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Stellmack JM, Logan AA, Higgins AH, Hoffman RM. Physiological comparison of conditioned and non-conditioned university horses following semester break. J Equine Vet Sci 2024; 140:105143. [PMID: 38945460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2024.105143] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Periods of limited activity during semester break may reduce performance during return to ridden work. This study evaluated fitness and muscling of horses when returning to work, following a 12-week period during which horses either continued (conditioned) or discontinued (non-conditioned) ridden work. It was hypothesized that non-conditioned horses would have a lower level of fitness, resulting in higher resting and peak heart rates and lower levels of muscling. Twelve mature, stock type horses aged 16 ± 5 years were assigned to either a conditioned group that maintained light-to-moderate riding or a non-conditioned group receiving no formal exercise. All horses had access to voluntary exercise for 12-24hr/d on grass pasture (1.5-2.5 hectares). Following the 12-week period, all horses were placed into a light-to-moderate intensity exercise program with resting heart rate, peak heart rate, body condition score, gaskin and forearm circumference, and topline muscle measurements performed on d 0, 14, and 28. Peak and resting heart rates were not different between groups (P > 0.05) but increased for both groups throughout the study (P = 0.04). Gaskin circumference of non-conditioned horses was larger (P = 0.04), although non-conditioned horses tended to be heavier (551.4 versus 491.4 ± 21.4 kg; P = 0.07). Conditioned horses had greater average topline muscling scores (P = 0.02). Horses that were conditioned over a 12-week break had greater muscling, but changes in fitness were not detected. Pasture access could contribute to maintenance of fitness during unridden periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Stellmack
- Department of Horse Science, School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
| | - A A Logan
- Department of Horse Science, School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.
| | - A H Higgins
- Department of Horse Science, School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
| | - R M Hoffman
- Department of Horse Science, School of Agriculture, Middle Tennessee State University, 314 W. Thompson Ln, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
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2
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Forbes B, Ho W, Parkes RSV, Sepulveda Caviedes MF, Pfau T, Martel DR. Associations between Racing Thoroughbred Movement Asymmetries and Racing and Training Direction. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1086. [PMID: 38612325 PMCID: PMC11011192 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Racehorses commonly train and race in one direction, which may result in gait asymmetries. This study quantified gait symmetry in two cohorts of Thoroughbreds differing in their predominant exercising direction; we hypothesized that there would be significant differences in the direction of asymmetry between cohorts. METHODS 307 Thoroughbreds (156 from Singapore Turf Club (STC)-anticlockwise; 151 from Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC)-clockwise) were assessed during a straight-line, in-hand trot on firm ground with inertial sensors on their head and pelvis quantifying differences between the minima, maxima, upward movement amplitudes (MinDiff, MaxDiff, UpDiff), and hip hike (HHD). The presence of asymmetry (≥5 mm) was assessed for each variable. Chi-Squared tests identified differences in the number of horses with left/right-sided movement asymmetry between cohorts and mixed model analyses evaluated differences in the movement symmetry values. RESULTS HKJC had significantly more left forelimb asymmetrical horses (Head: MinDiff p < 0.0001, MaxDiff p < 0.03, UpDiff p < 0.01) than STC. Pelvis MinDiff (p = 0.010) and UpDiff (p = 0.021), and head MinDiff (p = 0.006) and UpDiff (p = 0.017) values were significantly different between cohorts; HKJC mean values indicated left fore- and hindlimb asymmetry, and STC mean values indicated right fore- and hindlimb asymmetry. CONCLUSION the asymmetry differences between cohorts suggest that horses may adapt their gait to their racing direction, with kinematics reflecting reduced 'outside' fore- and hindlimb loading.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronte Forbes
- Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong, China; (B.F.); (W.H.)
