bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Can Locomotion Asymmetry in Young Trotters Predict Early Race Performance?
Authors: Ringmark S , Jansson A , Roepstorff L 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionLameness is the most common health problem of racehorses and may affect both welfare and performance. The aim of this study was to investigate if locomotion asymmetry in a group of young horses was related to delayed qualification for races.MethodsLocomotion asymmetry was measured every 1–3 months with a wireless inertial sensor based lameness evaluation system in 16 horses fourteen times between September of the year they were 1‐year olds and May of the year they were 3‐year olds. As 3‐year‐olds they passed their qualification race and after this, two subgroups were created for the study based on whether they passed their qualification race before June 21st (early group, n = 6) or after September 19th (late group, n = 6). The groups were compared with respect to the differences in vertical head (forelimbs) and pelvis (hindlimbs) movement (as measured by the Lameness Locator, Equinosis) during each stride cycle at trot. The vector sums (VS) of maximum and minimum difference from each sensor were calculated and used for statistical analyses. ANOVA (Proc mixed model including individual {random}, date and group) was used to analyse differences between groups.ResultsThe late group had higher VS for forelimbs (16.0 ± 1.0) than the early group (12.6 ± 1.0) (P = 0.04) in total over the whole period. The VS for hind limbs did not differ between groups.ConclusionsFront limb locomotion asymmetry in young horses in training is associated with delayed qualification for races. However, further studies are warranted to investigate causality.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the local ethics committee in Umeå, Sweden. Explicit owner informed consent for participation in this study is not stated. Sources of funding: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, the Swedish National Trotting School, 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.
Is Foot Placement Related to Body Movement Asymmetry During Circular Locomotion?
Authors: Starke S , Merritt J , Stubbs N , Pfau T , Clayton H 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe mechanics of circular locomotion are relevant to equine training and lameness evaluation. Circular trotting is associated with asymmetries in upper body movement. This study investigated whether changes in foot placement explain upper body asymmetry and whether this asymmetry is dependent on centripetal force.MethodsSix functionally sound horses walked and trotted on a 6 m diameter circle and straight line at their preferred speed. Optical motion capture (Motion Analysis Corp.) recorded foot position in 3D space. For each limb, horizontal foot placement was calculated in a body‐based reference system. Vertical displacement asymmetry (Vector Sum, VS) was calculated from inertial sensors (Xsens, The Netherlands) attached above poll, withers, sacrum and tubera coxae. Variables were compared across movement directions and gaits using repeated measures ANOVA (parametric datasets) or Friedman Test (non‐parametric datasets).ResultsChanges in foot placement relative to body position and orientation were small for both gaits in cranio‐caudal and medio‐lateral direction (maximum effect size at walk/trot: 66/102 mm). The amount of systematic movement asymmetry on the circle was comparable between walk (mean VS head/sacrum: 36/15 mm) and trot (30/15 mm, respectively), despite a 3‐fold higher centripetal force during trot.ConclusionsFoot placement relative to body position and line of travel does not differ markedly between straight line and circle and cannot solely account for the observed upper body movement asymmetry. Since movement asymmetry was comparable at walk and trot (despite differences in adopted movement pattern), centripetal force may not be the primary variable responsible for movement asymmetry on the circle.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the MSU Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, protocol #06/11‐112‐00. Sources of funding: Sandra Starke's collaborative research visit for this project was funded by the British Society for Animal Science (BSAS), Murray Black Award. Competing interests: none.
