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Sarubbi J, Martínez-Burnes J, Ghezzi MD, Olmos-Hernandez A, Lendez PA, Ceriani MC, Hernández-Avalos I. Hypothalamic Neuromodulation and Control of the Dermal Surface Temperature of Livestock during Hyperthermia. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1745. [PMID: 38929364 PMCID: PMC11200636 DOI: 10.3390/ani14121745] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia elicits several physiological and behavioral responses in livestock to restore thermal neutrality. Among these responses, vasodilation and sweating help to reduce core body temperature by increasing heat dissipation by radiation and evaporation. Thermoregulatory behaviors such as increasing standing time, reducing feed intake, shade-seeking, and limiting locomotor activity also increase heat loss. These mechanisms are elicited by the connection between peripheral thermoreceptors and cerebral centers, such as the preoptic area of the hypothalamus. Considering the importance of this thermoregulatory pathway, this review aims to discuss the hypothalamic control of hyperthermia in livestock, including the main physiological and behavioral changes that animals adopt to maintain their thermal stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Sarubbi
- Department of Animal Science, Federal University of Santa Maria, Av. Independência, Palmeira das Missões 3751, RS, Brazil
| | - Julio Martínez-Burnes
- Facultad de Medicina Veterinaria y Zootecnia, Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas, Victoria City 87000, Mexico
| | - Marcelo Daniel Ghezzi
- Animal Welfare Area, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina;
| | - Adriana Olmos-Hernandez
- Division of Biotechnology—Bioterio and Experimental Surgery, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra (INR-LGII), Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Pamela Anahí Lendez
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - María Carolina Ceriani
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences (FCV), Universidad Nacional del Centro de la Provincia de Buenos Aires, CIVETAN, UNCPBA-CICPBA-CONICET (UNCPBA), University Campus, Tandil 7000, Argentina
| | - Ismael Hernández-Avalos
- Facultad de Estudios Superiores Cuautitlán (FESC), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Cuautitlán 54714, Mexico
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Verdegaal ELJMM, Howarth GS, McWhorter TJ, Delesalle CJG. Thermoregulation during Field Exercise in Horses Using Skin Temperature Monitoring. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:136. [PMID: 38200867 PMCID: PMC10777899 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010136] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Hyperthermia and exertional heat illness (EHI) are performance and welfare issues for all exercising horses. Monitoring the thermoregulatory response allows for early recognition of metabolic heat accumulation during exercise and the possibility of taking prompt and effective preventative measures to avoid a further increase in core body temperature (Tc) leading to hyperthermia. Skin temperature (Tsk) monitoring is most used as a non-invasive tool to assess the thermoregulatory response pre- and post-exercise, particularly employing infrared thermographic equipment. However, only a few studies have used thermography to monitor skin temperature continuously during exercise. This commentary provides an overview of studies investigating surface skin temperature mainly by infrared thermography (IRT) during exercise. The scientific evidence, including methodologies, applications, and challenges associated with (continuous) skin temperature monitoring in horses during field exercise, is discussed. The commentary highlights that, while monitoring Tsk is straightforward, continuous Tsk alone does not always reliably estimate Tc evolvement during field exercise. In addition, inter-individual differences in thermoregulation need to be recognized and accounted for to optimize individual wellbeing. With the ongoing development and application of advanced wearable monitoring technology, there may be future advances in equipment and modeling for timely intervention with horses at hyperthermic risk to improve their welfare. However, at this point, infrared thermographic assessment of Tsk should always be used in conjunction with other clinical assessments and veterinary examinations for a reliable monitoring of the welfare of the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth-Lidwien J. M. M. Verdegaal
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Gordon S. Howarth
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Todd J. McWhorter
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5371, Australia
| | - Catherine J. G. Delesalle
- Thermoregulation Research Group, Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA 5116, Australia; (G.S.H.); (T.J.M.); (C.J.G.D.)
