Hostname: page-component-cd9895bd7-gxg78 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-12-28T05:28:44.601Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

Potassium-free electrolytes and calcium supplementation in an endurance race

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 February 2008

T M Hess ,
K M Greiwe-Crandell ,
J E Waldron ,
C A Williams ,
M A Lopes ,
L S Gay ,
P A Harris  and
D S Kronfeld
T M Hess*
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA (cwilliams@aesop.rutgers.edu) Colorado State University, Equine Sciences, 701 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA (kcrandell@vt.edu)
K M Greiwe-Crandell
Affiliation:
Colorado State University, Equine Sciences, 701 S Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA (kcrandell@vt.edu)
J E Waldron
Affiliation:
Rectortown Equine Clinic, Rectortown, VA 20118, USA (jwaldron@erols.com)
C A Williams
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA (cwilliams@aesop.rutgers.edu) Rutgers University, Cook Campus, 84 Lipman Dr., New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
M A Lopes
Affiliation:
Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa, MG, Brazil (mlopes@ufv.br)
L S Gay
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA (cwilliams@aesop.rutgers.edu)
P A Harris
Affiliation:
Equine Studies Group, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, Melton Mowbray, UK (pat.harris@eu.effem.com)
D S Kronfeld
Affiliation:
Department of Animal and Poultry Science, Virginia Polytechnic State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA (cwilliams@aesop.rutgers.edu)
*
*Corresponding author: thessvet@yahoo.com
Get access

Abstract

Some of the clinical signs seen in horses during endurance races may result from increases in neuromuscular excitability and are related to plasma [K+] and [Ca++]. The present study aimed to test the following hypotheses: (1) Potassium supplementation will affect plasma [K+] and may result in clinical signs related to neuromuscular hyperexcitability during an 80 km endurance ride. (2) Plasma [Ca++] will reflect dietary cation–anion balance (DCAB) and calcium intake. Feeding with a high DCAB and high dietary calcium content (1.5% total calcium of daily ration) diets would lead to higher plasma [Ca++] during an endurance race than on feeding high DCAB diets with a moderate dietary calcium content (1% of total calcium of daily ration). The current study was undertaken during the 80 km endurance research ride in 2002 in Virginia, USA. Forty volunteer rider–horse pairs participated in the race. During the race, electrolyte mixtures with (EM+K) and without (EM − K) potassium were supplied to 18 and 22 horses, respectively. After the race, the horses receiving EM − K during the race were supplied with a recovery formula containing potassium (EM-REC). The horses were fed in addition to their own forage (hay and pasture) either their own commercial concentrate (CC; 1% calcium, n = 11) or one of two research-supplied concentrates during 3 months preceding the research ride, one concentrate rich in sugar and starch (SS; 2% calcium, n = 15) and the other rich in fat and fibre (FF; 2% calcium, n = 14). Peripheral blood samples were taken the day before, within 3 min of the arrival at the vet checks at 27, 48 and 80 km, and after 3 h of recovery. Plasma samples were analysed for pH, haematocrit (Hct), [Na+], [K+], [Cl− ], [Ca++], [Mg++], total protein (TP) and albumin [alb]. Effects of sampling times, treatments and interactions were evaluated by ANOVA in a mixed model with repeated measures and applied to the 25 horses that completed 80 km. Eliminated horses had their blood sampled before entering the elimination vet check and 3 h after elimination, and were compared with finishing horses by t-test. As the ride progressed, significant increases were found in plasma pH, [Na+], , [TP], [alb], Hct and osmolality; and decreases in [K+], [Mg++], PCO2, [Ca++] and [Cl− ]. Horses supplied with potassium-free, sodium-rich electrolyte formulae (EM − K) had 12.5% lower (P = 0.001) mean plasma [K+], 7.8% lower (P = 0.024) TP and 8.4% lower (P = 0.004) albumin at 80 km, and at 3 h after the race they had 6.8% lower (P = 0.045) TP, when compared with EM+K supplemented horses. Horses fed with SS and FF had higher [Ca++] at 27 (P = 0.027), 56 (P = 0.006) and 80 km (P = 0.022) when compared with horses fed with CC. The lower [K+] in the EM − K group, and the higher [Ca++] in the SS- and FF-supplemented horses may help prevent increases in neuromuscular excitability and related clinical signs. The lower TP and albumin indicate less dehydration in the EM − K group and could help prevent related disorders.

