Veterinary

Research results from University of Ghent update understanding of animal physiology and animal nutrition

  2008 NOV 24 - (VerticalNews.com) -- According to recent research from Merelbeke, Belgium, "In nine initially obese ponies, a weekly weight loss according to 1% of their ideal body weight was evaluated for its impact on insulin sensitivity and metabolic profile. Weight loss was obtained solely through energy restriction, initially at 70% of maintenance energy requirements, but to maintain constant weight loss, feed amount had to be decreased to 50% and 35% of maintenance energy requirement during the course of the trial."

  "An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17. Fasted blood samples were taken on weeks 0, 3, 10, 17 for analysis of triglycerides (TG), non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), T-3, T-4 and leptin. Total average weight loss was 18.2%. When the OGTT was performed at weeks 0, 10 and 17, ponies had lost 0.22%, 9.9% and 16.3% of their initial weight respectively. Weight loss was associated with a decreased AUC for glucose and insulin. Moreover, greater % weight loss was associated with a significantly lower glucose peak and a lower area under the curve (AUC glucose). The lower glucose response after an OGTT in lean ponies was not the result of an increased insulin secretion, but an improved insulin sensitivity. Restricted feeding led to mobilization of TG and NEFA and to a reduced basal metabolism, with lower LDH, CPK, T-3 and leptin," wrote S. Vanweyenberg and colleagues, University of Ghent.

  The researchers concluded: "In obese Shetland ponies, weight loss at a rate of 1% of ideal body weight per week through restricted energy intake, ameliorated insulin sensitivity."

  Vanweyenberg and colleagues published their study in the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition (The effect of weight loss by energy restriction on metabolic profile and glucose tolerance in ponies. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, 2008;92(5):538-545).

  For additional information, contact S. Vanweyenberg, University of Ghent, Animal Nutrition Laboratory, Heidestr 19, B-9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.

  Publisher contact information for the Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition is: Blackwell Publishing, 9600 Garsington Rd., Oxford OX4 2DQ, Oxon, England.

  Keywords: Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition, University of Ghent.

  This article was prepared by VerticalNews Veterinary editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2008, VerticalNews Veterinary via VerticalNews.com.