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Translational Physiology, Infectiology and Public Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Sole-Guitart A, Narayan E, Cawdell-Smith AJ, Gaughan JB. Heat stress in horses: a literature review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2023; 67:957-973. [PMID: 37060454 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-023-02467-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Healthy adult horses can balance accumulation and dissipation of body heat to maintain their body temperature between 37.5 and 38.5 °C, when they are in their thermoneutral zone (5 to 25 °C). However, under some circumstances, such as following strenuous exercise under hot, or hot and humid conditions, the accumulation of body heat exceeds dissipation and horses can suffer from heat stress. Prolonged or severe heat stress can lead to anhidrosis, heat stroke, or brain damage in the horse. To ameliorate the negative effects of high heat load in the body, early detection of heat stress and immediate human intervention is required to reduce the horse's elevated body temperature in a timely manner. Body temperature measurement and deviations from the normal range are used to detect heat stress. Rectal temperature is the most commonly used method to monitor body temperature in horses, but other body temperature monitoring technologies, percutaneous thermal sensing microchips or infrared thermometry, are currently being studied for routine monitoring of the body temperature of horses as a more practical alternative. When heat stress is detected, horses can be cooled down by cool water application, air movement over the horse (e.g., fans), or a combination of these. The early detection of heat stress and the use of the most effective cooling methods is important to improve the welfare of heat stressed horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungsuk Kang
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia.
| | - Rebeka R Zsoldos
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Albert Sole-Guitart
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - Edward Narayan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - A Judith Cawdell-Smith
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
| | - John B Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD, 4343, Australia
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Lisboa BRF, da Silva JAR, da Silva WC, Barbosa AVC, Silva LKX, Lourenço-Júnior JDB. Evaluation of thermoregulation of horses ( Equus caballus) submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in hot and humid climate conditions, in the Eastern Amazon. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1150763. [PMID: 37138916 PMCID: PMC10149968 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1150763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In Brazil, the study on equine thermoregulation has not shown considerable advances, moreover, in the Amazon, this is a little explored aspect. This study aims to evaluate the thermoregulation of horses submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in the climatic conditions of the Eastern Amazon. The experiment was conducted at Centro Hipico, Ananindeua, Para, for 15 days. Ten male horses, castrated of the Brazilian breed, aged 13 years and with an average weight of 482.3 kg were used. Equestrianism, which was exercised with pre-established protocol in the arena and track, for 30 min. After the exercise, the animals were divided into two groups for application of the treatments, which were two cooling methods, such as a bath with water at room temperature (about 25°C) and a hiper cooling method (6-9°C). During the experimental period, air temperature (AT) and relative humidity (RH) data were recorded and the Temperature and Humidity Index (THI) was calculated. Data from the rectal temperature (RT), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR) and Body surface temperature (BST) of the animals were also measured at three moments: before exercise, after exercise and after applying the cooling methods. The adaptability index used was the Benezra Thermal Comfort Index (BTCI). The BST was performed with the help of infrared thermograph, which were the left side of the neck, thorax, rump, and right side to the armpi, before the exercise, after the exercise and after applying the cooling methods. The statistical design was completely randomized. Analysis of variance was performed using the GLM Procedure of SAS 9.1.3. After the application of the cooling techniques in the animals, the AT and THI were higher and the highest RH values were found before the exercise (87.21%). The highest RT, RR, HR, BST, and BTCI values were observed after exercise. There was no significant dierence (P > 0.05) between cooling methods. There was a highly significant and positive correlation (P < 0.01) between all physiological variables (RT, RR, HR, and BST) and the Iberian Index with AT and THI and negative with RH (P < 0.01), thus demonstrating the influence of the environment on the thermoregulation of animals. It is concluded the evaluation of stress, welfare and thermoregulation of horses submitted to two methods of post-exercise cooling, in the climatic conditions of the Eastern Amazon, demonstrated that the studied cooling methods showed to reduce the rectal temperature, the respiratory rate, the heart rate and the body surface temperature with equal efficiency. However, in terms of practical ease of use, the room temperature water cooling method has proven to be more practical.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Welligton Conceição da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Welligton Conceição da Silva
| | | | | | - José de Brito Lourenço-Júnior
- Postgraduate Program in Animal Science (PPGCAN), Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Federal University of Para (UFPA), Federal Rural University of the Amazon (UFRA), Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA), Castanhal, Pará, Brazil
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5
