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Reis IL, Lopes B, Sousa P, Sousa AC, Caseiro AR, Mendonça CM, Santos JM, Atayde LM, Alvites RD, Maurício AC. Equine Musculoskeletal Pathologies: Clinical Approaches and Therapeutical Perspectives-A Review. Vet Sci 2024; 11:190. [PMID: 38787162 PMCID: PMC11126110 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11050190] [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: 03/09/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal injuries such as equine osteoarthritis, osteoarticular defects, tendonitis/desmitis, and muscular disorders are prevalent among sport horses, with a fair prognosis for returning to exercise or previous performance levels. The field of equine medicine has witnessed rapid and fruitful development, resulting in a diverse range of therapeutic options for musculoskeletal problems. Staying abreast of these advancements can be challenging, prompting the need for a comprehensive review of commonly used and recent treatments. The aim is to compile current therapeutic options for managing these injuries, spanning from simple to complex physiotherapy techniques, conservative treatments including steroidal and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, hyaluronic acid, polysulfated glycosaminoglycans, pentosan polysulfate, and polyacrylamides, to promising regenerative therapies such as hemoderivatives and stem cell-based therapies. Each therapeutic modality is scrutinized for its benefits, limitations, and potential synergistic actions to facilitate their most effective application for the intended healing/regeneration of the injured tissue/organ and subsequent patient recovery. While stem cell-based therapies have emerged as particularly promising for equine musculoskeletal injuries, a multidisciplinary approach is underscored throughout the discussion, emphasizing the importance of considering various therapeutic modalities in tandem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inês L. Reis
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde (IUCS), Avenida Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Bruna Lopes
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Sousa
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Sousa
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana R. Caseiro
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Veterinary Sciences Department, University School Vasco da Gama (EUVG), Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes, Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
- Vasco da Gama Research Center (CIVG), University School Vasco da Gama (EUVG), Avenida José R. Sousa Fernandes, Lordemão, 3020-210 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carla M. Mendonça
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Campus Agrário de Vairão, Centro Clínico de Equinos de Vairão (CCEV), Rua da Braziela n° 100, 4485-144 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Jorge M. Santos
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Luís M. Atayde
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Campus Agrário de Vairão, Centro Clínico de Equinos de Vairão (CCEV), Rua da Braziela n° 100, 4485-144 Vairão, Portugal
| | - Rui D. Alvites
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Departamento de Ciências Veterinárias, Cooperativa de Ensino Superior Politécnico e Universitário (CESPU), Instituto Universitário de Ciências da Saúde (IUCS), Avenida Central de Gandra 1317, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
| | - Ana C. Maurício
- Departamento de Clínicas Veterinárias, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas de Abel Salazar (ICBAS), Universidade do Porto (UP), Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, n° 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; (I.L.R.); (B.L.); (P.S.); (A.C.S.); (C.M.M.); (J.M.S.); (L.M.A.); (R.D.A.)
- Centro de Estudos de Ciência Animal (CECA), Instituto de Ciências, Tecnologias e Agroambiente da Universidade do Porto (ICETA), Rua D. Manuel II, Apartado 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal;
- Associate Laboratory for Animal and Veterinary Science (AL4AnimalS), 1300-477 Lisboa, Portugal
- Campus Agrário de Vairão, Centro Clínico de Equinos de Vairão (CCEV), Rua da Braziela n° 100, 4485-144 Vairão, Portugal
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ISHIMARU M, OKANO A, MATSUI A, MURASE H, KOROSUE K, AKIYAMA K, TAYA K. Effects of an extended photoperiod on body composition of young Thoroughbreds in training. J Vet Med Sci 2024; 86:58-65. [PMID: 37967974 PMCID: PMC10849847 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.23-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of an extended photoperiod (EP) on body composition of Thoroughbreds colts and fillies from December at one year old to April at two years old were investigated. Seventy-three Thoroughbreds reared and trained in Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido were used. Forty-one horses were under the EP conditions from December 20 to April 15, and the 32 horses were under natural light alone as the control group. Body weight (BW), rump fat thickness (RFT), fat free mass (FFM) and percentage of fat (%F) were used as parameters of body composition. The present study revealed that BW and FFM increased with age in the EP group in colts. In fillies, BW increased with age in both the EP and the control group, however FFM increased with age only in the EP group. From December to April, only colts had a higher rate of increase in both BW and FFM in the EP group than in the control group. However, according to the mean rates of increase in FFM from January to March, the EP group was significantly higher than the control group in both sexes. Furthermore, monthly increase rate of FFM in March was significantly higher in the EP group than in the control group in both sexes. These results suggests that EP treatment to young Thoroughbreds in training at Hokkaido, which is shorter daylength in winter, accelerate the increase of FFM, representing muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuki ISHIMARU
