Beet Pulp Supplementation in Athletic Horses
Author Information
Author(s): Luzilene Araujo de Souza, Monica Miranda Hunka, Sigismundo Fassbender de Rezende Júnior, Carolina Jones Ferreira Lima da Silva, Helena Emília Cavalcanti da Costa Cordeiro Manso, Joana Simões, Clarisse Simões Coelho, Francesco Fazio, Francesca Aragona, Hélio Cordeiro Manso Filho
Primary Institution: Federal Rural University of Pernambuco
Hypothesis
Does supplementation with beet-pulp concentrate improve the availability of energy sources for young and adult horses without impacting their health?
Conclusion
Supplementation with beet pulp concentrate improved blood biomarkers and physical conditioning in horses without harming their health.
Supporting Evidence
- Beet pulp supplementation led to significant changes in blood biomarkers.
- Postprandial curves showed increased glucose and insulin levels after supplementation.
- Yearling foals showed improved physical conditioning after training with beet pulp.
Takeaway
Feeding horses beet pulp can help them get more energy and stay healthy while they exercise.
Methodology
The study involved two trials: one with adult mares receiving beet pulp for 12 weeks and another with yearling foals undergoing resistance training while supplemented with beet pulp.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the lack of a control group in the second trial.
Limitations
The study was limited by the small sample size and the specific breed of horses used.
Participant Demographics
Five adult Arabian mares and eight yearling Mangalarga Marchador foals.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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