Peak performance depends on the supply of energy to drive and fuel the working muscles. Providing almost three times as much energy as oats on a weight basis, oil offers many advantages in terms of energy efficiency. For both digestive and metabolic efficiency, oil is superior to grains and protein. In fact, the efficiency of ATP synthesis (i.e. the currency of energy), is around 39% for oil and 20% for carbohydrates. In addition, calmness, as measured by spontaneous activity and reactivity (spook tests), is lower when diets are fortified with oil. Oil-enriched diets reduce the amount … [Read more...]
How Protein can Affect Performance in Standardbred Horses
Protein features frequently in discussions on feeding, nutrition and performance. Alternately feared and revered, it is part of the bigger picture of conditioning/nutritional protocols that result in specific changes in body composition and performance. The word protein comes from the Greek word ‘protos’, meaning ‘first’, because protein is the primary basic constituent of all living cells. It makes up 3/4 of the dry weight of most living cells and is involved in the formation of hormones, enzymes, antibodies and many other functions essential to life. Protein is a collection of … [Read more...]