Keywords

horse[Ca++][K+]DCABneuromuscular excitabilityelectrolytes
Type
Research Paper
Information
Comparative Exercise Physiology , Volume 5 , Issue 1 , February 2008 , pp. 33 - 41
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1Carlson, GP and Mansmann, RA (1974). Serum electrolyte and plasma protein alterations in horses used in endurance rides. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 165: 262–264.Google ScholarPubMed
2Carlson, GP (1985). Medical problems associated with protracted work and heat stress in horses. Compendium of Continued Education of the Practicing Veterinarian 7: S550–S552.Google Scholar
3Foreman, JH (1998). The exhausted horse syndrome. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice 14: 205–219.Google ScholarPubMed
4Leroux, AJ, Schott, HC and Hines, MT (1995). Ventricular tachycardia associated with exhaustive exercise in a horse. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 207: 335–337.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
5Ganong, WF (ed.) (1999). Review of Medical Physiology. 19th edn.Stamford, CT: Appleton and Lange.Google Scholar
6Neuroguide (2004). Resting membrane potential and action potential. Available:http://www.neuroguide.com/neuroimg.html, accessed October 25, 2004.Google Scholar
7Kronfeld, DS (2001). Body fluids and exercise: replacement strategies. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 21: 368–375.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
8Aguilera-Tejero, EJ, Estepa, E, Lopez, I, Bas, S, Garfia, B and Rodriguez, M (2001). Plasma ionized calcium and parathyroid hormone concentrations in horses after endurance rides. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 219: 488–490.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
9Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan, MM, Wensing, T, Barneveld, A and Breukink, HJ (1991). Heart rate, blood biochemistry and performance of horses competing in a 100 km endurance race. Veterinary Record 128: 175–179.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
10Carlson, GP (1983). Thermoregulation, fluid and electrolyte balance in the exercising horse. In: Snow, DH, Persson, SGB and Rose, RJ (eds) Equine Exercise Physiology I. Cambridge, UK: Granta Editions, pp. 291–309.Google Scholar
11Jahn, P, Hartlova, H, Mal, M, Kaber, R and Hanak, J (1996). PCV and plasma biochemistry in relation to fitness of horses competing in endurance rides. Pferedeheilkunde 12: 506–509.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
12Wijnberg, ID, van der Kolk, JH, Franssen, H and Breukink, HJ (2002). Electromyographic changes of motor unit activity in horses with induced hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia. American Journal of Veterinary Research 63: 849–856.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
13Fitzpatrick, LA and Bilezikian, JP (1999). Parathyroid hormone: structure, function and dynamic actions. In: Seibel, M, Robins, SP and Bilezikian, JP (eds) Dynamics of Bone and Cartilage Metabolism. London: Academic Press, pp. 187–202.Google Scholar
14Cooper, SR, Topliff, DR, Freeman, DW, Breazile, JE and Geisert, RD (2000). Effect of dietary cation–anion difference on mineral balance, serum osteocalcin concentration and growth in weanling horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 20: 39–44.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
15Lindinger, MI and Ecker, GL (1995). Ion and water losses from body fluids during a 163 km endurance ride. Equine Veterinary Journal 20: 335–337.Google Scholar
16Nyman, S, Jansson, A, Dahlborn, K and Lindholm, A (1996). Strategies of voluntary rehydration in horses during endurance exercise. Equine Veterinary Journal 22: 99–106.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
17AERC, (1999). Veterinary Guidelines for Judging AERC Endurance Competitions. Auburn, CA: The American Endurance Ride Conference.Google Scholar
18Hess, TM, Kronfeld, DS, Treiber, KH, Crandell, KE, Waldron, JE, Williams, CA, Staniar, WB, Lopes, MA and Harris, PA (2007). Fat adaptation affects insulin sensitivity and elimination of horses during an 80 km endurance race. Pferdeheilkunde 23: 241–246.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
19McCutcheon, LJ, Geor, RJ, Hare, MJ, Ecker, GL and Lindinger, MI (1995). Sweat composition and on losses during exercise and recovery in heat and humidity. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 22: 153–157.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
20Meyer, H (1990). Contributions to water and mineral metabolism in the horse. Advances in Animal Metabolism and Animal Nutrition, pp. 1–102.Google Scholar
21Stewart, PA (ed.) (1981). How to Understand Acid Base. 1st ed.New York, NY: Elsevier.Google Scholar
22Stämpfli, HR, Misiaszek, S, Lumsden, JH, Carlson, GP and Heigenhauser, GJF (1999). Weak acid-concentration Atot and dissociation constant K a of plasma proteins in racehorses. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 30: 438–442.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
23Carlson, GP (1987). Hematology and body fluids in the equine athlete: a review. Equine Exercise Physiology 2. Davis, CA: ICEEP Publications, pp. 393–425.Google Scholar
24Schott, HC and Hinchcliff, KW (1993). Fluids, electrolytes and sodium bicarbonate. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice 9: 577–604.Google Scholar
