Jack
What happened to your statement??

Jack
You are making a fool of yourself
Stick to your claim
Not replying to my posts again and you will make me happy
Persist and you will see my dark side

May I state, Tell all us trainers / reares / breeders what to feed our dogs.... back it up with performance statics and results on the track (other than a 16 dog experiment) and people will flock to the products you sell.... My last winner ate his own sh*t a couple of hours before his last win and paid $17:80,,,, before that he also munched down his own sh*t for a meal pre race and won paying $33:20... Does that mean I should be bagging and selling my dogs shi# as a supplement.... ?
Peter, I have purchased stuff of you previously, but you are doing yourself no favour's at the moment on GD.
JMO.
Rich.

may the force be with you

USE THE FORCE, LUKE.

NO. I AM YOUR FATHER.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away

Darth Vader (A New Hope): Ive been waiting for you, Obi-Wan. We meet again, at last. The circle is now complete. When I left you, I was but the learner; now I am the master.

Obi Wan Kenobi (A New Hope): Rememberthe Force will be with you, always.

Han Solo (A New Hope): Traveling through hyperspace aint like dusting crops, farm boy.

Darth Vader (A New Hope): The force is strong with this one.

Obi Wan Kenobi (A New Hope) : Use the force, Luke.

Yoda (The Empire Strikes Back): Judge me by my size, do you?

Yoda (The Empire Strikes Back): Do. Or do not. There is no try.

Luke (The Empire Strikes Back): I wont fail you. Im not afraid.
Yoda: You will be. You will be.

VITAMINS:

Vitamin A. (Retinol)

Major Functions in the Body:
Metabolism, bone growth, mucous membranes, hair, skin, wound healing, liver function, sight. Immune response.

Signs of Deficiency:
Reduced performance, tendon weakness? Poor eye sight, reduced fertility, scaly. skin

Signs of Excess
Loss of appetite, brittle bones due to calcium loss.

High Risk Dietary Imbalances:
Lean meat diets low in animal fats.

Dietary Needs:
Supplement half RDI on lean meat diets.10,000 IU daily for 10-14 days to increase viral resistance. 20,000 IU daily for 6-8 weeks to aid tendon and ligament healing.

Vitamin D (Cholecalciferol):

Major Functions in the Body:
Regulation of calcium and phosphorus absorption synthesised in skin with two hours sunlight.

Signs of Deficiency:
Weak, poor bone development, enlarged joints, Rickets in young animals, weak bones in older greyhounds

Signs of Excess:
Weakness, diarrhoea, vomiting. Risk of soft tissue calcium buildup.

High Risk Imbalances:
Reduced sunlight in kennelled greyhounds, winter months, early morning and evening outdoor walks.Lean meat diets, imbalanced Ca:P diets.

Dietary Needs:
Add RDI to lean meat based diets, or kennelled greyhounds without outside yards, and those on calcium supplements.

Vitamin E (Tocopherol):

Major function in the Body:
Antioxidant. Protection of fats against oxidation. Interrelated to selenium. Immune response. Muscle strength and metabolism.

Signs of Deficiency:
Muscle weakness, loss of stamina; risk of .. Cramping? Reduced fertility. Birth of weak or dead pups in breeding bitches.

Signs of Excess:
Depressed appetite. Note:
Supplement stepwise increase -25iu daily for 3 days, then 50iu for 3 days, then to full dose to avoid lethargy on sudden introduction.

High Risk Imbalances:
Lean meat diets. Freezing meat destroys vitamin E, as does mixing supplements of vitamin E with iron tonics in feed.

Dietary Needs
Single most beneficial vitamin for performance and stamina. Add 40iu minimum daily, especially if diet contains frozen or cooked meats, added fat, and supplemented polyunsaturated fats. Do not mix in same feed as iron tonics.

Vitamin K:

Major Functions in the Body
Clotting of blood

Signs of Deficiency:
Increased time for blood to clot - risk of haemorrhage

Signs of Excess:
Not known- but excess levels may be toxic.

High Risk Imbalances:
Feeds cooked at high temperature. Excess vitamin A in diet. Long term sulphonamide antibacterial treatment.

Dietary Needs:
Not a necessary additive, except during long courses of sulphonamide therapy or when there is chronic diarrhoea due to bowel disease. Consult vet.

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Major Function in the Body:
Metabolism of carbohydrates and proteins. Some bowel synthesis.
Signs of Deficiency:
Loss of appetite and weight, poor performance and slow recovery from racing.

Signs of Excess:
Water soluble - not considered toxic.

High Risk Imbalances:
Cooked foods, raw fish (carp). High carbohydrate dry foods- add vitamin B 1 to help avoid cramping .

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 100ug/100g. Always cook fish High doses (40mg daily) for 2-3 weeks may settle nervous animals.

