bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Amount of Intensive Training on VLa4 in 3‐Year Old Standardbred Horses
Authors: Ringmark S , Hedenström U , Lindholm A , Jansson A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe effects of different amounts of training on performance of young horses have not yet been studied in a long term perspective. The aim of this study was therefore to assess the effect on VLa4 of two training programs performed from the age of 2 to 3 in Standardbred horses.MethodsFourteen horses were in March as 2‐year olds divided into two groups; one was randomized to a training program including intensive exercise (control) and the other to a training program with reduced amount of intensive exercise (distance −30% compared to control). Group division was partly based on breeding index (means: control 110, reduced 109) and gluteus medius fiber type ratio (IIA/IIB, both groups mean 1.34). Horses were trained ∼2 times/week. After 14 months, a VLa4‐test was performed on a track (4 x 1000 m). Speed was measured by GPS and increased by ∼3 s/1000 m for every interval. Blood samples were collected after each interval and lactate concentration was determined using Lactate Pro. Exponential regression analysis of speed and lactate concentration were used to estimate individual VLa4. ANOVA and Tukey's test were used to analyse differences between groups.ResultsThere was no difference in VLa4 between the control and reduced exercise group (10.6 ± 0.1 and 10.8 ± 0.1 m/s).ConclusionsThe study indicates that it might be possible to reduce the amount of intensive training by ≤30% without impairing performance of 3 year old Standardbred horses.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the local ethics committee in Umeå. Sources of funding: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Swedish National Trotting School at Wången, Swedish Trotting Association, Swedish Horse Council Foundation, Swedish Horse Racing Totalisator Board (ATG), Trioplast AB, Dow Chemicals, Polar Sverige AB, and Scandivet AB. Competing interests: none.
Effect of Conditioning Horses with Runs of 100 Meters at Near Maximal Speed Alone or in Combination with Low Intensity Exercise
Authors: Signorini R , di Lascio N , Brero L , Genolet J , Lindner A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionExercising horses one, two, or three times per week during 6 weeks using two intervals with near‐maximal speed over 100 m elicited a decrease of VLa4, a widely accepted parameter of fitness and competitive success of horses (speed at which, under defined conditions, the blood lactate concentration reaches 4 mmol/l). Therefore, two field studies were performed to examine the possibility of avoiding decline in VLa4 with this type of exercise.MethodsStudy 1) 6 horses were submitted to the same exercise as above once per week during the first 2 weeks of a conditioning period (CP) adding one interval in each exercise session every 2 weeks for the following 6 weeks. Study 2) 6 horses did the same as horses in study 1 plus once per week an exercise bout at their individual VLa2 during 35 minutes. Before, every 2 weeks during, and 2 weeks after the CP, horses were subjected to standardized exercise tests to determine their VLa4 (and VLa2 where convenient) and maximal speed (speedmax). The effect of conditioning on VLa4 and speedmax was examined using two‐way repeated measures analysis of variance and Fisher's test.ResultsIn study 1 mean VLa4 declined during the first 4 weeks of CP but increased to the initial level thereafter (P<0.05) while speedmax remained the same over time. In study 2 VLa4 decreased continuously (P<0.01) while speedmax increased (P<0.01).ConclusionsThe results might be important to train horses racing over different distances.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the Bioethical Committee of the University Nacional del Litoral, Esperanza, Argentina. Sources of funding: Verein zur Förderung der Forschung im Pferdesport, Germany, AVIGAN Alimentos Balanceados and Pellfood. Competing interests: none.
