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Filho HCM, Trindade KLG, Silva CJFL, Cruz RKS, Vilela CF, Coelho CS, Filho JDR, Manso HECCC. The Welfare of Horses Competing in Three-Barrel Race Events Is Shown to Be Not Inhibited by Short Intervals between Starts. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:583. [PMID: 38396551 PMCID: PMC10886278 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Equestrian sports require precise animal welfare and health evaluations. To test the hypothesis that horses maintain their welfare when subjected to two three-barrel (3TB) races with 2 min intervals, an experiment was designed to evaluate their surface temperature using infrared thermography (IRT) in regions of interest (barrel, flank, neck, jaw, corner of the mouth, and ocular caruncle) and also measure blood biomarkers (hemogram, total plasma protein, fibrinogen, urea, creatinine, GGT, CK, cortisol, IL-6, and IL-1β). Ten Quarter Horses were monitored through thermography (pre-race, +1, +4, and +24 h post-race) and blood sampling (pre-race, +1, +4, and +24 h post-race). ANOVA and Tukey test at 5% were used. IRT in six regions of interest (Left/Right-barrel, flank, neck muscles) increased at +, with no differences between values recorded at +1 and +4 when compared to those measured pre-race (p > 0.05). Plasma protein, RBC count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, WBC count, neutrophils, and lymphocytes (p < 0.05) increased immediately after the races, with recovery at +1 h. Other biomarkers did not change, including cortisol, IL-6, and IL-1β (p > 0.05). Results indicate that well-conditioned 3TB horses subjected to two races at short intervals do not show changes that could be related to impaired health or welfare.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helio C. Manso Filho
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Equina, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, PE, Brazil; (K.L.G.T.); (C.J.F.L.S.); (H.E.C.C.C.M.)
| | - Keity L. G. Trindade
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Equina, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, PE, Brazil; (K.L.G.T.); (C.J.F.L.S.); (H.E.C.C.C.M.)
| | - Carolina J. F. L. Silva
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Equina, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, PE, Brazil; (K.L.G.T.); (C.J.F.L.S.); (H.E.C.C.C.M.)
| | - Raissa K. S. Cruz
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária, Centro Universitário Cesmac, Maceió 57051-160, AL, Brazil;
| | | | - Clarisse S. Coelho
- Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade de Évora, 7006-554 Évora, Portugal;
- Veterinary and Animal Research Centre (CECAV), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Lusofona University, 376 Campo Grande, 1749-024 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José D. Ribeiro Filho
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, Viçosa 36570-900, MG, Brazil;
| | - Helena E. C. C. C. Manso
- Núcleo de Pesquisa Equina, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), Recife 52171-900, PE, Brazil; (K.L.G.T.); (C.J.F.L.S.); (H.E.C.C.C.M.)
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Cabrera AZ, Pineda WR, del Pilar Correa Valencia N, Gutierrez MA. Body mass conversion and improved insulin response in Colombian Paso horses subjected to a swimming training program. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/cep210024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Overweight and obesity in horses affect their athletic performance negatively, making it therefore necessary to develop training protocols that reduce their body fat without causing hoof injuries. The objective of the study was to describe the effect of the application of a swimming training program on metabolic and endocrine variables, in addition to evaluating the changes in subcutaneous fat thickness (SFT) in a group of overweight Colombian Paso Horses (CPHs). Six CPHs were subjected to a decreasing intensity swimming program for four months. The effect of this training on metabolic variables (i.e. aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase, triglycerides, cholesterol, glucose) and endocrines (cortisol and insulin) was studied every two months. Additionally, changes in the neck, lumbar, and gluteal SFTs were evaluated. The information was analysed using descriptive statistics, in addition to repeated measures analysis of variance for non-parametric data in the three training moments (P<0.1) and correlation analysis between the SFT and the metabolic and endocrine variables of interest. The swimming training program for CPHs tested in this study produced more evident redistribution of adipose tissue in the gluteal region (Initial SFT = 5.2±2.08 mm; Final SFT = 3.45±2.8 mm), conversion of body mass without weight modification, and use of energy sources such as triglycerides and increased sensitivity to insulin. A limitation of the study was that the horses were not selected according to age, nor were control animals used. In addition, the limited number of horses makes extrapolation of the results inappropriate. In conclusion, the swimming training program with decreasing intensity carried out over a four-month period modified body adipose tissue in CPHs, promoting the use of energy sources, such as triglycerides and increased insulin sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.M. Zuluaga Cabrera
- Centauro Research Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, AA 1226, Medellín, Colombia
| | - W.R. Ramírez Pineda
- Incaces Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences Universidad CES, Calle 10a #22-04, Medellín, Colombia