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Metabolism of all energy sources.

Signs of deficiency:
Reduced muscle strength, poor recovery, skin scaling, reduced fertility.

Signs of Excess:
Water soluble - not considered toxic.

High Risk Imbalances:
Cooked foods, excess bicarbonate added to moistened food.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 200ug/l00g. Supplement diets containing additional fat with 4.5mg daily.

VitaminB3 (Niacin Nicotinamide)

Major Functions in the Body:
Metabolism of carbohydrates - important on high dry food diets.

Signs of Deficiency:
Ulceration of mouth, classical Black Tongue disease.

High Risk Imbalances:
Anaemia performance and poor
Dilation of blood vessels due to nicotinic acid base.
High dry food diets, long term sulphonamide therapy.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 5mg/100g. Highest requirement for any B complex vitamin - always supplement high dry food diets with at least 50% RDI.

Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

Major Functions in the Body:
Metabolism of all energy sources.

Signs of Deficiency:
Poor appetite, reduced adrenal gland activity - poor performance and recovery depressed liver function

Signs of Excess:
Water soluble - not considered toxic.

High Risk Imbalances:
Cooked foods. Excess bicarbonate added to moistened feed. Aminoglycoside antibiotic therapy.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about . 0.3mgIlOOg. Eggs 1.0mg each. Add at least 50% RDI to racing diets.

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine):

Major Functions in the Body:
Metabolism of proteins and fats. Blood cell and haemoglobin production. Little gut synthesis.

Signs of Deficiency:
Poor blood count and small red cell anaemia- Loss of appetite.

Signs of Excess:
Water soluble - not known.

High Risk Imbalances:
Requirement related to protein level in diet -increase vitamin B6 in high protein diets.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 0.15mg/l00g. Supplement 2.0mg daily for 14-21 days with iron, B12 and folic acid following heavy burdens of hookworms.

Vitamin Bl2 (Cyanocobalamin):

Major Functions in the Body:
Metabolism. Blood production
(Gut synthesis using cobalt in diet or iron tonics)

Signs of Deficiency:
Anaemia, lack of stamina, poor performance.

Signs of Excess:
Water soluble - not known. High doses 500-1000ug daily for 5-7 days may help stop manure eating

High Risk Imbalances:
High chicken or fish diets. Deficiency of vitamin B6 in diet.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 2-3ug/l00g. Liver contains about 50ug/100g . Always supplement white meat (chicken and fish) diets l00ugdaily, along with iron and copper.

Folic acid (Folacin):

Metabolism. Blood production with vitamin B6 and vitamin C. Natural gut synthesis of this vitamin is poorly absorbed.

Signs of Deficiency:
Anaemia, usually following blood loss or heavy hookworm burdens.
Signs of Excess:
Water soluble - not considered toxic.

High Risk Imbalances:
Cooking of foods. Long term. Sulphonamide therapy.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 1-5ug/l00g. Liver up to l00ug/100g. High doses up to 500ug daily for 7 days may assist vaccination response. Always supplement at least 50% RDl on racing diets.

Biotin:

Major Functions in the Body:
Metabolism .of carbohydrates, protein, fats .. Nail and hair growth? Efficient gut synthesis.

Signs Of Deficiency:
Scaly skin, hair loss, poor appetite, diarrhoea - not common on regular diets.

Signs of Excess
Not considered toxic.

High Risk Imbalances:
Long term oral antibiotic therapy destroys gut bacteria. Raw egg whites contain avidin enzyme that destroys biotin.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 3ug/l00g. 12mg daily may assist toenail strength, combined with calcium supplement. Cook egg whites to destroy enzyme and improve digestibility.

Vitamin B15 (Pangamic acid):

Major Functions in the Body:
Various unproven functions

Signs of Deficiency:
Not known

Signs of Excess:
Not Known

Dietary Needs:
Available in synthetic form as DADA in some countries. Not a natural food component or vitamin. Responses claimed to 50mg orally daily to aid energy production not proven.

Choline:
Major Functions in the Body:
Nervous function, liver function, fat control.

Signs of Deficiency:
Fat accumulates in liver.
Poor performance.

Signs of Excess:
Diarrhoea if more than 109 given daily.

High Risk Imbalances:
Unpalatable as pure choline

Dietary Needs
Choline needs provided by Methionine 500-1500mg daily.

Vitamin C:

Major Functions in the Body:
Metabolism. Blood production. Adrenal stress hormones. Collagen synthesis.

Signs of Deficiency
Anaemia, reduced healing, skin disease. Reduced performance and poor immunity? Poor recovery from racing?

Signs of Excess:
Lower blood levels in hard raced greyhounds.

High Risk Imbalances:
Avoid contact with iron and copper in supplements.