- International Department, Japan Racing Association, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi OKANO
- Ritto Training Center, Japan Racing Association, Shiga, Japan
| | - Akira MATSUI
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Harutaka MURASE
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenji KOROSUE
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology,
Tokyo, Japan
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Mouncey R, Arango-Sabogal JC, de Mestre A, Verheyen KL. Associations between turn out practices and rates of musculoskeletal disease and injury in Thoroughbred foals and yearlings on stud farms in the United Kingdom. Equine Vet J 2023. [PMID: 38146768 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14038] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early-life locomotor activity during turn out may alter susceptibility to musculoskeletal disease and injury via modulation of behaviours and tissue development during growth. OBJECTIVES Investigate associations between turn out practices and rates of musculoskeletal disease and injury in young Thoroughbreds on stud farms in the United Kingdom. STUDY DESIGN Prospective cohort. METHODS Daily records were kept on location and duration of turn out for 134 Thoroughbred foals on six stud farms, from birth until leaving the farm or study exit. Data on veterinary-attended episodes of musculoskeletal disease or injury were collated concurrently. Average daily turn out times (hours), areas (acres) and group size (n foals) were calculated for rolling 7- and 30-day periods of age. Multivariable Cox regression, including farm as a random effect, was used to investigate associations between turn out practices and musculoskeletal disease and injury. RESULTS The overall incidence of musculoskeletal disease or injury was 5.3 cases/100 foal-months at risk (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2-6.6). Compared with 24/7 turn out, average daily turn out times of between 9 and 23 hours over a 7-day period were associated with a 4.6-fold increase in musculoskeletal injury rate (95% CI: 1.7-12.3; P < 0.001), adjusting for farm and paddock area. Each 1-acre increase in the average daily turn out area during the 4th month of life, reduced the rate of musculoskeletal disease and injury between 6 and 18 months of age by 24% (hazard ratio 0.76, 95% CI: 0.58-0.99; P < 0.001), adjusting for farm and turn out time. MAIN LIMITATIONS Non-random sample of participants may affect generalisability. Use of veterinary-attended events likely underestimates disease/injury rates. CONCLUSIONS Results suggest that disruptions or alterations to turn out time routines increase injury risk and should be avoided where possible. Turn out in larger paddocks, particularly before weaning, may confer protection against subsequent musculoskeletal disease and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Mouncey
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
| | - Juan C Arango-Sabogal
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Amanda de Mestre
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA
| | - Kristien L Verheyen
- Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hatfield, UK
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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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ISHIMARU M, MATSUI A, SEKI K, KOROSUE K, AKIYAMA K, MIZUKAMI H, YOSHIDA T, TAYA K. Effects of different winter climates in Japan on body composition of young Thoroughbreds in training. J Vet Med Sci 2022; 84:1585-1594. [PMID: 36244743 PMCID: PMC9791233 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.22-0378] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Changes in the body composition of 50 Thoroughbreds colts and fillies, born between 2004 and 2010, were compared between those reared at the Hidaka Training and Research Center (Hidaka), Hokkaido, which is extremely cold in winter, and those reared at the Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm (Miyazaki), Kyushu, which is mildly cold in winter. The horses were divided into two sex groups and reared and trained in Hidaka or Miyazaki for 7 months from October of one year of age to April of two years of age. Body weight (BW), rump fat thickness (RFT), fat-free mass (FFM), and percentage of fat (%F) were used as parameters of body composition. This study revealed that BW and FFM were higher, and %F was lower in colts than in fillies at both training sites. Among colts, Miyazaki colts tended to have higher FFM values than Hidaka colts, and %F was significantly lower in Miyazaki colts than in Hidaka colts. Furthermore, from October to April, Miyazaki horses had a higher rate of increase in BW than Hidaka horses in both sexes and a higher rate of increase in FFM in colts. The higher rate of increase in FFM in Miyazaki colts suggests that training young Thoroughbreds in winter under mildly cold climate is more effective, than severely cold climate, particularly in colts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mutsuki ISHIMARU
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan,Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Rakuno Gakuen University, Hokkaido, Japan,Correspondence to: Ishimaru M: , Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Nishicha 535-13, Urakawa-cho, Hokkaido 057-0171, Japan
| | - Akira MATSUI
