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Effects of ribose supplementation on selected metabolic measurements and performance in maximally exercising Thoroughbreds¹

A. N. Kavazis^*,2, J. Kivipelto^*, H. S. Choe^*, P. T. Colahan and E. A. Ott^*

^* Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611 and and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610

² Correspondence: P.O. Box 13063, Gainesville, FL 32604 (phone: 352-846-5006; e-mail: andreas{at}animal.ufl.edu).

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of ribose supplementation on blood ammonia-N, plasma lactic acid, plasma glucose, volume of oxygen consumption (VO₂), heart rate, and performance in Thoroughbred geldings performing a maximal treadmill standardized exercise test (SET). The hypothesis tested was that ribose supplementation would decrease ammonia-N and lactic acid accumulation during exercise, and improve performance. Eight Thoroughbred geldings were assigned randomly to one of two groups: glucose or ribose. The glucose group received 0.15 g glucose/kg of BW, and the ribose group received 0.15 g of ribose/kg BW top-dressed on the feed twice daily. After 2 wk of glucose or ribose supplementation, a SET was performed. Blood was analyzed for blood ammonia-N, plasma lactic acid, and plasma glucose before exercise (0 min), every minute during SET, and at 15 and 30 min after exercise. Heart rate and VO₂ were recorded for the duration of SET. After a 10-d washout period, geldings switched groups. Following another 2 wk of supplementation, a second SET was performed, and same data recorded. Blood ammonia-N and plasma lactic acid increased as duration of SET increased and reached a peak at 15 min after exercise. Peak plasma glucose was observed at 15 min after exercise, and peak heart rate and VO₂ were recorded at highest speed during SET. Geldings supplemented with ribose had blood ammonia-N, plasma lactic acid, plasma glucose, VO₂, heart rate, and performance similar to those of geldings supplemented with glucose. Results from this study show that supplementation with 0.15 g ribose/kg BW twice daily in the diet of conditioned Thoroughbred geldings for 2 wk does not influence blood ammonia-N, plasma lactic acid, plasma glucose, VO₂, heart rate, or performance during SET or the first 30 min of recovery.

Key Words: Exercise • Horse • Lactic Acid • Performance • Ribose • Thoroughbred