Longitudinal changes in blood metabolites, amino acid profile, and oxidative stress markers in American Foxhounds fed a nutrient-fortified diet

J Anim Sci. 2018 Apr 3;96(3):930-940. doi: 10.1093/jas/skx070.

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the changes in blood metabolites, AA profile, and oxidative stress markers in American Foxhound dogs fed a nutrient-fortified endurance diet while undergoing unstructured endurance exercise over several months. Thirty-six adult American Foxhound dogs (mean age: 4.5, range 2 to 10 yr and mean BW: 34.7, range: 23.1 to 46.9 kg) were selected to participate in the study. Prior to the study, all dogs consumed a commercial diet for 16 wk. After collecting baseline blood samples, dogs were assigned to a standard commercial performance diet (control) or a nutrient-fortified dog food (test). Dogs were balanced by gender, age, body weight, and athletic performance between diets. During the study, dogs underwent 78 bouts of exercise, with approximately 22 km/bout. Blood samples were collected after 40, 75, 138, and 201 d on study (October 2012 to March 2013). All blood metabolites were similar at baseline and serum chemistry profile remained within normal ranges throughout the study. Over time, plasma taurine and vitamin E concentrations decreased (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the control diet but were maintained or increased (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the treatment diet. Also, plasma creatinine and triglycerides were lower (P < 0.05) and blood phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase were higher (P < 0.05) in dogs fed the treatment diet. Vitamin E and taurine status of dogs appear to be affected by extended endurance exercise. These data suggest dogs undergoing endurance exercise may benefit from supplementation of vitamin E and taurine to minimize oxidation and maintain taurine status.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acids / blood*
  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animals
  • Body Weight
  • Diet / veterinary*
  • Dogs / physiology*
  • Female
  • Food, Fortified*
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status
  • Oxidative Stress
  • Physical Conditioning, Animal
  • Taurine / blood*
  • Triglycerides / blood
  • United States
  • Vitamin E / blood*

Substances

  • Amino Acids
  • Triglycerides
  • Vitamin E
  • Taurine