The vitamin A and E status of thoroughbred horses

Abstract

Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Prod. 1996 Vol. 21 THE VITAMIN A AND E STATUS OF THOROUGHBRED HORSES N.P. McMENIMANA, K.V. SKELTONB and D.E. AUER B * Dept Farm Animal Medicine and Production, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Qld 4072 B Racing Science Centre, Dept of Primary Industries, Bogan St, Albion, Qld 40 10 Anecdote suggests that, in order to improve performance, thoroughbred racehorses are frequently given vitamin supplements, particularly the antioxidant vitamin E (a tocopherol). The aim of this study was to determine the plasma vitamin A (retinol) and E concentrations of thoroughbred horses racing in the Brisbane metropolitan area and to relate these values to racing performance. Prior to the running of each of 96 races during the period August to November 1993, plasma samples were obtained from 4 to 5 randomly selected horses in each race. The retinol and a tocopherol concentrations in these samples were subsequently determined by HPLC. The finishing position of each of the sampled horses in their respective races was recorded. The mean (k SEM) plasma a tocopherol and retinol concentrations were 4.7 k 0.07 and 0.187 + 0.00 19 @mL, respectively. The mean concentrations of the 2 vitamins in the plasma of horses that finished in different positions in their races were similar (P > 0.05) so there was no relationship between concentrations of either vitamin and finishing position in races (Figure 1). McMENIMAN, N.P., THORNTON, J.R. and DOWSETT., K.F (1995). Equine Vet. J. SuppZ. 18: 367-71. 345