Abstract
Protein has been recognized as an essential nutrient for animals for well over 100 years. Protein plays many important structural and metabolic roles, and some of its component amino acids have additional functions, including as regulatory molecules, as energy substrates and in the synthesis of other non-protein molecules. Skeletal muscle makes up approximately 50% of body weight in horses, with protein being the major non-water component. As an athletic species, the development and maintenance of muscle mass is of the utmost importance in horses. Because muscle mass is largely determined by the balance of rates of muscle protein synthesis and breakdown, understanding how these pathways are regulated and influenced by dietary protein and amino acid provision is essential. Historically, much research regarding protein nutrition in horses has focused on the protein digestibility of different feed ingredients, and the adequacy of different protein sources in supporting the growth and maintenance of horses. This presentation will focus on some of the current areas of active research relating to protein nutrition in horses: the activation of the signaling pathways that regulate muscle protein synthesis, amino acid supplementation in athletic horses, protein metabolism in aged and horses and those with insulin dysregulation, and amino acid and protein nutrition in predominantly forage-fed horses. There are many exciting opportunities for future research in the area of protein and amino acid nutrition in horses across the lifespan.
Recent Advances in Understanding Amino Acid Sensing Mechanisms that Regulate mTORC1