25Rosner, B (1995). Guidelines for Judging the Significance of a P-Value. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth Publishing Co.Google Scholar
26Fregin, GF (1979). Physiologic observations recorded on 117 horses during 100-mile endurance ride. Proceedings of the 25th Annual Meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners 25: 315–321.Google Scholar
27Lucke, LN and Hall, GM (1978). Biochemical changes in horses during a 50-mile endurance ride. Veterinary Record 102: 356–358.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
28Hargreaves, BJ, Kronfeld, DS, Waldron, JN, Lopes, MA, Gay, LA, Saker, KE, Cooper, WL, Sklan, DJ and Harris, PA (2002). Antioxidant status and muscle cell leakage during endurance exercise. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 34: 116–121.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
29Williams, CA, Kronfeld, DS, Hess, TM, Saker, KE, Waldron, JE, Crandell, KM and Harris, PA (2005). Comparison of oxidative stress and antioxidant status in endurance horses in three 80 km races. Equine and Comparative Exercise Physiology 2: 153–157.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
30Schott, HC, McGlade, KS, Molander, HA, Leroux, AJ and Hines, MT (1997). Body weight, fluid, electrolyte, and hormonal changes in horses competing in 50- and 100-mile endurance rides. American Journal of Veterinary Research 58: 303–309.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
31Hess, TM, Kronfeld, DS, Williams, CA, Hoffman, RM, Waldron, NJ, Graham-Thiers, PM, Greiwe-Crandell, K, Lopes, MA and Harris, PA (2005). Potassium supplementation affects acid–base status and plasma ion concentrations of horses during endurance exercise. American Journal of Veterinary Research 66: 466–473.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
32Mansmann, RA, Carlson, GP, White, NA and Milne, DW (1974). Synchronous diaphragmatic flutter in horses. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 15: 265–270.Google Scholar
33Harris, PA (1997). Current Therapy in Equine Medicine 4. 1st edn.Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company, pp. 115–121.Google Scholar
34Kerr, MG and Snow, DH (1982). Alterations in hematocrit, plasma proteins and electrolytes in horses following the feeding of hay. Veterinary Record 110: 538–540.Google Scholar
35Delar, A, Fregin, FG, Bloom, JC and Davanipour, Z (1982). Changes in selected biochemical constituents of blood collected from horses participating in a 50-mile endurance race. American Journal of Veterinary Research 43: 2239–2243.Google Scholar
36Coenen, M, Meyer, H and Steinbrenner, B (1995). Effects of NaCl supplementation before exercise on metabolism of water and electrolytes. Equine Veterinary Journal 18(Suppl.): 270–273.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
37Dusterdieck, KF, Schott, HC, Eberhart, SW, Woody, KA and Coenen, M (1999). Electrolyte and glycerol supplementation improve water intake by horses performing a simulated 60 km endurance ride. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 30: 418–424.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
38Marlin, DJ, Scott, CM, Mills, PC, Louwes, H and Vaarten, J (1998). Effects of administration of water versus isotonic oral rehydration solution (ORS) at rest and changes during exercise and recovery. Veterinary Journal 155: 69–78.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
39Sampieri, F, Schott, HC, Hichcliff, KW and Geor, RJ (2006). Effects of oral eolectrolyte supplementation on endurance horses competing in 80 km rides. Equine Veterinary Journal Supplement 36: 19–26.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
40Kingston, JK, McCutcheon, LJ and Geor, RJ (1999). Comparison of three methods for estimation of exercise-related ion losses in sweat of horses. American Journal of Veterinary Research 60: 1248–1254.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
41Hess, TM, Treiber, KH, Kronfeld, DS, Waldron, JE, Williams, CA, Freire, MS, Braga, AMG, Gay, LS, Ward, DA and Harris, PA (2004). Potassium supplementation affects plasma [K+] during an 80 km endurance exercise test on the treadmill. Journal of Animal Science Supplement 82: 97.Google Scholar
42Flaminio, MJBF and Rush, BR (1998). Fluid and electrolyte balance in endurance horses. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Equine Practice 14: 147–158.Google ScholarPubMed
43Baker, LA, Wall, DL, Topliff, DR, Freeman, DW, Teeter, RG, Breazile, JE and Wagner, DG (1993). Effect of dietary cation–anion balance in anaerobically exercised and sedentary horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 13: 557–561.CrossRefGoogle Scholar
44Goff, JP and Horst, L (1997). Effects of the addition of potassium or sodium, but not calcium, to prepartum rations on milk fever in dairy cows. Journal of Dairy Science 80: 176–186.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
45Block, E (1984). Manipulating dietary anions and cations for prepartum dairy cows to reduce incidence of milk fever. Journal of Dairy Science 67: 2939–2942.CrossRefGoogle ScholarPubMed
46Goff, JP, Horst, RL, Muller, FJ, Miller, JK, Kiess, GA and Dowlen, HH (1991). Addition of chloride to a prepartal diet high in cations increases 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D response to hypocalcemia preventing milk fever. Journal of Dairy Science 74: 3863–3868.CrossRefGoogle Scholar