Evaluation of Masks for Field Testing of Exercising Horses
Authors: Sides R , Bayly W , Kirkpatrick R , Renner E , Gough K , Katz L , Evans D 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe ability to accurately assess equine oxygen consumption (VO2) under field conditions has been limited by the need for unrestricted gas exchange.MethodsTwo variations of a mask and an associated electronics control module (ECM) were designed to enable breath‐by‐breath measurement of airflows with two 8.0 cm diameter pneumotachometers located 7.5 cm in front of each narus and connected to differential pressure transducers mounted on the outside of the mask. The ECM was comprised of electronics for signal filtering to the flow transducers, an oxygen sensing cell, and an analog‐to‐digital converter all powered by a lithium‐ion battery. The battery also powered a pump connected to gas sampling ports between the nares and pneumotachometers. Airflow and oxygen content of inspired and expired gases were recorded through the ECM and electronically transferred to a notebook. VO2 was determined from these recordings by an operator using a customized software analysis program. One mask encased the lower head (E). The other left the jaw free so horse could wear a bit and be ridden (R). Multiple treadmill exercise tests were undertaken by 6 horses to measure VO2max and blood gases. Each mask was worn twice and results compared to those from an open flow‐through system (O) by 2‐way RMANOVA (P<0.05). Utility of the system was evaluated using the intraclass correlation coefficient of 4 independent raters.ResultsBlood gases and VO2max (152.0 ± 4.0 (mean ± SEM; O), 147.7 ± 4.3 (E), 150.7 ± 3.3 (R) ml/(kg.min) were not different between masks. VO2 measures were reproducible for each mask. Agreement between the 4 raters was excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99).ConclusionsMasks capable of measuring VO2 during field exercise were developed, tested and found accurate by multiple users.Ethical Animal ResearchStudies performed were approved by the Institution's Animal Care and Use Committee (protocol #3807). Sources of funding: Institutional sources. Competing interests: Washington State University has filed notice of its intent to apply for a patent for facemask used in this study.
Quantifying Warm‐Up in Showjumping Horses Over 3 Consecutive Days
Authors: Tranquille C , Walker V , Hodgins D , Goosen T , McEwen J 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe objective was to quantify warm‐up (WU) jumping patterns/duration in showjumping horses.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 WU and after jumping a 15 fence (1.35–1.45 m) course once on day‐1 and twice on day‐2; on day‐3 the second round was an 8 fence jump‐off. Fence type/height, number of jumping efforts (JE) and lead take‐off/landing limbs during WU were recorded. Rider global‐positioning‐system recorded speed. Inertial motion sensors fixed to the lateral aspect of metatarsal/metacarpal bones, recorded time spent in each pace/rein plus stride length (SL) during WU and course. Paired Students T‐tests were used to compare variables between days, as well as WU and course.ResultsMean WU duration, time in each pace and on each rein did not differ within rider between days, however there were inter‐rider differences (mean WU duration = 18 mins; range = 12–27 mins). Number of JE and fence type/height did not differ between days. During WU, there was marked canter lead, jump landing and leaving lead limb asymmetry (left canter lead predominating in all cases). There was no preference in canter lead when approaching WU fences. Horses cantered slower and with a shorter SL during WU compared to when jumping the course (speed‐WU:4.21 ± 0.09 m/sec; course:5.53 ± 0.15 m/sec; SL‐ WU:2.59 ± 0.06 m; course:3.16 ± 0.08 m).ConclusionsResults provide preliminary information on WU duration, and suggest that showjumping horses may WU asymmetrically, predominately on the left rein, at competitions and during training. This could have implications for injury risk to a particular forelimb or hindlimb in showjumping horses.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.
