Changes in certain metabolic parameters in horses associated with food deprivation and endurance exercise

Total and individual non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), pyruvate, lactate, alpha ketoglutarate, acetoacetate, beta hydroxybutyrate, glucose and insulin were measured in horses during an 80 km endurance ride and during four days of food deprivation. In the latter group venous blood-gas and acid-base parameters, and plasma cortisol concentrations were also measured. During exercise and food deprivation the NEFA became considerably elevated, the predominant of which were oleic (35 per cent), palmitic (24 per cent), linoleic (19 per cent) and linolenic (10 per cent). By one hour after feeding total NEFA fell to approximately 20 per cent of 12 hour fasting concentrations. This was associated with a four fold rise in insulin. Small though significant increases occurred in lactate, acetoacetate and beta hydroxybutyrate after the 80 km endurance ride. It was concluded that a ketone pathway is relatively unimportant in the horse, probably due to the ability of the liver to maintain glycogenolysis.