bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heart Rate Responses in Show‐Jumpers Over A Three‐Day Training Session
Authors: Harris P , Roberts C , Armstrong S , Murray R , Handel I 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe objective of this study was to provide more information regarding the relationship between heart rate (HR) and performance in show‐jumpers.MethodsTen mixed breed horses (9.1 ± 1.9 yrs) were assessed at a British Equestrian Federation (BEF) World Class Performance three‐day training session. Riders received coaching during warm‐up (WU) and after jumping a 15 fence (1.35–1.45 m) course once on day‐1, twice on days 2 & 3; on day‐3 the second round was an 8‐fence jump‐off. Clinical assessments were performed, and plasma lactate concentrations determined, pre‐ and post‐exercise. Take‐off distance (TDF) was determined using high‐speed motion capture. The coach graded horse jumping technique (validated methodology). HR was recorded telemetrically from WU until 10 mins post‐exercise. Variables were compared using regression procedures/Spearman correlation and paired Students t‐test (P<0.05).ResultsHR was not significantly different between days or consecutive jumping rounds. Mean HR was lower in WU than during the course (127 ± 11 vs 136 ± 16: P = 0.027), likely related to increased speed during the course, although HRpeak tended to be higher during WU day‐ 1 possibly reflecting excitement. Mean HR increased for each quarter during the course. Higher mean course and third‐quarter HR were associated with higher blood lactate concentrations (P = 0.047), greater gluteal and longissimus dorsi muscle spasm on palpation (P<0.01), more faults (P = 0.044) and lower technique scores (P = 0.019). TDF was negatively correlated with mean course and third‐quarter HR, indicating that closer take‐off may be harder work (P<0.01).ConclusionsHR increases throughout a jumping course. Higher HRs may be associated with jumping inefficiency and muscle spasm, with potential performance implications for multi‐day competitions.Ethical Animal ResearchExplicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: The World Class Development Programme is funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, through Exchequer and National Lottery funds, via UK Sport. Competing interests: none.
Blood Biochemistry and Hemogasometry of Horses Performing Incremental Jumping and Velocity Tests
Authors: Rodrigues TN , Miranda AC , Ramos MT , Godoi FN , Almeida FQ 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionBiochemical and hemogasometric parameters have been used to evaluate equine performance. This study evaluated blood biochemical and hemogasometry variables of horses during incremental jumping and speed tests.MethodsEighteen horses performed a jumping test with four steps over a vertical obstacle of 1.10 m height (10, 15, 20 and 25 jumps, respectively) totaling 70 jumps, and a speed test with six steps of one minute each with increasing speed from 2 to 8 m/s. Blood samples were collected before and immediately after each test to determine plasma lactate, hematocrit, total plasma protein, glucose, uric acid and hemogasometry variables. Results were analysed by ANOVA and compared by 5% Tukey test.ResultsImmediately after tests the hematocrit and total plasma protein decreased from 52.4% to 38.9%, and from 7.2 to 6.7 g/dl respectively, and the glucose increased from 98.3 to 109.8 mg/dl (P<0.05). The lactate and uric acid concentrations were higher with speed testing (7.97 ± 4.8 mmol/l and 1.33 ± 0.8 mg/dl respectively) than jumping testing (3.92 ± 3.0 mmol/l and 1.24 ± 0.9 mg/dl respectively). The blood pH was lower after speed testing (7.36 ± 0.1) than the jumping test (7.40 ± 0.04) (P<0.05). Blood pCO2, Na and K concentrations increased more after the speed test (53.38 ± 7.3 mmHg/l; 139 ± 3.0 mEq/l; 4.7 ± 0.8 mEq/l respectively) than after the jumping test (49.34 ± 3.2 mmHg/l; 138.3 ± 2.3 mEq/l; 4.51 ± 0.6 mEq/l respectively) (P<0.05). Blood pO2 was not different among tests (P>0.05).ConclusionsIncremental jumping and velocity tests are useful tools for assessing performance of jumping horses. Differences among tests could evidence a smaller anaerobic contribution during jumping test.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by UFRRJ Ethics Committee on Animal Research: number 263/2012. Sources of funding: CNPq, CAPES and FAPERJ. Competing interests: none.