| | - N.M. del Pilar Correa Valencia
- Centauro Research Group, School of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agrarian Sciences, Universidad de Antioquia, Calle 70 No. 52-21, AA 1226, Medellín, Colombia
| | - M.P. Arias Gutierrez
- Incaces Research Group, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences Universidad CES, Calle 10a #22-04, Medellín, Colombia
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de Mira MC, Lamy E, Santos R, Williams J, Pinto MV, Martins PS, Rodrigues P, Marlin D. Salivary cortisol and eye temperature changes during endurance competitions. BMC Vet Res 2021; 17:329. [PMID: 34649565 PMCID: PMC8515720 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-021-02985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of salivary cortisol (SC) and eye temperature measured by infrared thermography (IRTET) as biomarkers to manage competitions more effectively and monitor horse welfare in endurance competitions. Based on previous studies, it was hypothesised that pre-exercise baseline SC and IRTET would be higher in younger or less experienced horses, and that post-exercise variation from baseline would be higher in the top finishers. Results Salivary cortisol measured in 61 competing at qualifier 40 km and 80 km rides showed an abrupt variation (93–256% rise) of the baseline SC levels [median ± interquartile range (IQR) = 0.27 ng/dl ± 0.36] obtained at the Pre-Inspection (PI) into Vet Gate (VG)1 independently of the covered distance, but modest or even lower in the subsequent Vet Gates, e.g. VG2 or VG3. The IRTET measured concomitantly in 16 horses showed significant (p < 0.05) higher levels at the PI in less experienced horses participating in the 40 km ride (median ± IQR = 35.7 °C ± 1.4) than their counterparts in the 80 km ride (median ± IQR = 35.0 °C ± 1.5), but not SC. Baseline SC levels at the PI of horses classifying in the Top5 in the 40 km ride category were significantly (p < 0.05) higher median ± IQR = 0.90 ng/ml ±0.61) when compared to horses positioned from 10th position on (median ± IQR = 0.16 ng/ml ±0.40). A lower IRTET in the PI was correlated with better placement (p < 0.05) and those in the Top5 (median ± IQR = 33.9 °C ± 0.0) had a significantly (p < 0.5) higher variation (+ 10.65%) into the last VG. Conclusion Pre-exercise baseline IRTET levels, but not SC, were higher in less experienced horses in the 40 compared to their counterparts in the 80 km ride competitions. SC and IRTET showed different indications according to the competition. In the40 km ride competition, higher baseline pre-exercise SC levels seemed to be linked to a better classification outcome. In contrast, in the 80 km ride horses, the higher IRTET variation from pre-exercise into final Vet Gate was the parameter associated with a better performance. A more controlled environment and a larger sample are needed to confirm these results and monitor horse welfare in competitions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica C de Mira
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal.
| | - Elsa Lamy
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal
| | - Rute Santos
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal.,VALORIZA - Research Centre for Endogenous Resource Valorization, Edifício BioBIP, Campus Politécnico, 10, 7300-555, Portalegre, Portugal
| | | | - Mafalda Vaz Pinto
- MED - Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Institute for Advanced Studies and Research, Universidade de Évora, Pólo da Mitra, Ap. 94, 7006-554, Évora, Portugal
| | - Pedro S Martins
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária, Universidade de Évora, Núcleo da Mitra, Apartado, 94 7006-554, Évora, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Rodrigues
- Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Portugal, Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, Av. José R. Sousa Fernandes, Campus Universitário - Bloco B, Lordemão, 3020-210, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - David Marlin
- David Marlin Consulting, AnimalWeb Ltd, Cambridge, CB4 0WZ, UK
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Effect of intravenous glucose and combined glucose-insulin challenges on energy-regulating hormones concentrations in donkeys. Vet J 2018; 240:40-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
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Souza L, Hunka M, Nery P, Coelho C, Manso H, Filho HM. The effect of repeated barrel racing on blood biomarkers and physiological parameters in Quarter Horses. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/cep170019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate barrel horses undergoing a field test with one repetition. Quarter-Horses were used (14 males and females; average age: 6.5 years old), and they ran two times for 5 min in the same field. Six different periods were evaluated: rest (T-0), immediately after the first (T-1) and second races (T-2), and after 15 (T-15), 30 (T-30) and 240 min (T-240) of recovery. Heart rate (HR), speed, distance and duration were measured using a HR monitor with GPS during the races. Blood was collected to determinate glucose, lactate, total proteins (TP), albumin, globulin, urea, creatinine, uric acid (UA), triglycerides, cholesterol, non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA), gammaglutamyltransferase (GGT), creatine kinase (CK), and cortisol concentrations, as well as to perform a haemogram. The results were analysed using ANOVA and Tukey’s tests using a P-value of 5%, and they showed a maximum HR>200 bpm