- Singapore Turf Club, Singapore 738078, Singapore
| | - Winnie Ho
- Hong Kong Jockey Club, Hong Kong, China; (B.F.); (W.H.)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | - Rebecca S. V. Parkes
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China;
| | | | - Thilo Pfau
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Daniel R. Martel
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada;
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Siegers E, van den Broek J, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M, Munsters C. Longitudinal Training and Workload Assessment in Young Friesian Stallions in Relation to Fitness, Part 2-An Adapted Training Program. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13040658. [PMID: 36830445 PMCID: PMC9951678 DOI: 10.3390/ani13040658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Young Friesian stallions have to complete a 10-week training program (70-day test) for acceptance as a breeding stallion. Part one of this study showed that the 70-day test was too intense and led to reduced fitness. In the present (part two) study, the effects of an adapted training program were studied. Training frequency and minutes of cantering per week were lowered compared with part one. The external workload (EW) of sixteen stallions (3.4 ± 0.8 years) was monitored during the 6-weeks before testing (preparation period) as well as during the 70-day test. Standardized exercise tests (SETs) were performed in week 1 (SET-I), 6 (SET-II), and 10 (SET-III) of the 70-day test, measuring heart rate (HR) and plasma lactate concentration (LA). Linear mixed effect models were used to analyze the EW, and the HR and LA related to the SETs. The EW increased from the preparation period to the 70-day test; this increase in the EW was lower compared with the original training program. The horses showed lower HR and LA levels in SET-III compared with SET-I. The young Friesian horses were at risk to be overtrained in part one, but the adapted training program resulted in increased fitness. This study shows that a carefully chosen program is necessary to improve the performance and welfare of (young) horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Siegers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - Jan van den Broek
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Carolien Munsters
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Equine Integration, Groenstraat 2C, 5528 NS Hoogeloon, The Netherlands
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Ursini T, Shaw K, Levine D, Richards J, Adair HS. Electromyography of the Multifidus Muscle in Horses Trotting During Therapeutic Exercises. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:844776. [PMID: 35692292 PMCID: PMC9184818 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.844776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Thoracolumbar pain has been identified in both human and equine patients. Rehabilitation and conditioning programs have focused specifically on improving trunk and abdominal muscle function (1–5). Equine exercise programs routinely incorporate ground poles and training devices for the similar goals of increasing spinal and core stability and strength (6–8). The multifidus muscle has been an area of focus due to atrophy associated with disease (9). To date, there have been no reports on the activity of the multifidus muscle in horses in relation to therapeutic exercises. Our objectives were to use electromyography to determine the average work performed and peak muscle activity of the multifidus in horses trotting, trotting over ground poles, trotting while wearing a resistance band-based training device and trotting while wearing the training device over ground poles. We hypothesized that ground poles and the training device would each increase average work performed and peak multifidus muscle activity. Right and left cranial thoracic locations showed significant increased muscle work and peak activation when horses were trotted over ground poles versus without. The peak activation was significantly greater in horses trotting over poles in both lumbar regions, but there was no significant change in peak activation in either location due to the training device. When the influence of the training device was investigated without ground poles, left caudal thoracic muscle work and peak activity, and right lumbar muscle work were significantly lower when using the training device, as compared to without. When the training device was combined with trotting over ground poles, both left and right caudal thoracic regions showed significantly lower muscle work and peak activity when the device was used. There was no significant difference between with and without the device in either left or right lumbar muscle work. In conclusion, implementing ground poles can be an effective strategy to increase the activation of the multifidus muscle, however, caution should be taken when incorporating the use of a resistance band training device as muscle work and peak activation were significantly reduced in most locations. Further study should be performed in regards to the training device to determine its effects on epaxial musculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tena Ursini
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
- *Correspondence: Tena Ursini
| | - Karen Shaw
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
| | - David Levine
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, TN, United States
| | - Jim Richards
- Allied Health Research Unit, University of Central Lancashire, Lancashire, United Kingdom
| | - Henry Steve Adair
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Equine Performance and Rehabilitation Center, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States
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Walker V, Tranquillle C, MacKechnie-Guire R, Spear J, Newton R, Murray R. Effect of ground and raised poles on kinematics of the walk. J Equine Vet Sci 2022; 115:104005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2022.104005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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O'Brien C, Marr N, Thorpe C. Microdamage in the equine superficial digital flexor tendon. Equine Vet J 2021; 53:417-430. [PMID: 32772396 DOI: 10.1111/evj.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The forelimb superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) is an energy-storing tendon that is highly susceptible to injury during activities such as galloping and jumping, such that it is one of the most commonly reported causes of lameness in the performance horse. This review outlines the biomechanical and biothermal effects of strain on the SDFT and how these contribute to the accumulation of microdamage. The effect of age-related alterations on strain response and subsequent injury risk is also considered. Given that tendon is a slowly healing and poorly regenerative tissue, prompt detection of early stages of pathology in vivo and timely adaptations to training protocols are likely to have a greater outcome than advances in treatment. Early screening tools and detection protocols could subsequently be of benefit in identifying subclinical signs of degeneration during the training programme. This provides an opportunity for preventative strategies to be implemented to minimise incidences of SDFT injury and reduce recovery periods in elite performance horses. Therefore, this review will focus on the modalities available to implement early screening and prevention protocols as opposed to methods to diagnose and treat injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil Marr