A Questionnaire on Training of the Icelandic Pace Horse
Authors: Jansson A , Hedenström U , Ragnarsson S 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionThe Icelandic horse is popular and can be found in more than 30 countries. The breed is used for a variety of competitions but mounted pace competitions have the longest history. Despite this, pace training strategies have not been well documented. The aim of this study was to describe training strategies used by experienced trainers of Icelandic pace horses.MethodsThe study is based on the response to a questionnaire answered by nine trainers (age 42 ± 13 years and 23 ± 12 years of experience as pace trainers). The trainers selected were living in Iceland or Sweden, were on the world ranking list in 250 m pace races (FEIF, August 2013) and had a minimum of 12 years of experience in pace training. The questionnaire was sent to the trainers by e‐mail and answers were obtained in text or during a phone interview. The questionnaire included open questions about training strategies, the development of the horse and physical health problems. Data is presented as mean ± SD.ResultsTraining commenced at an age of 5.4 ± 1.0 years. Horses were trained five times per week (4.8 ± 0.7) and pace training was performed less than twice per week (1.6 ± 0.9). The average time to achieve competitive condition was 1.9 ± 0.8 years. Horses were considered to be at their best at 13.8 ± 4.6 years of age. Wounds after cross‐firing (n = 3) and reactions within the suspensory ligament (n = 2) were the most common health problems mentioned.ConclusionsIn Icelandic pace horses, training appears to commence at mature age and although they are trained most week days, training in pace is limited.Ethical Animal ResearchNo animals were used in the study. Sources of funding: Holar University College, Iceland and the Swedish National Trotting School in Wången, Alsen, Sweden. Competing interests: none.
Training Protocol for Marcha Test in Mangalarga Marchador Horses
Authors: Rezende AC , Abrantes RP , Melo MM , Santiago JM , Trigo P 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionMangalarga Marchador (MM) is the most important Brazilian horse breed. Functional evaluation of MM horses is performed in marcha competitions, where horses must perform 4‐gaited exercise at 13 km/h for 70 min. The aim of this work was to test a training protocol to prepare MM horses for marcha competition.MethodsEight untrained MM mares, in randomized blocks with Split plots, were trained for 84 days. Three days/week horses were ridden for one hour (10 min walk, then an individual amount of marcha exercise at 13 km/h established in a previous test, then walk to complete one hour total exercise time). Two days/week, horses walked for one hour. Before training and every 21 days a marcha test (MT) was performed, totaling 5 tests in the experimental period. During the MT, mares were exercised at 13 km/h using a heart rate monitor. Every 10 min heart rate (HR) and blood lactate concentration [La] were recorded. The MT was stopped at 70 min of exercise, or if HR was ≥150 bpm and [La] was ≥4 mmol/L, or if Marcha Time was reached. Blood samples for hemogram, lactate, glucose, triglyceride and CK, LDH, AST determination were collected. Individual time used for training was 10 min less than the exercising time in the previous MT. Regression was used to analyze the results.ResultsFrom MT 1 to 4, the positive effect of training was shown on HR, [La] and marcha time (from 9.52 min to 70.5 min, CV = 26.41). There was not an increase in marcha time on test 5.ConclusionsMM mares trained for 63 days with the described protocol are ready to compete in marcha competition.Ethical Animal ResearchThe study was approved by the Ethical Animal (CETEA) of the UFMG with the 255/11 protocol. Sources of funding: CNPq, CAPES, FAPEMIG, ABCCMM, Haras Catuni e Rações Total. Competing interests: none.