Electrolyte Supplementation Prior to Prolonged Submaximal Exercise Results in Decreased PCO2 and tCO2 During Exercise and Recovery
Authors: Waller AP , Ecker G , Lindinger MI 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionElectrolyte supplementation prior to exercise is known to benefit both performance and recovery; however its effects on acid‐base status remain not well characterized. The purpose of this study was to use the physicochemical approach to provide a comprehensive time‐course of the acid‐base alterations that occur following pre‐exercise electrolyte supplementation in horses. It was hypothesized that electrolyte supplementation will attenuate the alkalosis occurring with prolonged moderate intensity exercise.MethodsIn a randomized crossover experiment four conditioned mares were given, via nasogastric tube, 3 L of a commercial electrolyte solution (ES; designed to fully replace sweat electrolyte and fluid losses), or water alone (Control), 1 hour before they exercised on a treadmill at 30% VO2max until voluntary fatigue (inability to keep pace with belt speed). Blood was sampled from jugular venous catheters at frequent intervals before, during, and until 20 h of exercise recovery, and analyzed for all dependent and independent plasma acid‐base variables. Differences (P<0.05) over time and between groups were assessed by 1‐ or 2‐way repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsHorses exercised for 57.5 ± 10.3 and 72.5 ± 17.0 min and lost 2.73 ± 0.82 and 4.63 ± 1.35 L in Control and ES trials, respectively. ES horses had lower pCO2 and total carbon dioxide (TCO2) concentrations during exercise and early recovery. Control horses exhibited decreased [H+]. pCO2 was the primary contributor to changes in [H+] and [TCO2], while there were no differences in strong ion difference ([SID]) or total weak acid concentration ([Atot]).ConclusionsElectrolyte supplementation prior to prolonged exercise leads to sustained effects on equine acid‐base variables, even in the absence of significant changes in plasma electrolytes or hydration.Ethical Animal ResearchThe experiments and use of animals were approved by the University of Guelph Animal Care Committee, in accordance with the guidelines of the Canadian Council on Animal Care. Sources of funding: Ontario Horse Racing Industry Association and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada. Competing interests: none.
Differentiating Pathological from Physiological Left Ventricular Hypertrophy by Quantifying Myocardial Function
Authors: Decloedt A , Ven S , Van Der Vekens N , De Clercq D , van Loon G 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionDifferentiating left ventricular (LV) dilatation caused by aortic regurgitation (AR) from athletic eccentric LV hypertrophy can be challenging. In human medicine, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and 2D speckle tracking (2DST) are used to distinguish ‘athlete's heart’ from pathological conditions.Methods40 healthy horses (group 1) were compared to 13 horses with moderate AR (group 2) and 11 horses with severe AR (group 3), all with an end diastolic LV internal diameter (LVIDd) within maximal reference limits (≤14.2 cm). Fractional shortening (FS) was measured from a short‐axis M‐mode at chordal level. Peak TDI velocities during systole (S), early (E) and late (A) diastole were measured in the LV free wall (LVFW) and interventricular septum (IVS). Global longitudinal strain was measured by 2DST. Groups were compared by a one‐way ANOVA with Bonferroni correction.ResultsThe study included Warmbloods (n = 52), trotters (n = 9) and Thoroughbreds (n = 3), used for jumping, dressage, racing and eventing. Group 2 (15 ± 5 years; P<0.001) and 3 (20 ± 4 years; P<0.001) were older than group 1 (8 ± 4 years). LVIDd in group 3 (13.1 ± 0.7 cm) was higher compared to group 1 (11.5 ± 0.8 cm; P<0.001) and 2 (12.0 ± 0.8 cm; P = 0.003) but FS was not different. Peak S in IVS was higher in group 2 (6.6 ± 1.5 cm/s; P = 0.001) and 3 (9.0 ± 1.7 cm/s; P<0.001) compared to group 1 (4.4 ± 1.8 cm/s), indicating hyperkinetic septal motion. Peak E in LVFW was lower in group 2 (18.6 ± 5.2 cm/s;P = 0.001) and 3 (19.3 ± 3.9 cm/s; P = 0.006) compared to group 1 (24.4 ± 4.6 cm/s), indicating decreased early filling velocity. Longitudinal strain was not different between groups.ConclusionsTDI shows potential for differentiating AR‐induced LV remodeling from athletic eccentric hypertrophy in horses.Ethical Animal ResearchHorses with aortic regurgitation were examined in a prospective clinical study with owner informed consent. Sources of funding: The corresponding author is a postdoctoral research fellow of the Research Foundation Flanders. Competing interests: none.