Role of The CO2 System in Regulating Intramuscular Hydrogen Ion Concentration during Exercise in Horses
Authors: Vengust M , Richards J , Staempfli H , Viel L , Heigenhauser G 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionElimination of CO2 from skeletal muscle (mCO2) during exercise is important for the regulation of intramuscular [H+] ([mH+]). Carbonic anhydrase (CA) catalyses the hydration/dehydration reaction of CO2 to facilitate its elimination. We hypothesised that extracellular CA inhibition and subsequent increase in PCO2 will result in increased m[H+] and decreased exercise performance.MethodsSix horses were exercised on a treadmill until fatigue without (Con) and with acetazolamide (CA inhibitor) treatment (Acz; 30 mg/kg, 30 min before exercise). Arterial and mixed‐venous blood was sampled, and biopsies collected from gluteal muscles at fatigue. Whole blood (wb) arteriovenous difference across the muscle (a‐v) of [Na+], [K+], [Cl−], [Lac−], [SID], and PCO2, mCO2 and m[H+] were determined. Paired t‐test was used to assess statistical significance (P<0.05).ResultsDuration of exercise to fatigue was not affected by Acz. Compared to Con, Acz increased mCO2 (Con 16.5(mean) ± 3.6(SE), Acz 20.5 ± 2 mmol/L) and mixed‐venous and arterial PCO2 but had no effect on VCO2. No difference was observed in m[H+] between Con (118 ± 18 nmol/L) and Acz (99 ± 16 nmol/L). Acetazolamide did not affect plasma [H+]. Based on the a‐v differences Acz increased [Na+]wb and [K+]wb release, increased [Cl‐]wb uptake and did not affect [Lac‐]wb release by the muscle. Acz decreased a‐v[SID]wb (Con 6.2 ± 2.8 mmol/L, Acz −0.3 ± 2 mmol/L).ConclusionsAlthough PCO2 and mCO2 were elevated no difference in [mH+] was observed. An increase in m[H+] due to elevated mCO2 was attenuated by strong ion fluxes between intramuscular and vascular spaces. Strong ion exchanges are important in attenuating m[H+] and maintaining exercise performance.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study protocols were approved by the Animal Care Committee of the University of Guelph according to the Guide to the Care and Use of Experimental Animals (Canadian Council on Animal Care, Ottawa, Ontario). Sources of funding: Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food ‐ Equine Program, Department of Clinical Studies at the University of Guelph, Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Slovenian Research Agency grant P4‐0053. Competing interests: none.
Genetic Component of Endurance Ability
Authors: Younes M , Robert C , Cottin F , Barrey E 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionArabian horses have the best records in long distance endurance racing (80–160 km). The endurance horses are interesting models to calculate the heritability (h2) of exercise ability. Heritability indicates the percentage of trait transmitted by parents to their descendants (h2 = Genetic variance/Total variance). In human athletes, heritability of physiological traits calculated using twin design were 0.12, 0.72 and 0.32 for VO2max, Heart Rate max and endurance capacity respectively. Heritabilities of 0.28 and 0.06 for speed and placing respectively are reported in endurance horses. The aim of this study was to calculate the heritability of recovery heart rate, cardiac recovery time and average speed in long distance endurance racing.MethodsThe results of 132 endurance races (80–160 km) from 2007 to 2011 were analyzed. The database included 4421 horses of known pedigrees representing 655 sires with a mean of 18.5 products per sire. The data were analyzed using Restricted Estimator of Maximal Likelihood (REML, VCE6) method with animal mixed model including country, ride distance, age, gender, common environment as fixed effects and animal genetic as random effect.ResultsHeritabilities (SE) were 0.12 (0.06), 0.15 (0.02) and 0.46 (0.08) for speed, recovery heart rate and cardiac recovery time respectively.ConclusionsThe speed and heart rate recovery seem more influenced by training and environmental effects than the cardiac recovery time which is more influenced by genetics. This high heritability is consistent with heritability of V200 found in French Trotter population previously and may indicate a putative quantitative trait linkage.Ethical Animal ResearchExplicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: National Studs (IFCE) and the Arabian Horse Association (ACA). Competing interests: none.
Acid‐Base Alterations in Barrel Racing Quarter Horses of Different Fitness Levels Assessed Via The Simplified Strong Ion Approach
Authors: Brito HCD , Charlie‐Silva I , Faria CCS , Queiroz‐Neto A , Ferraz GC 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe evaluation of acid‐base balance of horses is important because it detects alterations that affect their performance and health. There are studies relating these changes with endurance type effort, but few regarding sprint exercise. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the fitness level of Quarter Horses performing barrel racing could be differentiated by quantitative acid‐base analysis.MethodsFor this purpose, 10 horses were distributed into two groups: high (HF) and lower (LF) fitness as defined by the trainer. GPS and frequency meter were used for the measurements. Venous blood gas analysis was performed using a portable analyzer (I‐stat) before and after exercise. Strong ion difference (SID), anion gap (AG), strong ion gap (SIG) and concentration of non‐volatile buffers (Atot) were determined. Variables before and after exercise were compared within and between groups by t‐test (P<0.05).ResultsThe average track distance was 125 m. There were no differences between maximum or average velocity and heart rate, which were 30.76 ± 0.53 km/h, 22.85 ± 0.28 km/h, 206 bpm ± 3.91 versus 27.7 ± 2.4 km/h, 21.94 ± 0.3 km/h and 203 bpm ± 5.77 for the HF and LF groups, respectively. SID values before exercise were significantly lower for the LF group. Both groups showed a significant increase in Atot and AG, while pH, HCO3‐, SIG and SID decreased significantly after exercise.ConclusionsMetabolic acidosis was observed using both the traditional and the quantitative approach. It was not possible to differentiate the fitness level of horses in the study.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee of the university (CEUA, Process: 008481/11). Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: UNESP Reitoria (PIBIC). Competing interests: none.
