EVALUATION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF EQUINE ATHLETES SUPPLEMENTED WITH COLLAGEN

Abstract

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on diet of Mangalarga Marchador foals in training for exhibition, on the occurrence of orthopedic lesions and zootechnical measurements. 20 foals will be used mangalarga marchador breed, being 10 males and 10 females, with approximate age of nine months and body weight of 220±30 kg. The equivalent of 2.0% of the weight will be offered dry matter, being 1.2% of roughage and 0.8% of concentrate, characterizing a forage/concentrate ratio of 60:40, following NRC 2007 recommendations for nutritional requirements of the category. Water and mineral salt will be provided ad libitum. The experimental design used will be completely randomized. The treatments will consist of: 1) Placebo; 2) Collagen supplementation Hydrolyzed. Being 10 individuals per treatment. For supplemented animals, it will be 50g/animal/day of collagen divided into two delivery times, on concentrate (top dress) at the time of pumping, for 180 days. You will be evaluated macroscopic joint structure by photographs, degrees of claudication and evaluations of development by zootechnical measurements such as weight, withers height and body condition score. It is expected to contribute to the knowledge of the provision of hydrolyzed collagen for horses, both in quantity of intake and in its possible effect; obtain scientific information from the implications of intense training on the support structures and whether there will be a decrease in the occurrence of orthopedic lesions as a consequence of supplementation.