Texas A&M Study Shows LIFELINE Bioactive Proteins Beneficial to Equine Joint Function

APC, Inc. has released results of a research study conducted by Dr. Josie Coverdale, associate professor of equine science at Texas A&M University. Dr. Coverdale presented the abstract at the 2014 Joint Annual Meeting of the American Society of Animal Science, which was held in Kansas City, MO, July 20-24.

The gait kinematics study measured stride length and knee range of motion with increasing dosage of serum-based bioactive proteins (LIFELINE BioThrive™) in exercised horses. The response strongly suggests that the horses in the study experienced healthy joint function and/or comfort while on LIFELINE BioThrive™.

“Horses undergoing the stress of training and performance may experience inflammation which can have a cascading effect leading to joint soreness,” said Dr. Josie Coverdale, associate professor of equine science at Texas A&M University. “This study suggests that bioactive proteins could play a major role in supporting joint health, which in turn supports joint comfort and mobility in performance horses of all ages and disciplines.”

In the 28-day double-blind study, 30 mature Quarter horses ranging in age from 5 to 22 years and weighing 968 to 1,508 pounds were blocked by age and body weight and randomly assigned to treatment. Treatment consisted of no pellets administered, pellets containing 66 grams (low dose) of bioactive proteins administered daily, and pellets containing 132 grams (high dose) of bioactive proteins administered daily. Each horse was exercised five days each week for approximately 60 minutes each day, with exercise focusing on horsemanship skills at the walk, trot and canter.

Gait analysis video was collected on Days 0, 14 and 28. At Day 14, enhanced front and hind limb stride length was observed with increasing levels of bioactive proteins. Similarly, at Day 28 enhanced front and hind limb stride length was also observed with increasing levels of bioactive proteins. Additionally, at Days 14 and 28, enhanced knee range of motion was observed with increasing levels of bioactive proteins.

“We are excited that the Texas A&M study results confirm what we are hearing from product users, that horses on BioThrive™ were experiencing optimal joint function and comfort as they went through their daily exercise regimen,” said Jennifer Whetzel, APC, Inc. Director of Marketing. “APC has conducted more than 300 studies in multiple species on the effects of our serum-based bioactive proteins and have consistently seen that they support normal immune function and an efficient inflammatory response in animals experiencing illness or stress.”

To read the full study, visit the scientific study page on www.WatchThemThrive.com.