Predictive Value of Fitness Tests and Reasons for Withdrawal in Horses/Ponies Selected for the European Eventing Championship 2010–2011
Authors: Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan M , van den Broek J , Welling E , van Weeren R , Munsters C 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionEventing is a challenging equestrian discipline. Insight into causes of wastage and withdrawal from competition is essential for animal welfare and economic reasons.MethodsTwenty‐nine animals selected for the European Championship (EC) in 2010 (9 ponies) and 2011 (20 horses) were followed prospectively monitoring fitness using standardized exercise tests. Causes of withdrawal were noted. Data were analyzed using logistic‐regression, likely‐ratio‐tests, Fisher‐exact‐test, general‐linear‐model and Chi‐square tests as appropriate.ResultsSeventeen weeks before EC 17 horses and 9 ponies were tested: mean VLa4 was 10.3 ± 0.4 m/s and 7.8 ± 0.9 m/s respectively, and V200 was 11.4 ± 0.8 m/s and 9.6 ± 0.7 m/s respectively. Six weeks before EC 16/20 horses and 6/9 ponies were withdrawn, mainly for locomotor injury: 9/16 horses (P<0.001), 4/6 ponies (P = 0.011). Other reasons were ‘not‐meeting‐competition‐criteria’ (4/16 horses, 2/6 ponies) and ‘being sold’ (3/16 horses). Divided on the basis of VLa4 and ‘recovery‐HR‐during‐SET‐I’ into good (GP) and average performers (AP), AP were more likely to be injured (50%) than GP (0%, P = 0.05). In a subpopulation (n = 10, all condition training sessions evaluated for HR and speed) HRpeak was significantly lower in horses staying sound (186 ± 9 beats/min) compared to horses withdrawn because of injury (201 ± 5 beats/min; P = 0.016).ConclusionsFor the European Championship 45% of national selection horses were unavailable because of locomotor injuries. GP at the beginning of the season were less likely to become injured than AP. HRpeak during condition training showed predictive value for future injuries.Ethical Animal ResearchOwners gave consent for horses to participate in the study. Sources of funding: Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Dutch National Equestrian Federation. Competing interests: none.
Fatalities Associated with American Endurance Ride Conference Sanctioned Endurance Rides (2002–2013)
Authors: Balch O , Habing G , Schott II H 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionFatalities are recognized as a consequence of prolonged endurance exercise but data documenting incidence and causes is limited.MethodsNumbers of horse starts and fatalities were obtained from the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) website (www.aerc.org) and further details about fatalities were obtained from horse owners and attending veterinarians. Annual incidence rates were calculated and odds ratios for region and ride length were determined.ResultsFrom 2002–2013 there were 252,738 horse starts in AERC sanctioned rides and 67 fatalities attributable to the demands of endurance exercise were documented. 46/67 horses were eliminated while 21 successfully completed the ride and were deemed fit to continue. Thirteen horses died while euthanasia was performed in the remaining 54 instances, and 51% had necropsy examinations performed. 81% of the fatalities developed acute abdominal pain and necropsy findings included gastric rupture in 12%. Fatalities were also related to financial constraints as 28% of riders declined fluid therapy, referral to surgical facilities, and/or surgery when recommended. Horses competing in the Central and Midwest regions appeared at lesser risk, while those in the Southwest and Northeast regions appeared at greater risk, but low numbers of fatalities precluded reaching statistical significance. In contrast, the risk of fatality was 2 (1 fatality per 3,711 starts) and 12 (1 fatality per 648 starts) times more likely for participation in 80 and 160 km rides, as compared to competition in Limited Distance (40 to 56 km) rides (1 fatality per 8,057 starts).ConclusionsOverall fatality rates were low; however, risk increased with ride distance. Acute abdominal pain was the most common clinical presentation.Ethical Animal ResearchThis retrospective study used data available on the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) website and additional documents provided by the AERC. Sources of funding: none. Competing interests: Dr. Balch is a member of AERC Veterinary Committee, Research Committee, and Board of Directors and Dr. Schott is a member of the AERC Research Committee.