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Cox EG, Bell R, Greer RM, Jeffcott LB. A survey on the use of rugs in Australian horses. Aust Vet J 2023; 101:9-26. [PMID: 36437593 PMCID: PMC10098481 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13219] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The practice of horse rugging has important implications for horse welfare and performance, but in Australia, rugging practices have not been properly documented. The objective of this study was to obtain an understanding of Australian horse rugging practices. An online survey reviewed the management of 2659 Australian horses over 12 months. Of the reported horses a total of 84.8% were rugged, although most owners (69.5%) indicated that they were unsure whether horses needed to be rugged at all. Rugging was felt by 59.8% of owners to be a requirement for horses in competition. Riding and competition were significantly associated with the use of rugs. Nearly all respondents (89.0%) felt that 'over-rugging' was a concern. However, 4.8% of owners would use up to 4 rugs at any one time on their horse and 21.4% of horses were still rugged in temperatures above 20°C in Australia. Many Australian horse owners (42.8%) also believe that horses feel cold if they are not rugged. Anthropomorphism when it comes to rugging horses cannot be justified as the horse has a much wider thermoneutral zone (TNZ) than humans. Australian climate, owner opinions, equestrian discipline and whether a horse is used for riding influence Australian horse rugging practices. However, current practices are based on limited available research and are not necessarily to the benefit of the horse. The major limitation was that the survey likely attracted respondents who are interested in the topic creating a self-selection bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- E G Cox
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rjw Bell
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden, Sydney, Australia
| | - R M Greer
- Torus Research, Brisbane, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Mater Research Institute-UQ, South Brisbane, Australia
| | - L B Jeffcott
- The University of Sydney, Faculty of Science, Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden, Sydney, Australia
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Harvey AM, Ramp D, Mellor DJ. Review of the Foundational Knowledge Required for Assessing Horse Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:3385. [PMID: 36496906 PMCID: PMC9736110 DOI: 10.3390/ani12233385] [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: 10/18/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
A detailed understanding of what is usual for a species under optimal conditions is critical for identifying and interpreting different features of body function that have known impacts on animal welfare and its assessment. When applying the Five Domains Model to assess animal welfare, the key starting point is therefore to acquire extensive species-specific knowledge relevant to each of the four physical/functional Domains of the Model. These Domains, 1 to 4, address areas where objective information is evaluated and collated. They are: (1) Nutrition; (2) Physical environment; (3) Health; and (4) Behavioural interactions. It is on the basis of this detailed knowledge that cautious inferences can then be made about welfare-relevant mental experiences animals may have, aligned with Domain 5, Mental State. However, this review is focused entirely on the first four Domains in order to provide a novel holistic framework to collate the multidisciplinary knowledge of horses required for undertaking comprehensive welfare assessments. Thus, inferring the potential mental experiences aligned with Domain 5, the final step in model-based welfare assessments, is not considered here. Finally, providing extensive information on free-roaming horses enables a better understanding of the impacts of human interventions on the welfare of horses in both free-roaming and domestic situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M. Harvey
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Daniel Ramp
- Centre for Compassionate Conservation, TD School, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - David J. Mellor
- Animal Welfare Science and Bioethics Centre, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Skinner JE, Gaughan JB, Mellor VA, Sole-Guitart A. The Use of Percutaneous Thermal Sensing Microchips to Measure Body Temperature in Horses during and after Exercise Using Three Different Cool-Down Methods. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101267. [PMID: 35625113 PMCID: PMC9137820 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The frequent monitoring of a horse’s body temperature post strenuous exercise is critical to prevent or alleviate exertional heat illness (EHI) from occurring. Percutaneous thermal sensing microchip (PTSM) technology has the potential to be used as a means of monitoring a horse’s body temperature during and post-exercise. However, the accuracy of the temperature readings obtained, and their relationship to core body temperature are dependent on where they are implanted. This study aimed to document the relationship between core body temperature, and temperature readings obtained using PTSM implanted in different muscles, during exercise and post application of different cool-down methods. PTSMs were implanted into the right pectoral, right gluteal, right splenius muscles, and nuchal ligament. The temperatures were monitored during treadmill exercise, and post application of three different cool-down methods: no water application (Wno), water application only (Wonly), and water application following scraping (Wscraping). Central venous temperature (TCV) and PTSM temperatures from each region were obtained to investigate the optimal body site for microchip implantation. In this study, PTSM technology provided a practical, safe, and quick means of measuring body temperature in horses. However, its temperature readings varied depending on the implantation site. All muscle temperature readings exhibited strong relationships with TCV (r = 0.85~0.92, p < 0.05) after treadmill exercise without human intervention (water application), while the nuchal ligament temperature showed poor relationship with TCV. The relationships between TCV and PTSM temperatures became weaker with water application. Overall, however the pectoral muscle temperature measured by PTSM technology had the most constant relationships with TCV and showed the best potential to act as an alternate means of monitoring body temperature in horses for 50 min post-exercise, when there was no human intervention with cold water application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungsuk Kang
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.E.S.); (J.B.G.); (V.A.M.)
| | - Rebeka R. Zsoldos
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.E.S.); (J.B.G.); (V.A.M.)
| | - Jazmine E. Skinner
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.E.S.); (J.B.G.); (V.A.M.)
