AQHA MAGAZINE March / April 2020 AQHA March-April 2020 PRINT (1)High Res | Page 26

PG.24
HORSE HEALTH
RECOVERY
ARTICLE: DR JENNIFER STEWART - EQUINE VETERINARIAN AND CONSULTANT NUTRITIONIST
DURING EXERCISE FUEL RESERVES ARE MOBILISED AND THE WORKING MUSCLES
RELEASE ENZYMES TO OBTAIN THE RAW MATERIALS THEY NEED.
O
nce these enzymes are triggered,
tissue breakdown is irreversible -
protein synthesis rates drop 30%,
protein breakdown exceeds protein
synthesis and tissue damage may
persist for 3-5 days - longer in young horses just
beginning training. These are catabolic processes
ie they involve the ‘breakdown’ and using of body
stores. But by supplying the correct balance of
carbohydrate, anti-oxidants and specific essential
amino acids at strategic times it is possible to switch
the catabolic state into an anabolic (ie rebuilding
of tissue) state, enabling muscles to recover
and respond more quickly to work, training and
competition.
Work, training and competition all place significant
demands on the horse and cause some degree of
muscle trauma - hundreds of tiny, microscopic rips
and tears in the muscle fibres and a high rate of
mobilization of muscle fuels.
To minimise damage, optimise recovery and allow
the muscle to increase in size and strength, 5 criteria
must be met:
• specific amino acids (protein) and anti-oxidants
are provided before and after work
• refuelling: carbs (energy) are fed
immediately after work
• electrolyte (salt) and hydration are appropriate
• work load is adequate, but not excessive
• there is plenty of rest between sessions
plus ice and poultices.
WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY:
Just as there is more to be gained by sowing crops
or fertilizing paddocks just before and just after rain,
there is an advantage in providing certain nutrients
just before and just after exercise. This window of
opportunity is created by the increase in muscle
blood flow, enzymes and hormones that shunt
nutrients into muscle cells during exercise. Feeding
protein and anti-oxidants ½ to 3 hours before and
immediately after work ensures the blood is fully
loaded with nutrients when the working muscle is
demanding them. Muscle recovery and body building
cannot begin without the necessary nutrients - so
the faster nutrients are supplied during this period,
the easier repair and tissue building become.
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTEIN,
AMINO ACIDS AND ANTI-OXIDANTS:
Proteins are chains of amino acids and each tissue in
the body has its own recipe or combination of amino
acids. Essential amino acids cannot be made by the
body and which must be provided by the feed. If any
single one is below recommended, a limit is placed
on muscle mass, reducing the amount of lean muscle
mass and the power–to– weight ratio.
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