Dietary Needs:
Raw meat contains about 2mg/l00g. Vegetables 50-100mg/l00g. Supplement 250-1000mg daily for 1-2 days before racing.

That would have a lot to do with the wind factor and afterburn, Carole.
The propulsion gained from the beans and the rancid smell would almost guarantee success, and by some big margins I would imagine.

:(

Amino Acids
What are amino acids?
Twenty percent of the human body is made up of protein. Protein plays a crucial role in almost all biological processes and amino acids are the building blocks of it.
A large proportion of our cells, muscles and tissue is made up of amino acids, meaning they carry out many important bodily functions, such as giving cells their structure. They also play a key role in the transport and the storage of nutrients. Amino acids have an influence on the function of organs, glands, tendons and arteries. They are furthermore essential for healing wounds and repairing tissue, especially in the muscles, bones, skin and hair as well as for the removal of all kinds of waste deposits produced in connection with the metabolism.
The importance of amino acids for human well-being is on the increase
Meirion Jones, a well-known BBC journalist, reported that contrary to years ago, many doctors have now confirmed that a supply of amino acids (also by way of nutritional supplements) can have positive effects.
Jones and Erdmann explain the changes in medical opinion in the following way: Unfortunately, in the real world countless factors are working to prevent our bodies from receiving a full and balanced supply of these all-important substances. Among these factors are the pollution caused by burning fossil-fuels, the hormones fed to cattle, the intensive use of fertilizers in agriculture, and even habits such as smoking and drinking, all of which can prevent our bodies from fully using what we eat. Worse still is the amount of nutrition that is lost from our food through processing before we actually get to eat it...By providing the body with optimal nutrition, amino acids help to replace what is lost and, in doing so, promote well-being and vitality.1
A recent study from Germany carried out by the DAK has revealed that older people in particular are more prone to suffering from malnutrition. If the body is lacking in the minimum energy and nutrients, the body cannot carry out its bodily and mental functions. Without the necessary vitamins, proteins (amino acids), trace elements and minerals, there is a risk of debilities and metabolic disorders which can have serious consequences.
2
The amino acid pool has to be right
Jones believes that almost every disease caused by civilisation is a result of imbalances in our metabolism. The amino-acid pool is jointly responsible for achieving a balanced metabolism.
The amino acid pool describes the entire amount of available free amino acids in the human body. The size of the pool amounts to around 120 to 130 grams in an adult male. If we consume protein in the diet, the protein in the gastro-intestinal tract is broken down into the individual amino acids and then put back together again as new protein. This complex biological process is called protein biosynthesis. The entire amino acid pool is transformed, or exchanged three to four times a day. This means that the body has to be supplied with more amino acids, partly by protein biosynthesis, partly by the diet or through consumption of suitable dietary supplements.
The objective is that the amino acid pool is complete and maintained in the correct combination. If the one or more amino acids are not available in sufficient quantities, the production of protein is weakened and the metabolism may only function in a limited way.
Older people are not the only ones who this applies to, for young people can also be affected by the negative consequences of a limited supply of nutrients. These include weight problems, hair loss, skin problems, sleep disorders, mood swings and/or erectile disorders but also arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular imbalance (high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure) or even menopausal complaints.

Sources
1
Erdmann, R. & Jones , M., (1987) The Amino Revolution, First Fireside Edition, p2.
2
DAK-Studie: Immer mehr Senioren mit Mangelernhrung in Klinik, Hamburger Abendblatt (Dezember 2011)What are amino acids?

Muscle Sparing I know you dont like to think about it but we need to discuss a harsh truth: Exercise damages your muscles. Usually, this damage is exactly what your body needs to rebuild and get stronger. Sometimes, however, things go too far and your muscles are actually broken down and used for fuel. Endurance athletes and those who routinely exercise in a fasted state or at a caloric deficit are especially at risk here. BCAAs, however, protect your muscle fibers from suffering too much damage.
Improved Recovery This ability to increase muscle protein synthesis and guard your muscles means that you can recover from your workouts faster, getting back to your routine with less downtime. And remember, its during these periods of rest that your fitness improves. Ensuring that your recovery is complete, then, is vital to making progress.
Reduced Muscle Soreness But wait, theres more! The reduced damage and improved recovery has also been shown to limit the soreness that generally sets in after a strenuous workout.
Improved Performance in Sports If we take all of the physical and psychological benefits of amino acid supplements together, something amazing becomes apparent: It can improve your overall performance. Your body will respond better to your workouts and your mind will operate more efficiently during the actual event, allowing you to maintain your focus and make better decisions

Amino Acids in Racing Greyhounds
Article by Tom Muelman
EXTERNAL LINK
The importance of Amino Acids

It is an unfortunate fact of life that few greyhound trainers actually look at the exact make up of their racing greyhounds diet.

