Use of electrolytes in endurance horses

TRIGO P; ADALGIZA SOUZA CARNEIRO DE REZENDE; FERNANDO QUEIROZ DE ALMEIDA; CRISTINA CASTEJÓN-RIBER; ANA MUÑOZ; PERAL GARCÍA P

Belo horizonte

Congreso; 52 Reunião Anual da Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia; 2015

Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia

The horse is highly prepared to maintain a high metabolism for long periods of time. Its high rate of sweating causes tremendous loss of electrolytes and water in short time. Endurance races stand to be the competition with the biggest metabolic demands for the sport horse. During races, some horses show homeostasis alterations such as alterations in fluids, electrolytes, and acid-base balance. Under these conditions the need for water and electrolytes supplementation during an endurance ride is evident. However, there are large discrepancies concerning the use of electrolytes. Endurance horses have special adaptations for thermorregulation, and their management requires a deep knowledge of both fundamental and applied nutrition and physiology.In this article we discuss some key issues for the proper utilization of electrolytes in endurance horses such as: research, hindgut reservoir, exercise induced metabolic alkalosis, gastric irritation, and absorption of hyperosmotic solutions. Finally, practical recommendations for electrolyte supplementation during training and at competition are given.