- School of Agriculture and Environment, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
| | - John B. Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.E.S.); (J.B.G.); (V.A.M.)
| | - Vincent A. Mellor
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.E.S.); (J.B.G.); (V.A.M.)
| | - Albert Sole-Guitart
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia
- Correspondence:
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Effect of Different Water Cooling Treatments on Changes in Rectal and Surface Body Temperature in Leisure Horses after Medium-Intensity Effort. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12040525. [PMID: 35203233 PMCID: PMC8868132 DOI: 10.3390/ani12040525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The study was performed in order to answer the question: should horses be cooled after not very intensive exercise? Thus, the efficiency of four different water cooling methods was studied in horses after medium-intensity effort for leisure horses under moderate air temperature. The water cooling methods used included spraying with cold water: (1) lower body parts, i.e., lower parts of legs; (2) upper body parts, i.e., back of the head and flanks; and (3) both lower and upper body parts. The control group was not treated with water. Water cooling was applied to 19 warmblood geldings immediately after the end of exercise and 10 and 20 min later. The internal and body surface temperatures were registered and analyzed. The water cooling methods used led to a decrease in rectal and body surface temperature. Applying cold water on lower body parts was only effective and can be recommended for practical use under the described conditions. Abstract Cooling a horse after intensive exercise under hot conditions is commonly recommended. The study aimed to analyze changes in the rectal and surface temperature of the horses subjected to various water cooling treatments. This followed medium-intensity exercise performed by leisure horses under moderate air temperature. The experiment involved a control group without water application, and three variants of water cooling applied to 19 warmblood geldings after medium-intensity effort. Cooling of lower, upper, and lower and upper body parts was performed. In each variant, the rectal and body surface temperatures were measured five times: before; immediately after; and 10, 20, and 30 min after effort. Using water cooling under the studied conditions did not influence a post-exercise decrease in the rectal temperature. The decrease in body surface temperature depended on the used variant of cooling down the horse. Cooling the limbs by pouring water several times changed the surface body temperature from 34.2 ± 0.37 °C to 32.0 ± 0.32 °C and was more efficient than the repeated application of cool water on both the upper and lower body parts, leading to a temperature change from 34.6 ± 0.26 °C to 33.2 ± 0.36 °C. Thus, the application of cold water on the limbs only is sufficient for cooling the horse after medium-intensity exercise under moderate air temperature (about 24 °C).
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Brownlow M, Mizzi JX. Epidemiology of exertional heat illness in Thoroughbred racehorses in temperate eastern Australia: The role of extrinsic (environmental) factors in disease causation. EQUINE VET EDUC 2022. [DOI: 10.1111/eve.13627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Brownlow
- Racing Australia Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | - J. X. Mizzi
- Department of Regulation, Welfare and Biosecurity Policy The Hong Kong Jockey Club, Sha Tin Racecourse Hong Kong Sha Tin China
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10
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Horse Preferences for Insolation, Shade or Mist Curtain in the Paddock under Heat Conditions: Cardiac and Behavioural Response Analysis. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11040933. [PMID: 33805989 PMCID: PMC8064440 DOI: 10.3390/ani11040933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The horse's welfare and, consequently, the emotional arousal may be connected with stressful environmental conditions. This study aimed to determine whether horses show behavioural or physiological symptoms of thermal discomfort and if their behaviour and cardiac parameters are related to freely chosen insolated (IS), shaded (SH), or water sprayed (with a mist curtain (MC)) areas in a paddock under heat conditions (29-32 °C, 42.0 ± 1.5% humidity). Twelve adult horses freely moving in the paddock were studied during a 45 min solitary turnout. Six cardiac variables, locomotor, and non-locomotor activities as well as rectal temperature before and after the test were monitored with regard to the area of staying. Horses did not show clear preferences regarding the time spent in IS, SH, and MC, although preferences of particular horses differed considerably. When staying under IS and MC conditions, the horses showed a higher level of relaxation compared to SH. Horses did not exhibit symptoms of thermal discomfort while staying in the sun. Free choice between the three areas differing in environmental conditions could be a crucial factor in maintaining body temperature as well as emotional arousal at similar levels. Thus, the provision of a shade and mist curtain in paddocks seems to be reasonable.