While some do look at the various percentages of Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats in the diet, no trainer that I know looks at the type of protein in the diet, nor considers the fact that it is not protein that is absorbed into the greyhounds system, but only those Amino Acids available in the particular type of protein that is provided in the diet.

Amino Acids are the building block of life and just about everything in the body is made up of various types of Amino Acids.

Amino Acids account for 75% of dry body weight. (Vitamins and minerals account for only 1.5% of dry body weight).
Amino Acids make up all neurotransmitters except for one.
95% of all hormones are made up of Amino Acids.
100% of all body protein is made up of Amino Acids
DNA and RNA, the genetic material, require Amino Acids.

Amino Acids influence every gland and every system in the body.

A few examples of Amino Acid functions are:

Thyroid Hormone
The various forms of thyroid hormone are all made of Amino Acids.
The thyroid gland is the energy burner and helps to maintain a normal metabolic function. Too little thyroid hormone and dogs can become easily tired, sluggish and often unwilling to free gallop or work for any length of time.

Pancreas
Insulin is one of the main hormones made by the pancreas, and is made up of a long chain of Amino Acids.
Insulin is essential for maintaining normal levels of blood sugar, and therefore energy levels.

Adrenal
The adrenal gland makes a host of hormones among which adrenaline is one of the most important (Adrenaline is made from the Amino Acid, Tyrosine).
Adrenaline is essential for the fast reaction time required by the racing greyhound. However because greyhounds are placed in a stressful situation such as chasing the lure they often have adrenals that are burning out and this effect can be aggravated by low Tyrosine levels in the diet.
One of the important functions of adrenaline is that it triggers the liver to break down glycogen, the glucose store, to provide an immediate rush of energy.

Pituitary
Growth Hormone is a major contributor to energy, vitality, muscle strength and endurance and is structured from a long chain of Amino Acids.

Sex Hormones
The sex hormones, including Oestrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone are all Amino Acid based.

Specific Essential Amino Acid Functions
They prevent degenerative disease through their anti-oxidant functions. They keep the gastrointestinal tract working. Amino Acids are critical to immune system function and thus help to fight viruses, bacteria, parasites, and cancer. The sulphur-containing Amino Acids help detoxify heavy metals. Muscles are built and repaired by Amino Acids, such as Valine, Leucine, and Isoleucine. Connective tissue, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and joint surfaces, are made of Amino Acids, especially L-Proline and L-Lysine. Heart muscle is dependent on Amino Acids, as is heart rate and rhythm. The nervous system relies heavily on Amino Acids to serve as neurotransmitters, the molecules that carry information from one neuron to another. They regulate blood sugar levels, and therefore, energy. The Amino Acids Cysteine and Methionine fight allergies. The Amino Acid Taurine prevents epileptic seizures. Growth hormone requires the Amino Acids Ornithine and Arginine. The Amino Acid Glycine is required for wound healing. L-Carnitine is a heart tonic. Histidine fights arthritis. Histidine increases libido. Lysine helps fights viruses and is essential for bone growth. D-L Phenylalanine helps relieve pain. Threonine helps prevent build up of fat in the liver.

So as you can see Amino Acids derived from the protein in the diet are absolute essential to not only good health but also to optimum performance.

There are a specific group of Amino Acids that must be provided in the diet, and are known as the essential Amino Acids. Other Amino Acids are not considered essential because they are able to be synthesised.
However, if any one of the essential Amino Acids is not available in sufficient amounts or is present in excessive amounts relative to other essential Amino Acids, protein synthesis will not be supported and a lack of an essential Amino Acid can occur.

The value of dietary protein is therefore determined by the amount and proportion of essential Amino Acids it provides.

Good sources of high value protein for the racing greyhound are red meat, poultry, egg and milk protein.

Because not all of the essential Amino Acids are supplied in red meat alone, I believe it to be worthwhile to add other sources of high value protein to the diet.

In regard to the "complete" dry foods and their protein content.
It is of some concern to me that that while a range of types of protein are listed on the packaging of some, that due to the heat and cooking processes involved in the manufacture of these products, the bioavailability of the Amino Acids in the protein content of these foods is extremely poor, causing an imbalance of essential Amino Acids in the diet.

While there is a very high protein content in these types of foods, if the protein they contain can not be broken down in the digestive system to release the Amino Acid content, the only use for this protein is to supply energy needs.

This unfortunately increases the stress on the kidneys due to the increase of waste produced by the body using protein as an energy source instead of complex carbohydrates.

While adding meat to these complete foods may solve some of the Amino Acid requirement problems, it unfortunately increases the reliance by the body on the protein in the diet as an energy source and further aggravating kidney function problems.

Tom