulinemic, and Incretin Responses to a High-Protein Mixed Meal in Adult Horses. J Vet Intern Med 2025 Mar-Apr;39(2):e17305.
    doi: 10.1111/jvim.17305pubmed: 40062690google scholar: lookup
  2. Michanek P, Bröjer J, Lilliehöök I, Fjordbakk CT, Löwgren M, Hedeland M, Bergquist J, Ekstrand C. Pharmacokinetics and Alterations in Glucose and Insulin Levels After a Single Dose of Canagliflozin in Healthy Icelandic Horses. J Vet Pharmacol Ther 2025 Jan;48 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):41-49.
    doi: 10.1111/jvp.13476pubmed: 39113254google scholar: lookup
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,357 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.