bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of MSTN Genotype Association with VO2peak in Untrained Yearlings
Authors: Hill E , McGivney B , Herdan C , Gough K , Katz L 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIn Thoroughbreds, genetic variation in myostatin (MSTN g.66493737C/T) is highly predictive of optimum race distance and influences mRNA expression, precocity, skeletal muscle development, two‐year‐old earnings, speed variables and skeletal muscle fibre type. The aim of this study was to investigate MSTN variation associations with VO2peak in untrained yearling Thoroughbreds.MethodsPeak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was measured in 41 untrained Thoroughbred yearlings (16 colts, 25 fillies, 19.8 ± 1.4 months) from one flat racing yard (November‐December). Data was collected as horses freely travelled up an all‐weather gallop (2% incline) with no rider. VO2 was measured using an ergospirometry and oximetry mask and associated customized software validated for field testing. Horses were instrumented with a GPS‐HR monitor, light‐weight mask and data‐capture equipment. HRpeak, maximal velocity (Vmax) and exercise distance were recorded. MSTN genotypes were determined using a customised Taqman SNP genotyping assay. Tests of association between genotype and phenotype were performed using PLINK software.ResultsAverage exercise distance was 1700.5 ± 33.4 m, Vmax 15.0 ± 1.4 m/s, and HRpeak 221.2 ± 9.6 bpm. MSTN genotypes and VO2peak based on 6 breaths were n = 16 CC, VO2peak = 119.49 ± 21.8; n = 22 CT, VO2peak = 116.40 ± ‐27.2; n = 3 TT, 115.08 ± 20.2.There was no association (P>0.05) between genotype and VO2peak.ConclusionsIn yearling Thoroughbreds no association between MSTN genotype and untrained peak oxygen consumption was observed. This may be a function of the small number of TT genotype individuals evaluated or a reflection of a requirement for MSTN‐associated skeletal muscle entrainment in VO2peak changes resulting from a period of exercise training. Such changes may be associated with MSTN genotype and this requires further investigation.Ethical Animal ResearchInstitutional Animal Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Science Foundation Ireland under Grant Number 11/PI/1166. Competing interests: Dr Hill is a co‐founder and Chairman of Equinome Ltd.
Effects of Preloading with NaCl, KCl, NaHCO3, or KHCO3 on Plasma Electrolyte Concentrations and Run Time During a High Intensity Exercise Test: A Pilot Study
Authors: Schott II H 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionNaHCO3 has been administered prior to racing in an attempt to enhance performance but it remains unclear whether potential ergogenic effects may be due to increased buffering capacity or expanded extracellular fluid volume.MethodsSolutions of 1 g/kg of NaCl, KCl, NaHCO3, or KHCO3 in 8 L of water were administered via a nasogastric tube 60 min prior to a high intensity treadmill exercise test (12 m/s to fatigue) to 4 horses in a randomized fashion. Changes in mixed venous plasma electrolyte concentrations (NOVA Biomedical analyser) and run time to fatigue were compared by repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsAdministration of Na and K salts increased Na and K concentrations before and during maximal exercise, respectively. Administration of bicarbonate salts attenuated acidosis and the decrease in bicarbonate concentration during exercise, as compared to Cl salts. Of interest, run time to fatigue was longer (P<0.001, power = 0.98) after administration of KCl (5.1 ± 0.6 min) as compared to both bicarbonate salts (3.7 ± 0.6 and 3.6 ± 0.8 min for NaHCO3 and KHCO3, respectively), but was not different than run time after NaCl administration (4.3 ± 0.8 min).ConclusionsPreloading with large amounts of Na and K salts produced expected changes in mixed venous Na and K concentrations but preloading with bicarbonate did not improve performance. Observation of longer run times to fatigue after administration of NaCl or KCl was unexpected and warrants further investigation.Ethical Animal ResearchAnimal use approved by the Animal Use Committee of Michigan State University. Sources of funding: Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Michigan State University. Competing interests: none.