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
| | - Chavaunne Thorpe
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, London, UK
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de Meeûs d’Argenteuil C, Boshuizen B, Oosterlinck M, van de Winkel D, De Spiegelaere W, de Bruijn CM, Goethals K, Vanderperren K, Delesalle CJG. Flexibility of equine bioenergetics and muscle plasticity in response to different types of training: An integrative approach, questioning existing paradigms. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0249922. [PMID: 33848308 PMCID: PMC8043414 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0249922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Equine bioenergetics have predominantly been studied focusing on glycogen and fatty acids. Combining omics with conventional techniques allows for an integrative approach to broadly explore and identify important biomolecules. Friesian horses were aquatrained (n = 5) or dry treadmill trained (n = 7) (8 weeks) and monitored for: evolution of muscle diameter in response to aquatraining and dry treadmill training, fiber type composition and fiber cross-sectional area of the M. pectoralis, M. vastus lateralis and M. semitendinosus and untargeted metabolomics of the M. pectoralis and M. vastus lateralis in response to dry treadmill training. Aquatraining was superior to dry treadmill training to increase muscle diameter in the hindquarters, with maximum effect after 4 weeks. After dry treadmill training, the M. pectoralis showed increased muscle diameter, more type I fibers, decreased fiber mean cross sectional area, and an upregulated oxidative metabolic profile: increased β-oxidation (key metabolites: decreased long chain fatty acids and increased long chain acylcarnitines), TCA activity (intermediates including succinyl-carnitine and 2-methylcitrate), amino acid metabolism (glutamine, aromatic amino acids, serine, urea cycle metabolites such as proline, arginine and ornithine) and xenobiotic metabolism (especially p-cresol glucuronide). The M. vastus lateralis expanded its fast twitch profile, with decreased muscle diameter, type I fibers and an upregulation of glycolytic and pentose phosphate pathway activity, and increased branched-chain and aromatic amino acid metabolism (cis-urocanate, carnosine, homocarnosine, tyrosine, tryptophan, p-cresol-glucuronide, serine, methionine, cysteine, proline and ornithine). Trained Friesians showed increased collagen and elastin turn-over. Results show that branched-chain amino acids, aromatic amino acids and microbiome-derived xenobiotics need further study in horses. They feed the TCA cycle at steps further downstream from acetyl CoA and most likely, they are oxidized in type IIA fibers, the predominant fiber type of the horse. These study results underline the importance of reviewing existing paradigms on equine bioenergetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Constance de Meeûs d’Argenteuil
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Berit Boshuizen
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
- Wolvega Equine Hospital, Oldeholtpade, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Oosterlinck
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology of Domestic Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Ward De Spiegelaere
- Department of Morphology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | | | - Klara Goethals
- Department of Nutrition, Genetics and Ethology, Research Group Biometrics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Katrien Vanderperren
- Department of Veterinary Medical Imaging and Small Animal Orthopaedics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Cathérine John Ghislaine Delesalle
- Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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Kowalik S, Wiśniewska A, Kędzierski W, Janczarek I. Concentrations of Circulating Irisin and Myostatin in Race and Endurace Purebred Arabian Horses-Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122268. [PMID: 33271939 PMCID: PMC7760310 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Irisin and myostatin are regulatory proteins produced by muscle cells. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on plasma irisin and myostatin concentrations in horses in different types of training (speed versus endurance). To find out, we tested 20 Arabian horses, submitted to the two different equestrian disciplines, and consequently different training regimes. The first group of horses realized a short-term, high-speed bout of exercise whereas the second group of horses were submitted to long-lasting, endurance effort. The obtained results showed that the single bout of exercise induced an increase in plasma myostatin concentration. Plasma irisin level decreased during the race season in racehorses. This means that irisin and myostatin may play a regulatory role in the maintenance of the energy balance processes. Abstract Skeletal muscle is considered to be the largest endocrine organ determining the maintenance of energy homeostasis. Adaptive changes in skeletal muscles in response to physical exercise influence the production as well as secretion of myokines, which are bioactive factors that play a crucial role in energy expenditure processes. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of two different types of exercise on the circulating level of two of these, myostatin and irisin, in trained horses. Twenty purebred Arabian horses were involved in the study: 10 three-year-old horses trained on the racetrack and 10 endurance horses aged 7.4 ± 1.9 years. The horses from both groups were regularly trained throughout the entire season, during which they also participated in Polish National competitions. To assess the influence of the training sessions on plasma myostatin and irisin concentrations, blood samples taken at rest and 30 min after the end of exercise were analyzed. In the studied horses, the single bout of exercise did not influence plasma irisin but induced an increase in plasma myostatin concentration. In racehorses, plasma irisin concentration decreased with the length of the training season. Plasma myostatin was higher in endurance horses than in three-year-old racehorses. Lack of exercise-induced fluctuation in circulating irisin in studied horses suggests that myostatin released in response to exercise provides a negative feedback signal to irisin release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwester Kowalik
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Wiśniewska
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
| | - Witold Kędzierski
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 12, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Iwona Janczarek
