Effects on exercise response, fluid and acid‐base balance of protein intake from forage‐only diets in Standardbred horses

• DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2006.tb05620.x
• Publication Date: 2010-06-15T03:51:38Z
• Authors: M. CONNYSSON; S. MUHONEN; J. E. LINDBERG; B. ESSÉN‐GUSTAVSSON; G. NYMAN; K. NOSTELL; A. JANSSON
• Keywords: Acid–base homeostasis

High-energy forage might be an alternative to concentrates for performance horses and such can produced by early cut. However, cut is high in crude protein (CP), which may result excessive CP intake.To investigate how intake affects nitrogen (N), fluid acid-base balance, exercise response fed high-energy diets. The hypothesis was that causes acidosis, alters balance intensive exercise.Two forage-only diets based on grass were 23 days a crossover design 6 Standardbred racing condition. One diet provided (HP) (16.6%) the other recommended (RP) of (12.5%) racehorses. had twice slow 1-3 times every week. At beginning end each period, faeces urine collected 48 72 h, respectively analysed dry matter, pH N content. Days 19 period 2 race-like tests performed, standardised treadmill test field race track. Blood samples taken before, during after sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (CI), total plasma proteins (TPP), TCO2, urea, lactate. strong ion difference (SID) calculated heart rate respiratory also recorded.There decrease urinary increase excretion, blood water intake, volume faecal content HP diet. Total higher than loss indicating increased evaporative losses During there no significant differences between TPP, lactate, Na, K, Cl, pH, SID or rates.Feeding with corresponding 160% requirement caused excretion within 36-48 h introduced alterations acid base at rest.The probably suggest feeding will cause unnecessary challenge prolonged exercise.