Individual Limb Contributions to Centripetal Force Generation during Circular Trot
Authors: Clayton HM , Starke SD , Merritt JS 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe simplest model of circular locomotion is a point mass moving uniformly on a circle. To produce circular motion, a centripetal force is generated. This study investigated contributions of individual limbs to the net centripetal force in horses trotting on a circle.MethodsSix horses trotted on a 6 m diameter circle at their preferred speed. Optical motion capture (Motion Analysis Corp) recorded kinematics, while six force plates (AMTI) recorded ground reaction forces (GRF). Whole body center of mass (CoM) was computed using a 23‐segment rigid body model. The GRF of each limb was expressed at the CoM in cylindrical coordinates centered at a best‐fit circle of the ground path of the CoM. Average vertical, tangential and radial force components were computed for each limb over the whole stride duration. Forces were analyzed using ANOVA with Tukey HSD post‐hoc tests.ResultsThe maximum ground‐path deviation of the CoM from the best‐fit circle among all trials was only 2.8% of the radius. The forelimbs contributed an average centripetal (radial) force of 0.49 ± 0.16 N/kg (mean ± SD, normalized to body mass), which was significantly greater (P<0.001) than the hind limb contribution of 0.36 ± 0.13 N/kg. There was no significant difference between inside and outside limbs.ConclusionsThe contribution of individual limbs to the centripetal force provided a direct indication of their role in circular locomotion. The forelimbs generated significantly more centripetal force, possibly in direct relation to their greater support of the body mass against gravity.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the MSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, protocol #06/11‐112‐00. Sources of funding: This study was funded by the McPhail Endowment. SD Starke's collaborative research visit for this project was funded by the British Society for Animal Science, Murray Black Award. Competing interests: none.
External and Radiographic Hoof Angles Differ in Thoroughbred Foals
Authors: Curtis S , Martin J , Hobbs S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionPoor hoof angle and hoof pastern alignment has been linked to lameness in mature horses. External characteristics, such as the hoof pastern axis and hoof angle, are commonly used to assess dorsopalmar conformation in the same manner in foals. The hoof wall integument and distal phalanx is parallel in healthy mature horses but not in foals: this is not understood.MethodsThe front feet of 22 Thoroughbred foals were radiographed and measured in June and again in November. Lateromedial radiographic images were measured (Osirix) for hoof integument angle and width, and proximal, middle and distal phalanx angles. The data were tabulated in Excel and analysed in Minitab. After assessment for normality (Anderson‐Darling), potential relationships were assessed for differences between June and November using paired t‐tests and regression analysis.ResultsThe dorsal hoof angle became more acute with age, R2 = 0.3326, the mean of June, 59.05 ± 3.662°, was significantly different from November, 53.64 ± 2.7824°, P<0.0001. The hoof pastern axes were broken forward in June, 6.1 ± 2.1°, in November 2.5 ± 1.6°, whereas the phalangeal axes were broken back, June,‐11.0 ± 7.5°, November, −8.3 ± 4.4°. There was a significant relationship between age and hoof pastern axis alignment, R2 = 0.3746; P<0.0001. The phalangeal axis did not correlate with age. The relationship between age and parallelism of the integument was significant R2 = 0.4867; P<0.0001.ConclusionsThe cause of the non‐alignment of the hoof pastern axis and phalangeal axis in Thoroughbred foals is widening of hoof integument proximodistally and circumferential bone thickening of the distal phalanx. Assumptions of phalangeal angles based on external characteristics cannot be made in foals.Ethical Animal ResearchApproval was given by the University of Central Lancashire Animal Projects Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: World Horse Welfare partially funded this study. Competing interests: none.
