EVALUATION ON THE OCCURRENCE OF ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES IN EQUINE ATHLETES SUPPLEMENTED WITH COLLAGEN

Abstract

The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of collagen supplementation in diet of Mangalarga Marchador foals in training for exposure, on the occurrence of orthopedic injuries, joint health parameters and zootechnical measurements. 20 Mangalarga Marchador foals will be used, 10 males and 10 females, aged approximately nine months and body weight of 220±30 kg. The equivalent of 2.0% of the weight in dry matter will be offered, being 1.2% forage and 0.8% for concentrate, featuring a forage/concentrate ratio of 60:40, following the recommendations of the NRC 2007 to meet the requirements category nutrition. Mineral water and salt will be provided ad libitum. The experimental design used will be completely randomized. The treatments will consist of: 1) Placebo; 2) Supplementation with collagen. Being 10 individuals per treatment. For supplemented animals, 50g/animal/day of collagen will be provided, divided into two supply schedules, over the concentrate (topdress) at the time of feeding, for 90 days. The joint structure will be evaluated by ultrasonography and macroscopic by photographs, bone structure by radiography, evaluation of synovial fluid by joint health biomarkers, assessment of lameness degrees and developmental assessments by zootechnical measurements, such as weight, withers height and body condition score. It is expected to contribute to the knowledge of collagen supply to horses, both in terms of intake quantity and possible joint effect; obtain concrete and scientific information on the effects of intense training on the supporting structures, especially the joint and bone system; and contribute to the possible clinical findings of the studied breed and whether there is a possibility of reducing their occurrence, through non-invasive methods, such as supplementation.