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Kang H, Zsoldos RR, Woldeyohannes SM, Gaughan JB, Sole Guitart A. The Use of Percutaneous Thermal Sensing Microchips for Body Temperature Measurements in Horses Prior to, during and after Treadmill Exercise. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10122274. [PMID: 33276500 PMCID: PMC7761216 DOI: 10.3390/ani10122274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Accurately measuring body temperature in horses will improve the management of horses suffering from or being at risk of developing postrace exertional heat illness. PTSM has the potential for measuring body temperature accurately, safely, rapidly, and noninvasively. This study was undertaken to investigate the relation between the core body temperature and PTSM temperatures prior to, during, and immediately after exercise. The microchips were implanted into the nuchal ligament, the right splenius, gluteal, and pectoral muscles, and these locations were then compared with the central venous temperature, which is considered to be the "gold standard" for assessing core body temperature. The changes in temperature of each implant in the horses were evaluated in each phase (prior to, during, and immediately postexercise) and combining all phases. There were strong positive correlations ranging from 0.82 to 0.94 (p < 0.001) of all the muscle sites with the central venous temperature when combining all the phases. Additionally, during the whole period, PTSM had narrow limits of agreement (LOA) with central venous temperature, which inferred that PTSM is essentially equivalent in measuring horse body temperature. Overall, the pectoral PTSM provided a valid estimation of the core body temperature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungsuk Kang
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.B.G.)
| | - Rebeka R. Zsoldos
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.B.G.)
| | | | - John B. Gaughan
- School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia; (H.K.); (R.R.Z.); (J.B.G.)
| | - Albert Sole Guitart
- School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Gatton, QLD 4343, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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12
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Mejdell CM, Bøe KE, Jørgensen GH. Caring for the horse in a cold climate—Reviewing principles for thermoregulation and horse preferences. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2020.105071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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13
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Nomura M, Shiose T, Ishikawa Y, Mizobe F, Sakai S, Kusano K. Prevalence of post-race exertional heat illness in Thoroughbred racehorses and climate conditions at racecourses in Japan. J Equine Sci 2019; 30:17-23. [PMID: 31285689 PMCID: PMC6606451 DOI: 10.1294/jes.30.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite growing recognition of post-race exertional heat illness (EHI) in the horse
racing industry, reports on its prevalence are limited. The purpose of this study was to
investigate the prevalence of post-race EHI and climate conditions at racecourses in
Japan. The overall prevalence of EHI from 1999 to 2018 was 0.04% (387 cases for 975,247
starters) in races operated by the Japan Racing Association (JRA). The yearly prevalence
has been increasing, exceeding 0.07% in the last four years of the studied period. The
overall prevalence in summer (May–September) was 0.086% (352 cases for 409,908 starters).
The monthly prevalence varied among the 10 JRA racecourses, which are distributed from
latitude 34 to 43°N, ranging from no cases to 0.459%. During summer, prevalence of
post-race EHI was high when the mean monthly ambient temperature was high at a racecourse.
