2016 ACVIM Forum Research Abstract Program

out ALF, and then again 2 hours after ALF was top-dressed on grain (treated) or grain alone (control) was fed. Plasma and serum were separated within 30 minutes of collection and samples frozen at À70°C for shipment to the Diagnostic Center for Population Animal Health (DCPAH; Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI). Plasma glucose and serum insulin were analyzed using an automated chemistry analyzer. Data were analyzed statistically using an ANOVA (PROC Mixed; SAS, Cary, NC) for repeated measures and when significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in the main model, post-hoc t-tests were performed to determine significant differences. Alfa-Lox Forage Ò top-dressed on grain was readily eaten by all horses, and did not result in any adverse effects. When period data were pooled, on day 42, fasting mean (SEM) serum insulin activity significantly increased from 65.1 (3.5) pmol/L and 61.9 (5.1) pmol/L in control and ALF-treated horses, respectively, to 126.3 (24.2) pmol/L and 203.1 (30.1) pmol/L, respectively, 2 hours after feeding sweet feed. In addition, on day 48, mean serum insulin activity significantly increased from mean (SEM) serum insulin concentrations of 76.3 (4.3) pmol/L and 69.9 (3.8) pmol/L in control and ALF-treated horses, respectively to 194.6 pmol/L and 290.0 pmol/L, respectively, two hours after feeding sweet feed. Mean serum insulin activity was significantly higher in ALF-treated horses compared to control horses 2 hours after feeding sweet feed. Mean plasma glucose concentrations did not significantly increase 2 hours after feeding. Alfa-LoxÒ Forage top-dressed on grain resulted in higher blood insulin values, but not significantly increased blood glucose concentrations 2 hours after feeding sweet feed. Alfa-Lox Forage Ò resulted in increased absorption of sugars from the small intestine and more efficient utilization for glucose for energy, which likely decreased the amount of sugars delivered to the large colon.