Acid‐Base Imbalances in Endurance Racing Using Traditional and Quantitative Approaches
Authors: Ferraz GC , Teixeira‐Neto AR , Silva IC , Nardi KB , Queiroz‐Neto A 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionAcid‐base disturbances are frequently assessed using traditional variables PCO2, pH, and bicarbonate. This study aimed to compare the changes in acid‐base balance in horses performing a CEI endurance race (160 km) using traditional and quantitative methodologies.MethodsBlood samples were drawn before racing, at the vet‐gate (66 km), immediately after racing, and 2 and 15 h after racing from 18 participating horses. The mean velocity of the horses was 17 km/h. PCO2 and pH were measured (I‐Stat). Strong ion difference (SID), anion gap (AG), strong ion gap (SIG) and total volatile buffers (Atot) were calculated using formulas from the literature. Data for finishers (F) and non‐finishers (N) was compared with an unpaired test. Data collected for finishers at all time‐points was compared by repeated ANOVA followed by Tukey's test.ResultsPCO2 was lower in group N at the 66 km time‐point. In group F, AG had a bimodal behaviour, declining immediately after exercise and then increasing at 2 and 15 hours. There was a slight increase in pH post‐exercise. After 2 hours, Atot increased while PCO2 decreased. Compared to SIG immediately after racing, SIG at 2 and 15 hours after racing was decreased. Traditional methodology suggested mild respiratory and metabolic alkalosis, possibly due to hyperventilation of the finishers. Quantitative methodology suggested metabolic acidosis reflected by decreasing SID trend and a significant increase of Atot.ConclusionsAcid‐base imbalances are present in endurance racing horses and differences were found between the traditional and quantitative methods of assessment.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the institutional animal care and use committee of the university (CEUA, Process: 007347/13). Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: FAPESP ‐ Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (Process 2013/00449‐8). Competing interests: none.
Serum Immunoglobulin Concentrations in Racing Endurance Horses
Authors: McKenzie E , Esser M , Payton E 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionSerum immunoglobulin fractions were evaluated in horses participating in multi‐day endurance exercise.MethodsSerum IgGa, IgGb, IgG(T), IgA, and IgM were measured using horse‐specific ELISA kits in 44 trained horses prior to racing, after each day of racing 50 miles per day and in 15 untrained matched control horses. Data were analyzed via repeated measures ANOVA (P<0.05).Results44, 18 and 9 horses completed one, two and three days of racing, respectively. Serum IgA before racing (1.97 ± 0.14 mg/dL) was similar to controls (1.48 ± 0.19) and after one, two or three days of racing (1.98 ± 0.13, 1.80 ± 0.15 and 1.76 ± 0.26). Serum IgM before racing (1.02 ± 0.05 mg/dL) was similar to controls (1.08 ± 0.12) and after one, two or three days of racing (1.03 ± 0.06, 0.91 ± 0.08 and 0.89 ± 0.11). Serum IgG(T) before racing (6.10 ± 0.41 mg/dL) was similar to controls (6.29 ± 0.58) and after racing one, two or three days (6.23 ± 0.45, 6.62 ± 0.63, and 6.65 ± 1.34). Serum IgGa was 2.41 ± 0.10 mg/dL before racing, and was similar to controls (2.45 ± 0.22) and each day of racing (2.58 ± 0.14, 2.39 ± 0.20, and 2.61 ± 0.22, on days one, two and three of racing). Resting serum IgGb concentration was significantly lower in control (5.71 ± 0.54 mg/dL) than trained horses (7.65 ± 0.41).ConclusionsSerum IgGb is higher in trained endurance horses, perhaps reflecting immune stimulation related to disease exposure or more frequent vaccination.Ethical Animal ResearchAll procedures were approved by the Oregon State University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Owner informed consent was obtained for all horses in the study. Sources of funding: Department of Biomedical Sciences at Oregon State University. Competing interests: none.