Longitudinal Follow‐Up of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Cytology in Standardbred Racehorses
Authors: Depecker M , Leleu C , Richard E , Couroucé‐Malblanc A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid cytology is a major diagnostic method for detecting exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) and inflammatory airway disease (IAD) in racehorses. Our hypothesis was that training and racing would increase the incidence of IAD and EIPH.MethodsOn three different occasions (day‐1, −30 and −60), BAL fluid was obtained from both lungs of 14 Standardbred trotters with similar age and training level. Cytological inclusion criteria were neutrophils >10%, and/or mast cells ≥5%, and/or eosinophils ≥5% for IAD, and haemosiderophage/macrophage (H/M) ratio >20% for EIPH. Since previously found not to be equivalent, both samples from each horse were independently investigated. Horse status (‘IAD’,‘EIPH’, ‘mixed’, or ‘control’) at each time point was based on cytological profiles from both lungs. Cell proportions were compared by repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsHaemosiderophage proportions and H/M were significantly higher on day‐60 compared to day‐1. No significant difference was observed for other cell proportions. On day‐1, 5 horses were ‘control’, 2 ‘IAD’, 2 ‘EIPH, and 5 were ‘mixed’. On day‐30, 3 horses were ‘control’, 4 ‘IAD’, 2 ‘EIPH’, and 5 were ‘mixed’. On day‐60, 3 horses were ‘control’, 0 ‘IAD’, 3 ‘EIPH’, and 8 ‘mixed’. Despite the different horses′ distribution within each category, an overall increase in EIPH was observed. Five of the 7 horses classified ‘control’ or ‘IAD’ on day‐1 presented EIPH on day‐30 and/or −60. EIPH was detected in 11/14 horses (78.6%) on day‐60, versus 7/14 horses (50%) on day‐1.ConclusionsThe incidence of EIPH, but not IAD, significantly increased during a racing season. This evolution should be considered when assessing BAL fluid cytology in racehorses.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the regional Animal Ethics Committee (n°CEEA.2012.179) and all owners signed a consent form. Sources of funding: IFCE (National Studs) and SECF (French Trotters Racing Association). Competing interests: none.
Hemodynamic and Endocrine Changes Associated with Splenic Reserve Mobilization
Authors: McKeever K , Lehnhard R , Hinchcliff K 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionIn theory, splenic reserve mobilization should elicit a cardiopulmonary baroreceptor mediated neuroendocrine response (the Gauer‐Henry reflex).Six intact (IN) and 5 (SP) splenectomized Standardbred mares (421–491 kg, ∼9 yr) performed 10 min of treadmill exercise (80% VO2max) to test the hypothesis that hemodynamic and endocrine responses to exercise would differ between IN and SP horsesMethodsBlood samples were obtained before and at 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 min of exertion. Right ventricular pressure (RVP), right atrial pressure (RAP), arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and cardiac output (CO) were measured and total peripheral resistance (TPR) calculated. Plasma atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and vasopressin (AVP) concentrations were measured using RIA. Data analysis used ANOVA for repeated measures and SNK. Significance was set at P<0.05.There were no differences (P>0.05) between IN and SP for any variable at rest. All variables except TPR and RAP increased (P<0.05) during exertion in both IN and SP. Means (±SE) for RAP (18 ± 3 vs. 1 ± 2 mmHg), CO (255 ± 21 vs.177 ± 19 L/min), MAP (147 ± 3 vs. 116 ± 8 mmHg), and ANP (66 ± 3 vs. 50 ± 8 pg/mL) were greater for IN vs. SP horses at 10 min of exertion. Mean plasma AVP (95 ± 19 vs. 23 ± 3 pg/mL) was greater (P<0.05) for SP than for IN horses at 10 min of exertion.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Sources of funding: Ohio Thoroughbred and Standardbred Research Fund and the New Jersey State Initiative on Equine. Competing interests: none.