To evaluate climate conditions, we investigated the wet-bulb globe temperature (WBGT, °C)
from 9 AM to 5 PM on sunny race days in July and August of 2017 and 2018 at three
racecourses with a high prevalence of EHI among the 10 racecourses. The durations of time
during which WBGT was between 28 and 33°C at these three courses were 95, 94, and 65% of
the minutes measured, respectively. This result indicated that most races on the sunny
summer days were held when WBGT was between 28 and 33°C at the three racecourses. These
findings could be useful in developing the appropriate countermeasures to be taken during
hot weather at each of the studied racecourses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Motoi Nomura
- The Horse Racing School, Japan Racing Association, Chiba 270-1431, Japan
| | - Tomoki Shiose
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Fukushima 972-8325, Japan
| | - Yuhiro Ishikawa
- Racehorse Clinic, Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga 520-3085, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Mizobe
- Racehorse Clinic, Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0493, Japan
| | - Satoshi Sakai
- Racehorse Clinic, Miho Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Ibaraki 300-0493, Japan
| | - Kanichi Kusano
- Racehorse Clinic, Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga 520-3085, Japan
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Hines MT. Clinical Approach to Commonly Encountered Problems. EQUINE INTERNAL MEDICINE 2018. [PMCID: PMC7158300 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-44329-6.00007-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Brownlow MA, Dart AJ, Jeffcott LB. Exertional heat illness: a review of the syndrome affecting racing Thoroughbreds in hot and humid climates. Aust Vet J 2016; 94:240-7. [DOI: 10.1111/avj.12454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- MA Brownlow
- Barkers Lodge Road; Picton New South Wales Australia
| | - AJ Dart
- Research and Clinical Trials Unit, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden; University of Sydney; 410 Werombi Road Camden New South Wales, 2570 Australia
| | - LB Jeffcott
- Research and Clinical Trials Unit, University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Camden; University of Sydney; 410 Werombi Road Camden New South Wales, 2570 Australia
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McGivney BA, McGettigan PA, Browne JA, Evans ACO, Fonseca RG, Loftus BJ, Lohan A, MacHugh DE, Murphy BA, Katz LM, Hill EW. Characterization of the equine skeletal muscle transcriptome identifies novel functional responses to exercise training. BMC Genomics 2010; 11:398. [PMID: 20573200 PMCID: PMC2900271 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-11-398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 06/23/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Digital gene expression profiling was used to characterize the assembly of genes expressed in equine skeletal muscle and to identify the subset of genes that were differentially expressed following a ten-month period of exercise training. The study cohort comprised seven Thoroughbred racehorses from a single training yard. Skeletal muscle biopsies were collected at rest from the gluteus medius at two time points: T1 - untrained, (9 ± 0.5 months old) and T2 - trained (20 ± 0.7 months old). Results The most abundant mRNA transcripts in the muscle transcriptome were those involved in muscle contraction, aerobic respiration and mitochondrial function. A previously unreported over-representation of genes related to RNA processing, the stress response and proteolysis was observed. Following training 92 tags were differentially expressed of which 74 were annotated. Sixteen genes showed increased expression, including the mitochondrial genes ACADVL, MRPS21 and SLC25A29 encoded by the nuclear genome. Among the 58 genes with decreased expression, MSTN, a negative regulator of muscle growth, had the greatest decrease. Functional analysis of all expressed genes using FatiScan revealed an asymmetric distribution of 482 Gene Ontology (GO) groups and 18 KEGG pathways. Functional groups displaying highly significant (P < 0.0001) increased expression included mitochondrion, oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism while functional groups with decreased expression were mainly associated with structural genes and included the sarcoplasm, laminin complex and cytoskeleton. Conclusion Exercise training in Thoroughbred racehorses results in coordinate changes in the gene expression of functional groups of genes related to metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation and muscle structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice A McGivney
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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McGivney BA, Eivers SS, MacHugh DE, MacLeod JN, O'Gorman GM, Park SDE, Katz LM, Hill EW. Transcriptional adaptations following exercise in thoroughbred horse skeletal muscle highlights molecular mechanisms that lead to muscle hypertrophy. BMC Genomics 2009; 10:638. [PMID: 20042072 PMCID: PMC2812474 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-10-638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2009] [Accepted: 12/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Selection for exercise-adapted phenotypes in the Thoroughbred racehorse has provided a valuable model system to understand molecular responses to exercise in skeletal muscle. Exercise stimulates immediate early molecular responses as well as delayed responses during recovery, resulting in a return to homeostasis and enabling long term adaptation. Global mRNA expression during the immediate-response period has not previously been reported in skeletal muscle following exercise in any species. Also, global gene expression changes in equine skeletal muscle following exercise have not been reported. Therefore, to identify novel genes and key regulatory pathways responsible for exercise adaptation we have used equine-specific cDNA microarrays to examine global mRNA expression in skeletal muscle from a cohort of Thoroughbred horses (n = 8) at three time points (before exercise, immediately