Aim: To assess oral supplementation of bovine colostrum to evaluate earnings, performance recovery and incidence of URTI in racing horses

Protocol: The study design was a randomized cross-over racing performance study. 21 horses in race training were randomly assigned to train and compete with (100g/d) or without BC supplementation. After each horse competed in three races, it was crossed over to the other group, allowed a three week washout period, and then competed in three additional races.

Results:

• Horses on BC supplementation earned $ 2,088 more purse money per race, than when unsupplemented (P=0.016), and ran an average of 5 BRIS speed points higher (P=0.03).
• Horses returned to racing on average 7.5 days faster (16.9 days vs 24.4 days, P=0.048).
• There were no URTI among the horses on BC supplementation and two infections while not on BC supplementation (z-test, P=0.11).
• Statistical analysis showed that horses recovered more quickly, earned three times more money and raced better as judged by BRIS scores while competing with BC supplementation.
• BC supplemented horses also experienced fewer URTI, although positive trending, the effect did not reach significance.

Reference
CK Fenger, Comparative Exercise Physiology, 2014; 10 (4): 233-238 Bovine colostrum supplementation optimises earnings, performance and recovery in racing Thoroughbreds