Timing of Blood Sampling for Poor Performance Diagnosis in Standardbred Horses after Racing
Authors: Bos A , Lindner A , Compagnie E , De Brabander E , Kranenburg L 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionBlood is often collected from performing poorly horses to measure blood variables that may indicate a reason. However, intense exercise affects many blood variables and therefore time of sampling can affect the interpretation of results. This study examined the behaviour of blood variables after racing to determine the magnitude of the changes and to determine when it is better to collect samples.MethodsBlood was sampled in 17 Standardbred racehorses 3 and 2 days before as well as 2 and 3 days after racing. GGT, albumin, cholesterol, creatinine, Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, CK, AST, LDH and cortisol were measured in plasma, and haematocrit, haemoglobin, number of erythrocytes, total white blood cells, granulocytes and lymphocytes were measured in EDTA blood. Parametric data was analyzed with ANOVA for repeated measures and Fisher test; non‐parametric data with Friedman test and Wilcoxon test.ResultsPlasma Ca concentration was lower on day 3 after racing than on day 2 before racing (P<0.01). P concentration and GGT activity were higher at days 2 and 3 after racing compared to before racing (P = 0.01). Erythrocytes, haematocrit and haemoglobin were higher at day 2 after racing than before and 3 days after racing (P<0.01). The other variables were not affected.ConclusionsSome slight but significant changes in blood variables have to be taken in account when interpreting biochemical and haematologic variables for poor performance diagnosis in Standardbreds. It seems preferable to take blood samples on the third day after racing than on the second day.Ethical Animal ResearchHorse owners gave consent for these procedures within a veterinary monitoring system. Sources of funding: Verein zur Förderung der Forschung im Pferdesport and Laboklin, Germany. Competing interests: none.
Effect of Showers and Blankets after Exercise on Heat Dissipation in Swedish Standardbred Trotters
Authors: Hartmann E , Connysson M , Dahlborn K 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionSwedish Standardbred trotters are usually not clipped during the cold season but routinely showered and blanketed after exercise. Yet, the effects on heat dissipation have not been thoroughly studied.MethodsSix Standardbred geldings were tested during three consecutive days, acting as their own control when: 1) showered, 2) showered and blanketed, 3) neither showered nor blanketed. The exercise consisted of 20 min trot (maximum heart rate 172 bpm), preceded and followed by 5 min walk. Rectal‐ (RT) and skin temperature (ST), respiration rate (RR) and heart rate (HR) were recorded: before exercise in the horses′ boxes, after harnessing, after 5 min walk, at stops during four sequences of low and high intensity trotting, after 5 min walk (stable aisle), after showering and blanketing and at intervals of 15–30 min during recovery in boxes until one hour after exercise. Blankets remained on horses until test completion.ResultsData were analyzed with Proc Mixed Model in SAS. Ambient temperature was 7.2 ± 0.2°C (relative humidity 63.5 ± 1.0%) in the stable and 1.0 ± 1.0°C (54.3 ± 1.2%) outdoors. Showering decreased ST of the neck (mean ± SE, 32.0 ± 0.4°C) compared to when horses were not showered (35.1 ± 0.4, P<0.05). Showering also decreased ST of the hind leg (31.4 ± 0.5, P<0.05). RT, RR and HR did not differ between treatments (P>0.05).ConclusionsIn conclusion, showering is efficient for cooling down whereas blanketing compromised heat dissipation.Ethical Animal ResearchThis study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee (Uppsala, Ref C99/12). Sources of funding: Stiftelsen Hästforskning. Competing interests: none.
Altered Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation Capacity in Horses Suffering from Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy
Authors: Tosi I , Art T , Cassart D , Serteyn D , Votion D 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionExertional myopathies are a common cause of exercise intolerance in the equine athlete, and Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy (PSSM) is a widely described muscular disease. It is characterized by an accumulation of abnormal glycogen in myofibers due to a genetic defect in the skeletal muscle glycogen synthase (GYS1) enzyme. We hypothesized that energy production through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) in muscular mitochondria might be impaired in type‐1 PSSM‐affected horses.MethodsEight horses with a history of exertional rhabdomyolysis were tested for the GYS1 mutation. Muscle biopsies were collected and used for histological analysis and high resolution respirometry (HRR). HRR values from 3 groups of horses (5 PSSM‐positive horses, 3 horses with a history of myopathy but PSSM‐negative and 16 healthy controls) were compared using a linear mixed model to take into account repeated (2–3 times) measurements made for each horse.ResultsIn 5/8 horses histology revealed an accumulation of abnormal glycogen in myofibers. These 5 horses also tested positive for the GYS1 mutation. A severe depression of maximal OXPHOS capacity was observed by HRR in 7/8 horses with exertional rhabdomyolysis, with lower values in PSSM‐positive cases (4/5).ConclusionsOur study shows a severely decreased OXPHOS capacity in PSSM‐affected horses. PSSM is considered primarily a defect in glycogen synthesis but altered OXPHOS might play a central role in its pathogenesis.Ethical Animal ResearchAll study procedures were approved by the Animal Ethic Commission of the University of Liege. Sources of funding: University of Liège. Competing interests: none.