after both races. The largest %HR>>170 bpm occurred in the second race (P<0.05). Glucose and lactate concentrations were elevated at T-2 (P<0.05). TP, creatinine, UA and triglycerides concentrations remained elevated at T-1, T-2 and T-30 (P<0.05). TP and creatinine concentrations returned to basal concentrations at T-30 (P>0.05), and UA and triglycerides returned to base concentrations at T-240 (P>0.05). NEFA, cholesterol, GGT and CK concentrations did not change (P>0.05). Cortisol concentrations were higher at T-2 (P<0.05) but at T-240 were similar to T-0 (P>0.05). Red blood cell concentrations and haematocrits had higher values after the second race (P<0.05). These results showed that barrel horses had intense exercise and that two races with a short rest interval between them produced similar metabolic and physiologic adaptations between races, showing that the proposed protocol may be a useful tool for field characterisation of horses’ training and may contribute to the implementation of adequate training and nutritional programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L.A. Souza
- Equine Research Center, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Recife, 52171-900 PE, Brazil
| | - M.M. Hunka
- Equine Research Center, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Recife, 52171-900 PE, Brazil
| | - P.C.R. Nery
- UNINASSAU, Rua Joaquim Nabuco 778, Recife, 50010-480 PE, Brazil
| | - C.S. Coelho
- Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Rua Barão de Jeremoabo s/n., Salvador, 40170-115 BA, Brazil
| | - H.E.C.C.C. Manso
- Equine Research Center, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Recife, 52171-900 PE, Brazil
| | - H.C. Manso Filho
- Equine Research Center, Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), Rua Dom Manuel de Medeiros s/n, Recife, 52171-900 PE, Brazil
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Kędzierski W, Bełkot Z. Does road transport influence plasma leptin concentrations in horses? Preliminary study. ANNALS OF ANIMAL SCIENCE 2018. [DOI: 10.1515/aoas-2017-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Transport is one of the most common stressors for horses leading to an increase in cortisol secretion. Cortisol promotes leptin synthesis and release. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of short transport on circulating leptin and cortisol concentrations. A total of 16 crossbred naïve horses (7 geldings, 9 mares) aged 2-11 years, and weighing 530-680 kg were included in the study. The horses were transported in a commercial horse-truck to an unknown holding pen for temporary housing. To measure plasma leptin and cortisol concentrations, three blood samples were collected from each horse: before transport, immediately after unloading from the truck, and nine hours after transport at the arrival point. Transport caused a significant increase in mean plasma cortisol concentration determined at unloading, and after nine hours of unloading, in comparison to values obtained before loading. Plasma leptin concentrations did not change during the study. In conclusion, transportation procedures did not influence plasma leptin concentration in horses, despite significantly increased cortisol release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Witold Kędzierski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin , Poland
| | - Zbigniew Bełkot
- Department of Food Hygiene of Animal Origin, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin , Poland
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Kędzierski W, Łopuszyński W, Wydrych J. Age- and Glucocorticoid-Dependent Leptin Release by Horse Adipose Tissue: In Vitro Study. J Equine Vet Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2017.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Casella S, Vazzana I, Giudice E, Fazio F, Piccione G. Relationship between serum cortisol levels and some physiological parameters following reining training session in horse. Anim Sci J 2015; 87:729-35. [PMID: 26419874 DOI: 10.1111/asj.12478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2015] [Revised: 04/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The changes of cortisol, red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and rectal temperature (RT) were evaluated after a reining training session in eight Quarter Horses. All parameters were measured before exercise (T0), immediately after exercise (T1), 1 h after exercise (T2), 2 h after exercise (T3) and 24 h after exercise (T4). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for repeated measures, followed Bonferroni's post hoc test, showed a significant effect of the reining training session (P < 0.0001) on cortisol, RBC, Hb, Hct, HR, RR and RT. Simple linear regression analysis showed the positive correlation (P < 0.05) between cortisol changes and variations of studied parameters in T1, T3 and T4. Exercise-induced cortisol concentrations reflect the physiological response of reining training, suggesting that the changes observed are useful to assess the performance in reining horses and their reining training adaptability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Casella
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, Messina
| | - Irene Vazzana
- Experimental. Zooprofilactic Institute of Sicily "A. Mirri". Via Gino Marinuzzi, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, Messina
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, Messina
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Polo Universitario Annunziata, University of Messina, Messina
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