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, ul. Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland;
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Lewczuk D. Toward the best young horse performance—Variability of behavior and performance-related traits in Polish warmbloods during years 2002-2017. J Vet Behav 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jveb.2020.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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10
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Saitua A, Becero M, Argüelles D, Castejón-Riber C, Sánchez de Medina A, Satué K, Muñoz A. Combined Effects of Water Depth and Velocity on the Accelerometric Parameters Measured in Horses Exercised on a Water Treadmill. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020236. [PMID: 32028600 PMCID: PMC7070311 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Horse trainers often claim that exercise on a water treadmill (WT) leads to a greater muscle power and development compared to terrestrial locomotion, because of the greater viscosity of water compared to air. This research assesses locomotor changes measured with accelerometers fixed in the pectoral region and in the sacrum midline in six horses subjected to exercise sessions of 40 min duration on a WT without water (DT), and with water at the depth of fetlock (FET) and carpus (CAR) with velocities of 6 km/h and at the depth of stifle (STF) at 5 km/h. Another five horses performed the same exercise sessions but always with a velocity of 5 km/h. Total power increased from DT to FET and CAR, without significant differences between CAR and STF depths when the velocity was the same. However, a significant decrease was found when the velocity was reduced. The greater total power with water was distributed mainly to the dorsoventral axis, with significant increases in dorsoventral displacement and dorsoventral power. Both parameters were significantly affected by velocity and water depth. In conclusion, total and dorsoventral powers increased with velocity and water depth, leading to reduction in longitudinal and mediolateral power, during exercise on a WT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aritz Saitua
- Equine Sport Medicine Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (A.S.); (M.B.)
| | - Mireya Becero
- Equine Sport Medicine Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (A.S.); (M.B.)
| | - David Argüelles
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (D.A.); (A.S.d.M.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | | | - Antonia Sánchez de Medina
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (D.A.); (A.S.d.M.)
- Veterinary Teaching Hospital, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Katy Satué
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University Cardenal Herrera-CEU, 46115 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Equine Sport Medicine Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (A.S.); (M.B.)
- Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Córdoba, 14014 Córdoba, Spain; (D.A.); (A.S.d.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-957-21-86-59
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11
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Sauer FJ, Hermann M, Ramseyer A, Burger D, Riemer S, Gerber V. Effects of breed, management and personality on cortisol reactivity in sport horses. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0221794. [PMID: 31790402 PMCID: PMC6886778 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Sport horses need to fulfill high physical and psychological requirements during training and competition. These as well as certain conditions of modern husbandry may affect their wellbeing. Here we aimed to (1) evaluate effects of demographic and management factors as well as personality traits on stress reactivity of sport horses, (2) investigate if elite sport horses have elevated stress levels compared to amateur sport horses, and (3) assess whether different equestrian disciplines differentially influence equine adrenal cortex responsiveness. For this purpose, we visited 149 healthy elite (n = 94) and amateur (n = 54) sport horses in Switzerland and performed an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test. Additionally, a person who was familiar with the horse completed a questionnaire about demographic and management factors and their horses' personality traits. Linear models were calculated to assess associations between the questionnaire data and salivary cortisol 60 (T60) and 90 (T90) minutes after ACTH stimulation. While the model at T90 was not significant, post-stimulatory cortisol after 60 minutes appears most informative in line with a previous study and was significantly affected by the breed and by three management factors: "number of riders", "hours spent outside" and "group housing" (adjusted r2 = 15%, p<0.001). Thoroughbred and Warmblood horses displayed an increased adrenal response compared to Franches-Montagnes horses. Horses with several riders had a less pronounced reaction than horses with one rider, and horses that spent more time outside had a decreased response compared to horses that were stabled most of the time. Horses living in groups showed higher post-stimulatory cortisol values than horses that were housed singly. However, no significant associations of cortisol responsiveness with personality traits were found, and neither the use as elite or as amateur sport horses nor the discipline had an effect on the cortisol response. This suggests that optimizing husbandry conditions may be more important for improving equine welfare than changing their use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fay J. Sauer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marco Hermann
- Pferdemedizin Hermann GmbH, Niederlenz, Aargau, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Ramseyer
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Dominik Burger
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stefanie Riemer
- Division of Animal Welfare, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Vinzenz Gerber
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine (ISME), Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, and Agroscope, Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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12
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Best R, Standing R. All things being equal: spatiotemporal differences between Open and Women’s 16-goal Polo. INT J PERF ANAL SPOR 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/24748668.2019.1681790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Russ Best
- Centre for Sports Science and Human Performance, Wintec, Hamilton, New Zealand
- School of Health and Social Care, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Regan Standing
- Centre for Sports Science and Human Performance, Wintec, Hamilton, New Zealand
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- G. Tabor
- Equestrian Performance Research Group Hartpury University Centre Gloucester UK
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