Changes in Abdominal Circumference during Endurance Exercise: A Pilot Study
Authors: Spooner H , Schott II H , Nielsen B , O′Connor‐Robison C , Harris P 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionHorses have a large intestinal reserve of water and electrolytes that can be absorbed to replace sweat fluid losses during endurance exercise. As a consequence, the abdomen develops a “tucked‐up” appearance; however, data documenting changes in abdominal circumference during endurance exercise are lacking.MethodsAbdominal circumference was measured directly (in triplicate with a measurement tape to nearest cm) every 15‐km at three sites (front, middle, and back) in six 2‐year‐old Arabian horses that completed four 60‐km bouts of treadmill exercise. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA and compared to body weight (BW) loss by correlation analysis.ResultsAbdominal circumference decreased at all three sites during the exercise test (1.8 ± 0.7, 1.4 ± 0.7, and 3.1 ± 1.3 cm for front, middle, and back, respectively, [representing 1–2% of total circumference]) with the greatest decrease (>50% of total) occurring during the initial 15‐km of the exercise test. Changes in abdominal circumference during each step of the exercise test were significantly correlated with BW changes (R values 0.18–0.39, P<0.05 for all).ConclusionsThese data support the clinical observation that the abdomen decreases in size during endurance exercise and that the largest changes are observed in the earlier stages of exercise, similar to the initial greater decrease in BW that has been documented in several studies during the initial half of endurance competitions.Ethical Animal ResearchThis study was approved by the Animal Use Committee of Michigan State University. Sources of funding: WALTHAM Centre for Pet Nutrition. Competing interests: none.
Modification of the Metabolomic Profile Induced by Chronic Growth Hormone Administration in a Doping Model
Authors: Barrey E , Triba M , Messier F , Le Moyec L 
Published: June 2014

IntroductionHorses performance can be enhanced via growth hormone (GH) doping. The detection time for GH in blood is too short to allow detection during competition. GH not only affects the proteosynthesis in cells and tissues but can also cause long term metabolic variations. This study aimed to show the metabolomic modifications occurring after three months of GH treatment.MethodsThe study was performed on 20 Welsh ponies. 10 were injected with REPORCIN TM, an approved recombinant GH (30 mg.kg−1 per day) for 3 months and the other 10 comprised the control group. Blood samples were collected before GH treatment (T0), then 3 months later (T3). The NMR spectra acquired on the 40 serum samples were classified according to the factors (season, GH treatment) using the supervised multivariate orthogonal projection on latent structure (OPLS) method. A first OPLS model was computed with the control ponies (T0‐T3). The predictive component of this model was subtracted from the whole data (treated, controls at T0 and T3) to only retain the GH‐dependent variations.ResultsBefore filtering seasonal effects, glucose, lipids and phospholipids were metabolites discriminating between T0 and T3 samples. After removing the seasonal effect, the OPLS model revealed the effect of GH treatment on protein metabolism through the modification of aromatic amino acids and branched chain amino acids. The variations of other metabolites (glycoproteins and lactate) were enhanced.ConclusionsThis study showed that chronic GH injection induced systemic metabolism modifications that can be detected using the NMR metabolomic method without neglecting the misleading effect of season.Ethical Animal ResearchStudies approved by “Comité regional d′éthique pour l′expérimentation animale Centre Limousin” Saisine N° CL2008_015. Sources of funding: French Agency against Doping (AFLD). Competing interests: none.