Effect of Acute Exercise and Aerobic Conditioning on the Faecal pH of Horses
Authors: Almeida MML , Queiroz‐Neto A , Costa M , Ferraz GC , Lemos MEG 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionRepeated monitoring of faecal pH may be useful in detecting the effects of exercise and conditioning on the fermentative activity within the large intestine. This study investigated the effect of a maximal incremental exercise test (MIET) and aerobic conditioning on the faecal pH of untrained horses.MethodsFourteen equines were randomly divided into two experimental groups. The control group consisted of 7 horses that remained untrained. The second group underwent physical training (n = 7). The trained equines underwent two MIETs, once before and once after exercise conditioning. The conditioning period lasted 6 weeks and consisted of 3 weekly sessions of exercising on a treadmill at 70% of lactate threshold. All horses were fed the same diet. To evaluate the effect of exercise on faecal pH, stool samples were collected before and 48 h after the MIETs (before and after training) for determination of fecal pH. To determine chronic effects, weekly stool sampling was performed at 0 (immediately before), 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of training. One‐way repeated measures ANOVA followed by Dunnett's test, the paired t‐test (MIET) and the unpaired t‐test were performed for comparisons between the groups at the different times.ResultsFaecal pH decreased from day 28 in the trained horse group compared to controls. pH values were 7.57 ± 0.10 and 7.27 ± 0.24 (before) and 7.97 ± 0.14 and 6.75 ± 0.15 (after) for the control and trained groups respectively. There was no change in faecal pH after the MIET.ConclusionsIt appears that physical conditioning reduced faecal pH of horses.Ethical Animal ResearchThe Ethical Principles in Animal Experimentation adopted by the Brazilian College of Animal Experimentation was approved by the institutional animal care and use committee of the university (CEUA, Process: 016842/13). Sources of funding: FAPESP ‐ Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Process 2013/14703‐3). Competing interests: none.
Myofascial Kinetic Lines in Horses
Authors: Elbrønd VS , Schultz RM 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionMyofascial lines are chains of interconnected anatomical structures that functionally direct the basic motion patterns of the musculoskeletal system. They have previously been dissected in humans, where they describe the overall spinal motion of flexion, extension, lateral flexion and axial rotation. They are believed to play a role in functionality, connection, and balance of the body. The aim of this study was to investigate whether similar myofascial lines could be identified in the horse.MethodsFive myofascial kinetic lines were dissected in 22 horses euthanized for unrelated reasons. The lines were the Superficial Dorsal Line (SDL), Superficial Ventral Line (SVL), Lateral Line (LL), Spiral Line (SL), and Functional Line (FL).ResultsSDL included hind limb flexors and the errector spinae group, which extend the hip and spine. SVL included hind limb extensors, abdominal muscles, and ventral neck muscles, which are structures with antagonistic functions to SDL. LL followed myofascial tissues along the side of the abdomen and produced latero‐flexion of the spine. FL and SL formed helical lines concerned with spinal axial rotation. FL connected the front limb to the contralateral hind limb by crossing over the midline at the thoraco‐lumbar level dorsal and ventral on the trunk. SL connected one side of the neck with the contralateral front limb and ipsilateral hind limb by a helical course around the body crossing over at the cervico‐thoracic and lumbo‐sacral junctions.ConclusionsThe SBL, SVL and LL complete a functional anatomical ring, which balances the dorsal, ventral and lateral motion patterns of the horse. The helical FL and SL determine the spinal axial rotation. With minor exceptions all lines mirrored the human lines.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was performed on material collected during post‐mortem examination. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: IVCA and The Danish Society for Promotion of Veterinary Science. Competing interests: none.