The Effect of Land and Underwater Treadmill Training on Metabolic Responses to Exercise and Properties of Superficial Digital Flexor and Gluteal Muscle
Authors: Firshman A , Borgia L , Valberg S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionResistance training provided by underwater (UWT) treadmills may enhance strength and fatigue resistance of superficial digital flexor muscle thereby reducing tendon injury. This study examined effects of UWT and land (LT) treadmill training on SDF and gluteal muscle.MethodsSix unfit horses (3 × 2 crossover design, 60d detraining period) walked on UWT and LT for 5d/week for 8 weeks (up to 40 min/day). A standardized exercise test (SET) was performed 2 weeks before, and after L or UW training, and V180 bpm and La10.5 m/s calculated. Resting and post‐SET gluteal and SDF muscle biopsies were obtained. Muscle [glycogen], [lactate] and [ATP], fiber type composition and min/max fiber diameters were analysed. Comparisons were made using GLM or ANOVA, mean ± SD and significance of P<0.05.ResultsPost‐exercise SDF muscle lactate increased 3–4 fold to 30 ± 12 (UWT) and 41 ± 15 (LT) mmol/kg dw post‐exercise. Post‐exercise gluteal muscle lactate increased 2 fold to 55 ± 18 (UWT) and 62 ± 18 (LT) mmol/kg. No significant differences were found between UW and L post‐exercise muscle [glycogen], [lactate] and [ATP], V180 or LA10.5 or fiber type composition. Gluteal fiber diameters decreased significantly with UW and L training. Fiber diameters in SDF muscle decreased with training to a significantly lesser extent after UW vs. L training.ConclusionsAt maximal speed, both SDF and gluteal muscle have a significant anaerobic response which was not impacted by UWT or LT training at a walk. UWT may be of benefit by attenuating the training induced decrease in fiber sizes in SDF muscle thereby enhancing SDF muscle strength.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee of the University of Minnesota. Sources of funding: Supported by University of Minnesota Equine Center with funds provided by the Minnesota Racing Commission, University of Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station, and private donors. Competing interests: none.
Can Stalled Horses Provided Light Exercise and “Weekend” Turnout Maintain Bone Mineral Content?
Authors: Spooner H , Hoffman R , Haffner J 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionPrevious research suggests stalling may have a negative influence on bone mineral content (BMC). Yet slow, long‐distance exercise has not been successful in improving BMC compared to free‐choice exercise. Still, it is a common practice to stall horses with light exercise and minimal turnout. We hypothesized stalled horses, despite “weekend” turnout and light exercise, would have lower estimated BMC compared to pasture turnout.MethodsThirteen mature horses were split into two groups, Control (C, n = 6) and Stalled (S, n = 7). Digital radiographs were taken of the third metacarpal for estimation of BMC by radiographic bone aluminum equivalence (RBAE). After a 42‐d period (P1) additional radiographs were taken and S‐horses stalled for 4‐d (receiving light under‐saddle exercise), followed by 72‐h pasture turnout. This pattern repeated for an additional 42‐d (P2) followed by radiographs. Radiographs were analyzed for optical density of bone cortices and total BMC compared to an aluminum step‐wedge on each cassette. Changes in BMC were analyzed using PROC mixed in SAS with repeated measures.ResultsNo treatment differences were observed in the medial (P = 0.72) or lateral (P = 0.46) cortices. Dorsal and palmar cortices exhibited a treatment by period interaction (P<0.01, P<0.02), remaining unchanged in C but S decreased over P1 and returned to baseline in P2. Total RBAE was not different by treatment or period.ConclusionsContrary to our hypothesis, horses stalled with light exercise and “weekend” turnout maintained BMC compared to themselves and controls at pasture. Such management may be considered for maintaining BMC when horses must be stalled for weekday riding or training. Further research is necessary to determine minimum turnout and exercise needs to maintain BMC when stalling.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the Middle Tennessee State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee Sources of funding: The Horse Science Program and Office of Research at Middle Tennessee State University. Competing interests: none.
Does Phenylbutazone Administration Contribute to Gastric Permeability and Ulceration in Horses?
Authors: Kenny J , Nielsen B , Robison C , Larson C , Schott II H 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionGastric ulcers are commonly found in equine athletes and there is evidence suggesting phenylbutazone may increase the incidence. In human athletes, gastric permeability has been shown to increase with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory use with potential to negatively affect performance and recovery. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of phenylbutazone on gastric mucosa and permeability.Methods18 Arabian horses were examined via gastroscopy on day 0, 42, 49, 56, and 63, with ulceration in both the squamous and glandular regions scored from 0 to 4. For seven days commencing after the day 42 evaluation, horses received 4.4 mg/kg BW phenylbutazone twice daily PO. On day 49, sucrose (1 g/kg bwt) was administered via nasogastric tube, with blood and urine samples collected for 90 min and 4 h, respectively, to assess gastric permeability. Data were analyzed using SAS 9.2 with Proc MIXED.ResultsUlcer scores increased from day 42 to day 49 (P<0.0001) with prevalence of grade 2 or greater ulceration being 33% on day 42 compared with 94% on day 49. Scores decreased from day 49 to 56 and, though continuing to decrease, had not returned to baseline scores by day 63. Squamous scores increased from day 0 to day 49 and remained elevated through day 63, while glandular scores were highest on day 49 but had decreased by day 56 (P<0.05). Sucrose concentration increased (P<0.0001) in both plasma and urine after phenylbutazone administration.ConclusionsBesides exacerbating gastric ulcers, phenylbutazone contributes to gastric permeability and, particularly when combined with strenuous exercise, may impair recovery and increase illness susceptibility.Ethical Animal ResearchAll methods were approved by the Michigan State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (approval number 10/11‐216‐00). Sources of funding: Zinpro Corporation. Competing interests: none.