Effect of A 90‐km Endurance Race on Resistance to Oxidation and Inflammation Levels in 6‐Year Old Horses
Authors: Robert C , Barrey E , Patrice T 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe aim of this study was to determine whether serum anti‐oxidant defenses are impaired by endurance exercise and to investigate possible correlation with performance in the race.MethodsBlood samples were obtained from 23 Arabian or half‐Arabian horses (6 years old) the day before (T0) and 30 minutes after (T1) a 90‐km race. Performance records available included speed, heart rate 10 and 30 minutes after arrival and the rating by veterinarians based on recovery and gait (5 categories from ‘eliminated’ to ‘excellent’). Absorbance at 413 nm (A413), at 650 nm (A650) and absorbance of Rose Bengal (RB) were measured in sera at T0 and T1 (a higher absorbance means a lower antioxidant capacity). Relationships between blood variables and between T0 values and race results were evaluated using correlation analysis and means comparisons.ResultsAll horses finished the race with an average speed of 16.3 km/h. Three horses were eliminated for lameness, one was excellent and the others were distributed between the other three categories. After the race, a significant increase of RB, A413, A413‐A650, PT and CK (P<0.001) was observed. At T0, RB and CK were significantly correlated (r = 0.52, P<0.01). At T1, absorbance values were significantly correlated with muscle enzymes and haptoglobin (r = 0.50–0.67, P<0.05). The speed of the horse was negatively correlated with RB at T0 (r = −0.42, P<0.05). No significant difference in absorbance values could be detected between the recovery categories.ConclusionsA higher resistance to oxidative stress was observed before the race in the best performing horses.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study design was approved by the Ethics Committee for the Alfort Veterinary School and the University of Paris‐Est under number 12/07/11‐1; owner informed consent was obtained before any manipulation on horses. Sources of funding: National Studs (IFCE), the Eperon Funds and the Arabian Horse Association (ACA). Competing interests: none.
A Standardised Gaited Field Test Produces Changes in Blood Biomarkers and Heart Rate in Four‐Beat Gaited Horses
Authors: Silva F , Melo S , Abreu J , Manso H , Manso Filho H 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThere is little information about biochemical and physiologic responses to exercise in Brazilian gaited horses. The aim of this study was to evaluate blood biomarkers and heart rate (HR) in gaited horses during a standardized gaited field test (SGT).MethodsSixteen horses performed a SGT (10 min warm‐up, 30 min of marcha gait and 15 min recovery). Blood samples and HR were collected at rest, after warm‐up, after 15 (F + 15) and 30 min (F + 30) of marcha, and after recovery. Assays were performed to measure glucose, lactate, total plasma protein, hematocrit, urea, creatinine, glutamine, glutamate, triglycerides, total cholesterol, Ca, P, Mg, Na, Cl and K. HR was measured using a HR monitor. Results were analyzed using one‐way or two‐way ANOVA. Post‐hoc analyses included the Holm‐Sidak test, Student's t‐tests, and Pearson's correlation analyses. The null hypothesis was rejected when P<0.05.Results[Glucose] and [lactate] increased during SGT (P<0.05). A significant interaction between phase of SGT and fitness level was observed for [glucose] but not for [lactate]. The SGT also produced increases (P<0.05) in hematocrit, [TPP], [urea], [creatinine], [triglycerides], [P] and [K] and a reduction (P<0.05) in [Ca]. HR increased from ∼47 bpm at rest, to ∼140 bpm at F + 15 and F + 30 (P<0.05).ConclusionsThis study documents submaximal aerobic exercise, as performed during the GST is sufficient to alter energy biomarkers in gaited horses.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by UFRPE's animal research committee (#62/2007‐CTA/DZ/UFRPE). Sources of funding: CAPES, IRCA Animal Nutrition and Cascatinha, Recanto da Serra, Annette and Abreu horse farms. Competing interests: none.