The effect of milk basic protein supplementation on bone metabolism during training of young thoroughbred racehorses.

The research investigates the impact of milk basic protein supplementation on bone metabolism in young racehorses under training. The study discovered that the protein potentially enhances bone formation.

Objective of the Research

The primary focus of the research was to evaluate the effects of milk basic protein supplementation on bone metabolism in young Thoroughbred horses undergoing training.

Research Methodology

• 20 two-year-old racehorses in training were used in the study which spanned 90 days.
• The horses were split into two groups: the treatment group, which received a regular diet supplemented with 1g of milk basic protein, and the control group, which only received the basal diet.
• Blood samples were collected from the horses at the beginning of the study (Day 0), midway (Day 45), and at the end of the study (Day 90). These samples were utilized to measure serum calcium and other biochemical markers of bone metabolism.
• Radiographs were also taken at the start and end of the experiment to measure radiographic bone aluminium equivalence (RBAE).

Results of the Study

• By Day 45 of the study, serum osteocalcin, a marker of bone formation, was found to be significantly higher in the group receiving milk basic protein supplementation as compared to the control group.
• The horses receiving the milk basic protein supplementation exhibited a greater increase in overall RBAE change at the end of the study than the control group horses.
• However, there were no considerable differences between the two groups in terms of serum calcium and carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP), another marker of bone resorption.

Conclusions

While the study provides preliminary evidence that milk basic protein supplementation can have a positive impact on bone formation in young Thoroughbred racehorses, the researchers express the need for larger-scale studies to conclusively establish these findings.