A Comparison of Racing Results Between Standardbred Horses Fed a Forage‐Only Diet and Their Siblings
Authors: Jansson A , Ringmark S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionHigh concentrate diets increase the risk of several health problems and high energy forage diets could therefore be an alternative. The aim of this study was to compare the number of horses and the number of races performed at the age of three by a group of 16 Standardbred horses fed a forage only‐diet from the age of 1.5 years (F) with the results of their siblings (S).MethodsTo F‐horses, a forage diet was offered ad libitum (10.2–11.7 MJ metabolisable energy, 10–16% crude protein/kg dry matter) and supplemented daily with minerals and vitamins to meet requirements. F‐horses were trained by pupils at the National Trotting School during supervision of professional trainers. For each individual in the F‐group, the mean racing results from a maximum of five older siblings (same mother) were used for the S‐group (5 siblings, n = 9; 4‐3 siblings, n = 4 and 1–2 siblings, n = 3). The siblings selected were born closest in time in relation to the F individual. S‐horses were trained by different trainers and it was assumed that they had been fed a conventional high concentrate diet. Racing results were obtained from the Swedish Trotting Association. ANOVA and a Tukey test were used to analyse differences between groups.ResultsThere was no difference in the number of horses that competed (F: 56% vs S: 54%, SE 10) and in the number of races performed (F: 1.6 vs S: 2.9, SE 0.5).ConclusionsThe study indicates that a forage‐only diet may not be a limitation to achieve conventional training results and could therefore be an alternative to conventional diets.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the local ethics committee in Umeå, Sweden. Sources of funding: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Swedish National Trotting School at Wången, the Swedish Trotting Association, The Swedish Horse Council Foundation, the Swedish Horse Racing Totalisator Board (ATG), Trioplast AB and Dow Chemicals. Competing interests: none.
Oil Supplementation Produces an Increase in Antioxidant Biomarkers in Four‐Beat Gaited Horses
Authors: Melo S , Wanderley E , Diniz I , Manso H , Manso Filho H 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionMarcha is typically a low intensity/medium duration exercise that has the potential to induce oxidative stress. The objective of the present study was to test the hypothesis that supplementation with oil would alter biomarkers of oxidative stress in four‐beat gaited horses during marcha training.MethodsEleven gaited horses underwent training for 60 min (∼60% consisting of marcha at ∼3.5 m/s) 3 d/wk for eight weeks. Subjects were fed elephant grass (∼15 kg/day) and concentrate (∼5 kg/day). They were also supplemented with 300 mL of oil per os (vitamin E: 300 IU/kg, omega‐3: 300 g/kg; omega‐6: 80 g/kg) and had free access to water and salt. Blood samples were collected before and after four and eight weeks of supplementation for the measurement of GPx, SOD, RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC, TPP, urea, creatinine and uric acid. ANOVA and Tukey tests were used for statistical analysis (P<0.05).ResultsIncreases in GPx (∼12%), SOD (∼51%) and uric acid (∼19%) were observed after 8 week of supplementation (P<0.05). There were changes (P<0.05) in [urea] and [creatinine]; however, there were no changes (P>0.05) in RBC, hemoglobin, hematocrit or WBC. Published research has demonstrated that administration of supplements with antioxidants enhances the antioxidant system and protects against oxidative stress during exercise. Supplementation with oil, rich in vitamin E, omega‐3 and ‐6, produced a beneficial increase in antioxidant capacity in gaited horses during training.ConclusionsThe elevation in [GPx], [SOD] and [uric acid] in the present study offers a strategy to counterbalance the physiologic processes that overwhelm endogenous antioxidants during training.Ethical Animal ResearchMethods were approved by UFRPE Animal Care Unit (#026/2013). Sources of funding: INTEGRALMIX Animal Nutrition (Fortaleza‐CE), Haras Cascatinha (Camaragibe‐PE) and CAPES. Competing interests: none.