The appearance of signs of fatigue is something to be avoided during physical activity or competition. Fatigue has a multidimensional nature, depending on the activity performed (intensity, duration and type of activity), the physical preparation that the horse presents, the physiological state of the horse and the environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude and pollution) to which it is subjected. is submitted.
Fatigue is often associated with factors such as decreased muscle glycogen stores, accumulation of metabolic by-products and muscle acidification, loss of electrolytes, hyperthermia, among others.
Nutrition plays an important role in exercise, providing energy sources necessary for energy production. In general, energy sources are fats and carbohydrates, used in the form of fatty acids and glucose.
Predominantly aerobic activities (long duration, low intensity) use energy coming mainly from fatty acids, in turn, anaerobic activities (short duration, high intensity), use predominantly glucose. In the performance of their activities, horses use both forms of energy production, giving predominance to one or the other, depending on the type of effort to which they are subjected.
Precautions to be taken in food management in order to reduce fatigue in competition horses:
Ensure adequate hydration
We must make sure that the horse drinks water. Good hydration is essential for the body's homeostasis, as well as for adequate thermoregulation, which is fundamental in preventing fatigue.
Check that the water is not too cold in winter (be careful with automatic drinkers that may not be working properly) or too hot in summer. Provide a rock salt to encourage water intake and/or choose to provide electrolytes.
REHIDRAMAX
We must know how to identify the signs that show a lack of hydration, for example, testing the skin fold on the shoulder, evaluating the humidity of the mucous membranes, checking dry stools, among others.
Avoid large pre-exercise meals
Large meals (concentrated food, hay or a combination of both) in the 2 hours before intense physical activity should be avoided, since after food intake there is a decrease in plasma volume. This decrease in plasma volume is due to the mobilization of fluids to the gastrointestinal tract, which can compromise circulatory volume and thermoregulation during exercise, predisposing to fatigue.
It should be noted, however, that horses subjected to prolonged efforts, such as endurance, benefit from the previous intake of long fiber. These horses suffer high losses of water and electrolytes by sweating and the intestinal compartments act as reservoirs for their replacement.
HORSEBOOSTER
Prioritize fiber-rich diets
Diets rich in non-structural carbohydrates (starch and sugars), consumed up to 3 hours before exercise, promote rapid consumption of carbohydrates and decrease fat oxidation, which can result in premature fatigue in horses subjected to prolonged exertion (Endurance modality and Cross event of the CCE). Foods low in starch and sugars are therefore preferable.
PRO SPEND
NATURE MASH
The intake of high-fiber diets seems to be beneficial, both in horses submitted to short and intense efforts, and in horses submitted to prolonged efforts, being also associated with a higher water intake and, therefore, with better hydration.
FIBERS
Increase the incorporation of fat in the diet
Diets rich in fat allow a greater concentration of fatty acids in circulation, favoring this energy pathway. In this way, muscle glycogen reserve is favored, which seems to play a role in preventing fatigue.
It should be noted, however, that horses must be adapted to high-fat diets. Studies show that the minimum period for these adaptive changes to begin is 3 to 5 weeks (10 to 12 being the period necessary for the adaptation to be complete).
Ensure adequate electrolyte replacement
Horses subjected to competitive exertion invariably suffer water and electrolyte losses through sweat. Electrolytes are essential for maintaining acid-base balance, osmoregulation, nerve impulse transmission, and muscle contraction. Severe electrolyte losses negatively affect horse performance, contributing to early fatigue.
REHIDRAMAX