Effect of Side of Handling on Movement Symmetry in Horses
Authors: Hopkins S , Pfau T 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionWhen horses are trotted in‐hand, this is predominantly performed with the handler on the horse's left side. In the context of objective gait analysis, this study investigated whether the side a horse is led from affects movement symmetry measures used to quantify lameness. We hypothesised that the side which horses were handled from would have no effect on head and pelvic movement symmetry.MethodsVertical movement of head and pelvis was quantified in 23 horses during trot in‐hand with a validated inertial sensor gait analysis system. Established movement symmetry measures commonly used to quantify lameness were calculated for a minimum of 27 strides per condition. Each horse was assessed three times, twice handled from one side, once from the other side, with the initial handling side randomly assigned. Differences in movement symmetry between repeat assessments led from the same side were compared to differences when led from the opposite side using a paired t‐test (P<0.05)ResultsWhich side a horse was led from had no significant effect on either head (all P>0.754) or pelvic (all P>0.514) movement symmetry. Mean differences for head (and pelvic) movement asymmetry were below 2% or 2 mm (0% or 1 mm) for repeat assessments from the same side and below 4% or 2 mm (0% or 1 mm) for opposite side leads.ConclusionsThe side from which a horse is led does not significantly affect differences in movement symmetry between repeat assessments. Data analysis should be restricted to trials with consistent head carriage and a minimum of 27 strides (previously reported to give a representative estimate of stride‐to‐stride variability).Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the local ethics committee Sources of funding: none declared. Competing interests: none.
The Point of Application of the Ground Reaction Force Moves in Circling Horses
Authors: Merritt JS , Starke SD , Clayton HM 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe position and magnitude of the ground reaction force (GRF) relative to the hoof influences loading within the limbs. In this study, we investigated changes to the point of force application (PFA) of the GRF in horses walking and trotting on circles compared to a straight line.Methods8 horses were lunged in 6 m diameter circles (left and right), and led straight, at walk and trot over force plates on firm ground. Hoof‐mounted retro‐reflective markers were tracked using a motion capture system (Motion Analysis Corp). The PFA was computed in a hoof‐local coordinate system during 2018 strides. The instantaneous PFA was weighted by the GRF magnitude to compute an average PFA position within the hoof print for each total stance phase. The average PFAs were analyzed using an ANOVA in which type of locomotion (circle or straight), gait (walk or trot) and hoof (fore or hind) were used as independent variables. A Tukey post‐hoc analysis identified pair‐wise differences.ResultsAt trot, the PFA moved toward the center of the circle by 19.8 ± 10 mm (mean ± SD, P<0.001). At walk there was no significant difference in PFA between straight and circle. The hoof (fore or hind) did not significantly affect the PFA shift.ConclusionsThe significant medio‐lateral shift of PFA suggests that the balance of limb loading changes during circular locomotion. This is likely to affect the medio‐lateral balance in the distal joints and cause sub‐optimal loading of limb structures.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the MSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, protocol #06/11‐112‐00. Sources of funding: This study was funded by the McPhail Endowment. SD Starke's collaborative research visit for this project was funded by the British Society for Animal Science, Murray Black Award. Competing interests: none.
A Comparison of Piaffe in Competition with the Fei Definition of the Movement
Authors: Moore G , Nankervis K , Dumbell L , Douglas J 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionRequirements of competitive dressage should be reviewed periodically to inform training of horses and judges. The aim of this study was to determine whether features of the FEI definition of piaffe are achieved in competition and to correlate the judges′ scores with the degree of conformity to the definition.MethodsVideography (60 Hz) of 3 piaffe strides (performed at marker D within a field of view 6 x 4 m) from 60 Grand Prix horses was used to measure croup height (CH), poll height (PH), the highest point of the neck (PN), peak height of the fore (FTpeak) and hindlimb toe (HTpeak), the level of a point half way down the cannon (MC) and the level of the fetlock joint (FJ) to within ± 0.01 m. Paired t‐tests were used to compare CH in piaffe with that in halt, PH with PN, FTpeak with MC and HTpeak with FJ during piaffe to determine if the criteria within the definition were met. Piaffe scores from 5 judges were obtained from a subset of 17 horses.ResultsCH was higher in piaffe than in halt (P<0.001). PN was higher than PH in piaffe (P = 0.001). FTpeak was lower than MC (P = 0.001) and HTpeak was lower than FJ (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference (P = 0.836) between the scores awarded to each horse but also no correlation between the scores and PH (P = 0.331), CH (P = 0.829), FTpeak (P = 0.784) or HTpeak (P = 0.924).ConclusionsPiaffe performed in competition does not conform to the FEI definition of the movement although judges′ scores appear consistent. This finding suggests that the definition of the movement or judge training should be reviewed.Ethical Animal ResearchProject approved by Hartpury College Research Ethics Committee. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Hartpury College. Competing interests: none.
