Effects of Supplementing Stock-Type Horses with Dietary Antioxidants

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Ag Science and Natural Resources

Date of Award

Summer 2021

Abstract

Antioxidants, such as quercetin, have been observed as naturally occurring healing and anti-inflammatory agents that can aid in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and various other diseases. There have been few studies conducted examining the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Quercetin. To illustrate this, in our experiment Quarter Horses (n = 8) were used in a completely randomized design with a switchback replication scheme, and were randomly assigned into two treatments, control group (CON) and Quercetin treatment group (QR). Horses were allowed ad libitum pasture and water access and given 10.5 oz of grain twice daily with 12.45 g of mineral premix. Horses designated to QR had 10 mg/kg of body weight added to the diet. Horses consumed the designated diets for two weeks and then switched to the alternate treatment group after a two-week wash period between treatments. On d 0, 7, and 14 of each round, horses underwent pre-exercise and recovery protocol, which included assessment of external Color Doppler ultrasonography of the distal limb artery, heart rate monitor application and collection, and blood collection. The exercise protocol included heart rate collection and a series of various gates in both directions with blood collection between gate transitions and directional changes. Data were analyzed using a mixed model ANOVA in SAS 9.4. Statistical significance was declared at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies determined at 0.06 ≤ P ≤ 0.10.

Advisor

Megan P.T. Owen

Subject Categories

Agriculture | Animal Sciences | Life Sciences

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