The excretion of theobromine in Thoroughbred racehorses after feeding compounded cubes containing cocoa husk–establishment of a threshold value in horse urine.
Abstract: Thoroughbred geldings were fed racehorse cubes containing a predetermined concentration of theobromine in the form of cocoa husk. They were offered 7 kg of cubes per day, divided between morning and evening feed, and food consumption was monitored. Urinary concentrations of theobromine were determined following the consumption of cubes containing 11.5, 6.6, 2.0 and 1.2 mg per kg of theobromine, to verify whether or not such concentrations would produce positive urine tests. Pre-dose urine samples were collected to verify the absence of theobromine before each experiment. It became apparent from the results of the first three administrations that the limit of detection of theobromine, using such procedures, would be reached at a feed level of about 1 mg per kg theobromine. Therefore the final administration, using cubes containing 1.2 mg per kg theobromine, was singled out for additional analytical work and quantitative procedures were developed to measure urinary concentrations of theobromine. It was anticipated that the results would form a basis for discussions relating to the establishment of a threshold value for theobromine in horse urine. The Stewards of the Jockey Club subsequently gave notice that they had established a threshold level for theobromine in urine of 2 micrograms/ml.
Publication Date: 1990-07-01 PubMed ID: 2209520DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04261.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Analytical Methods
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Study
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Feeding Practices
- Horse Management
- Horse Racing
- Laboratory Methods
- Metabolic Health
- Metabolism
- Nutrition
- Pharmacokinetics
- Thoroughbreds
- Urine Analysis
- Veterinary Care
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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This study investigates how the consumption of horse feed cubes containing theobromine, a compound found in cocoa husk, affects the urinary concentrations of theobromine in Thoroughbred racehorses and establishes a threshold value for these concentrations.
Research Objective
- The main aim of this research is to examine the impact of consuming predetermined concentrations of theobromine in Thoroughbred geldings and establish a detection limit in urine samples. This would help in instances where urine tests are required to verify the concentration of theobromine in these horses, providing a basis for discussions about establishing a threshold value.
Methodology
- The Thoroughbred racehorses were given 7 kg of feed cubes split into morning and evening meals. These cubes contained a set concentration of theobromine delivered via cocoa husk.
- The research process included monitoring food intake and collecting pre-dose urine samples to confirm the absence of theobromine before beginning each experiment. This ensured the results were due to the fed theobromine and nothing else.
- Theobromine concentrations in the feed cubes varied across the trials, with the researchers using cubes containing 1.2, 2.0, 6.6, and 11.5 mg per kg of theobromine.
Findings
- The findings revealed that the detection limit of theobromine would be hit at a feed level of approximately 1 mg per kg of theobromine. This led the researchers to provide additional analysis focusing on the administration of the feed containing 1.2 mg per kg theobromine.
- Quantitative analytical procedures were developed for measuring urinary concentrations of theobromine to ensure the precision and reliability of the findings.
- The results of this research are believed to provide a strong foundation for debates about setting a threshold value for theobromine in horse urine. It was later announced by the Stewards of the Jockey Club that a threshold level of 2 micrograms/ml for theobromine in urine had been established.
Cite This Article
APA
Haywood PE, Teale P, Moss MS.
(1990).
The excretion of theobromine in Thoroughbred racehorses after feeding compounded cubes containing cocoa husk–establishment of a threshold value in horse urine.
Equine Vet J, 22(4), 244-246.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1990.tb04261.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Horseracing Forensic Laboratory Limited, Newmarket, Suffolk.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Feed
- Animals
- Cacao
- Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
- Horses / metabolism
- Horses / urine
- Male
- Reference Values
- Reproducibility of Results
- Theobromine / administration & dosage
- Theobromine / pharmacokinetics
- Theobromine / urine
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Eteng MU, Eyong EU, Akpanyung EO, Agiang MA, Aremu CY. Recent advances in caffeine and theobromine toxicities: a review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1997;51(3):231-43.
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