Effect on VLa4 of Reduced Exercise Periods During Conditioning of Horses
Authors: Boffi F , Lindner A , Muriel M , Botta V , Lopez R 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionOne week of reduced workload between 3 periods of 2 weeks of conditioning (CP) 5 times/fortnight at VLa10 for two bouts of 5 minutes allowed for a continuous increase of VLa4, but the extent was smaller than in another study with the same conditioning program but for the recovery week (VLa4, VLa10: horse's speed, which produced a blood lactate concentration of 4 and 10 mmol/l).MethodsSix Purebred Arabians were submitted to the same conditioning protocol of the studies mentioned above except for increasing the duration of treadmill exercise in each CP by 2.5 minutes (2 x 10 minutes in the third CP). A standardized exercise test (SET) was performed at the beginning of CP to determine VLa4 and VLa10, and repeated after the week with reduced workload after each CP. Exercise speed was individually adapted to the new VLa10 for every CP. The effects of conditioning on VLa4 were examined using repeated measures analysis of variance. Significant results were analyzed further with Fisher's test.ResultsMean VLa4 increased after the first CP (P<0.001), fell between first and second CP (P<0.001) and remained at this level after the third CP (P>0.05).ConclusionsThis conditioning program did not allow for VLa4 increases of the magnitude observed in other studies with the same exercise protocols but without the week with reduced workload and increases in exercise duration. It is possible that the decline of VLa4 of the horses after the first CP was due to overtraining (simultaneous increase of speed and duration of exercise). The effect of recovery from training needs further studies.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the Bioethical Committee of the University of La Plata, Argentina. Sources of funding: Verein zur Förderung der Forschung im Pferdesport, Germany. Competing interests: none.
Does Swim Training Improve Athletic Performance of Mangalarga Marchador Horses?
Authors: Coelho C , Drumond B , Silva G , Fardin V , Giuberti CR 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionSwimming can be used for conditioning and rehabilitation of horses. Its main advantage is minimal musculoskeletal stress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of swimming on athletic performance of Mangalarga Marchador horses.MethodsEight horses (6.7 ± 2.9 years old, 426 ± 32 kg) conditioned to swim training were evaluated twice, before (M1) and after (M2) four weeks of training consisting of 60 minutes of hand‐walking twice a week, alternating with marcha exercise with a rider for 40 minutes three days a week, and 20 minutes of marcha with a rider each day of the weekend. Four animals were randomly selected after M1 as a test group and were submitted to swim training for 15 minutes twice a week in a lake. During M1 and M2, heart rate, hematocrit, AST, CK and lactate were recorded before (T0) and after 5 (T1), 30 (T2) and 120 (T3) minutes of exercise (marcha gait for 40 minutes). Variables were analyzed for normality with Kolmogorov‐Smirnov test. Comparisons between M1 and M2 and between control and test groups on each moment were made using paired t‐test (P<0.05).ResultsNo differences were observed for HR, hematocrit, lactate and AST. Serum CK was significantly different for the test group between M1 and M2 for T1 (P = 0.0175), T2 (P = 0.0498) and T3 (P = 0.0226) with higher values for M2; also significant differences were observed between control and test groups for M1 at T1 (P = 0.0385), T2 (P = 0.0029) and T3 (P = 0.0180) with higher values for control group.ConclusionsThe swimming training protocol used did not improve the athletic performance of selected horses.Ethical Animal ResearchStudy approved by the Ethics Committee for Animal Use at Universidade Vila Velha (CEUA‐UVV), Protocol 251‐2013. Sources of funding: UVV‐ES. Competing interests: none.