post-exercise, and four hours post-exercise) following a single bout of treadmill exercise. Results Skeletal muscle biopsies were taken from the gluteus medius before (T0), immediately after (T1) and four hours after (T2) exercise. Statistically significant differences in mRNA abundance between time points (T0 vs T1 and T0 vs T2) were determined using the empirical Bayes moderated t-test in the Bioconductor package Linear Models for Microarray Data (LIMMA) and the expression of a select panel of genes was validated using real time quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR). While only two genes had increased expression at T1 (P < 0.05), by T2 932 genes had increased (P < 0.05) and 562 genes had decreased expression (P < 0.05). Functional analysis of genes differentially expressed during the recovery phase (T2) revealed an over-representation of genes localized to the actin cytoskeleton and with functions in the MAPK signalling, focal adhesion, insulin signalling, mTOR signaling, p53 signaling and Type II diabetes mellitus pathways. At T1, using a less stringent statistical approach, we observed an over-representation of genes involved in the stress response, metabolism and intracellular signaling. These findings suggest that protein synthesis, mechanosensation and muscle remodeling contribute to skeletal muscle adaptation towards improved integrity and hypertrophy. Conclusions This is the first study to characterize global mRNA expression profiles in equine skeletal muscle using an equine-specific microarray platform. Here we reveal novel genes and mechanisms that are temporally expressed following exercise providing new knowledge about the early and late molecular responses to exercise in the equine skeletal muscle transcriptome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice A McGivney
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, UCD School of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, UCD College of Life Sciences, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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Ott EA. Influence of temperature stress on the energy and protein metabolism and requirements of the working horse. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livprodsci.2004.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Forro M, Cieslar S, Ecker GL, Walzak A, Hahn J, Lindinger MI. Total body water and ECFV measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis and indicator dilution in horses. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2000; 89:663-71. [PMID: 10926652 DOI: 10.1152/jappl.2000.89.2.663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The purposes of this study were 1) to determine the compartmentation of body water in horses by using indicator dilution techniques and 2) to simultaneously measure bioelectrical impedance to current flow at impulse current frequencies of 5 and 200 kHz to formulate predictive equations that could be used to estimate total body water (TBW), extracellular fluid volume (ECFV), and intracellular fluid volume (ICFV). Eight horses and ponies weighing from 214 to 636 kg had catheters placed into the left and right jugular veins. Deuterium oxide, sodium thiocyanate, and Evans blue were infused for the measurement of TBW, ECFV, and plasma volume (PV), respectively. Bioelectrical impedance was measured by using a tetrapolar electrode configuration, with electrode pairs secured above the knee and hock. Measured TBW, ECFV, and PV were 0.677 +/- 0.022, 0.253 +/- 0.006, and 0.040 +/- 0.002 l/kg body mass, respectively. Strong linear correlations were determined among measured variables that allowed for the prediction of TBW, ECFV, ICFV, and PV from measures of horse length or height and impedance. It is concluded that bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) can be used to improve the predictive accuracy of noninvasive estimates of ECFV and PV in euhydrated horses at rest.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Forro
- Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada
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Lindinger MI, McCutcheon LJ, Ecker GL, Geor RJ. Heat acclimation improves regulation of plasma volume and plasma Na(+) content during exercise in horses. J Appl Physiol (1985) 2000; 88:1006-13. [PMID: 10710397 DOI: 10.1152/jappl.2000.88.3.1006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study determined the plasma volume (PV) and ion responses to heat acclimation and exercise in six trained Thoroughbred horses during 21 days of exposure to heat and humidity (33 degrees C, 83% relative humidity) for 4 h/day. During the 2nd h on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 21, horses performed a standardized treadmill test, running at 50% of peak O(2) uptake until pulmonary artery temperature reached 41.5 degrees C. Heat acclimation resulted in an increase in PV from 21.3 +/- 1.1 liters on day 0 to 24.3 +/- 1.0 liters on day 14, returning to 22.6 +/- 0.9 liters on day 21. The corresponding total plasma protein contents were 1,273 +/- 53, 1,455 +/- 81, and 1,377 +/- 57 g, respectively, and increases in total plasma Na(+) plus Cl(-) content were 5,145 +/- 126, 5,749 +/- 146, and 5,394 +/- 114 mmol, respectively. Thus changes in PV were accompanied by direct changes in plasma protein and osmolyte contents. With exercise on day 0, PV decreased by 7.1 +/- 0.7% at 5 min of exercise and remained decreased (-6.7 +/- 1.3%) at 5 min of recovery. By day 21, PV decreased significantly less than on day 0 (by 5.2 +/- 0.9% at 5 min of exercise), was decreased by only 2.0 +/- 1.6% at 5 min of recovery, and was fully restored at 15 min of recovery. Plasma Na(+) concentration increased 3 meq/l during the first 5 min of exercise and was normalized by 5 min of recovery on day 0 and by end exercise on day 21. It is concluded that improved ability to regulate PV during exercise in response to heat acclimatization is associated with an increased PV and an improved conservation of Na(+).
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Affiliation(s)
- M I Lindinger
- Department of Human Biology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada N1G 2W1.
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