MSU Technologies

Equine Post-Exercise Recovery Supplement

Executive Summary

Large sectors of the equine industry focus on athletic performance of horses, such as the racing industry (accounts for approximately one third of the total U.S. equine economic impact) and other important segments like dressage, show jumping, and three-day eventing. MSU researchers have developed an equine food supplement to significantly enhance the performance of the equine athlete by improving muscle protein synthesis and reducing the post-exercise recovery period.

Description of Technology

Exercise induces breakdown of muscle proteins. During the recovery period, muscle protein synthesis increases in order to repair muscle damage. Post-exercise muscle protein synthesis and net protein gain will occur during a very short window of time, i.e., 24 to 48 hours post exercise if given adequate dietary amino acid availability, a key necessity for recovery. To achieve best results in the post-exercise recovery phase of horses, MSU researchers have created a nutritional supplement that contains a mixture of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA). Oral supplementation of BCAA before and during exercise has been shown to enhance post-exercise muscle protein synthesis and to shorten the recovery period. The mixture is provided orally in a tablet that is highly palatable, readily accepted, and rapidly consumed by horses. The tablet is uniquely designed to suit the high nutrient uptake and bioavailability in the horse.

Key Benefits