Irish equine science company Plusvital launched EnerGene-Q10, the world's first nutrigenomic supplement for horses that contains the compound co-enzyme Q10 (CoQ10), early on Friday morning. Studies, performed by University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin and funded by Science Foundation Ireland, have show that the genetic makeup of a horse has a significant influence on the production of CoQ10, which is a key nutrient required for energy generation in the mitochondria of a muscle cell during sustained exercise.
Horses that are T:T and are suited to stamina-oriented exercise as identified by the Plusvital Speed Gene Test, produced significantly lower cellular levels of CoQ10 when compared to C:C (suited to sprint exercise) and C:T (suited to exercise requiring speed and stamina) genetic types. Levels of CoQ10 could be raised by up to 40% following nine weeks of oral supplementation during field trials.
Speaking at the launch of EnerGene-Q10, lead author on the scientific paper Professor Emmeline Hill, UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and Plusvital's CSO said, “We're delighted to launch the world's first supplement based on published research that links a horse's day-to-day nutritional requirements with their individual genetic profile. Using the Speed Gene Test horses that will most benefit from supplementation with EnerGene-Q10 can be identified. By offering tailored supplementation we're adding real value for our customers.”
“Mitochondrial function is clearly an important variable in equine performance,” said collaborating scientist Professor Richard Porter, School of Biochemistry and Immunology at Trinity College Dublin. “Our research has shown that efficiency in mitochondrial function has a genetic basis in the horse and that this information can now be applied in practice.”
Successful trainer Henry de Bromhead, said, “CoQ10 is of growing interest as a supplement in human health and we look forward to seeing the fruits of Plusvital's research particularly in our T:T horses.”
Multiple Group 1 winning owner, trainer and breeder Jim Bolger, who has been using the Speed Gene Test to inform his breeding and training operations since 2010 said, “This is another example of how genetic information can be used alongside traditional management approaches to get the best out of my horses.”
For more on CoQ10 and Plusvital, go to www.plusvital.com.
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