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro SEKI
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Kenji KOROSUE
- Hidaka Training and Research Center, Japan Racing Association, Hokkaido, Japan
| | | | - Hirotoshi MIZUKAMI
- Miyazaki Yearling Training Farm, Japan Racing Association, Miyazaki, Japan
| | | | - Kazuyoshi TAYA
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Cooperative Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo, Japan
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Rogers CW, Gee EK, Dittmer KE. Growth and Bone Development in the Horse: When Is a Horse Skeletally Mature? Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11123402. [PMID: 34944179 PMCID: PMC8698045 DOI: 10.3390/ani11123402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A comparison of the pattern of growth in the horse with definitions used to describe growth and development in humans demonstrates the same general pattern of growth. In the horse, these development periods are completed very early in life, generally by 2 years of age. Using a variety of measures to define the completion of growth and bone development, the horse enters skeletal maturity by the time it is 2 years old. There is little variation in the age of maturity across different horse breeds. These data support the hypothesis that the horse evolved to be a precocious cursorial grazer and is capable of athletic activity, and used in sport, relatively early in life. Abstract Within the lay literature, and social media in particular, there is often debate about the age at which a horse should be started and introduced to racing or sport. To optimize the welfare and longevity of horses in racing and sport, it is important to match exercise with musculoskeletal development and the ability of the musculoskeletal system to respond to loading. The justification for not exercising horses at a certain age is often in contrast to the scientific literature and framed, with incorrect generalizations, with human growth. This review provides a relative comparison of the growth and development of the horse to the descriptors used to define growth and development in humans. Measures of physeal closure and somatic growth demonstrate that the horse completes the equivalent of rapid infant growth by weaning (4–6 months old). At approximately 11 months old, the horse completes the equivalent of the childhood phase of growth and enters puberty. At 2 years old, the horse has achieved most measures of maturity used within the human literature, including the plateauing of vertical height, closure of growth plates, and adult ratios of back length:wither height and limb length:wither height. These data support the hypothesis that the horse evolved to be a precocious cursorial grazer and is capable of athletic activity, and use in sport, relatively early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris W. Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (K.E.D.)
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
- Correspondence:
| | - Erica K. Gee
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (K.E.D.)
| | - Keren E. Dittmer
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (K.E.D.)
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Legg KA, Gee EK, Cochrane DJ, Rogers CW. Preliminary Examination of the Biological and Industry Constraints on the Structure and Pattern of Thoroughbred Racing in New Zealand over Thirteen Seasons: 2005/06-2017/18. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11102807. [PMID: 34679829 PMCID: PMC8532836 DOI: 10.3390/ani11102807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine thirteen seasons of flat racing starts (n = 388,964) in the context of an ecological system and identify metrics that describe the inherent characteristics and constraints of the New Zealand Thoroughbred racing industry. During the thirteen years examined, there was a 2-3% per year reduction in the number of races, starts and number of horses. There was a significant shift in the racing population with a greater number of fillies (aged 2-4 years) having a race start, and subsequent longer racing careers due to the inclusion of one more racing preparation post 2008 (p < 0.05). Additionally, there was an increasingly ageing population of racehorses. These changes resulted in more race starts in a career, but possibly because of biological constraints, there was no change in the number of race starts per season, starts per preparation, or days spelling between preparations (p < 0.05). There was no change in the proportion of horses having just one race start (14% of new entrants), indicating that the screening for suitability for a racing career remained consistent. These data identify key industry parameters which provide a basis for future modelling of intervention strategies to improve economic performance and reduce horse injury. Consideration of the racing industry as a bio-economic or ecological model provides framework to test how the industry may respond to intervention strategies and signal where changes in system dynamics may alter existing risk factors for injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kylie A. Legg
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (C.W.R.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Erica K. Gee
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (C.W.R.)
| | - Darryl J. Cochrane
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Chris W. Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (E.K.G.); (C.W.R.)
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
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Palmer AL, Rogers CW, Stafford KJ, Gal A, Cochrane DJ, Bolwell CF. Cross-Sectional Survey of the Training Practices of Racing Greyhounds in New Zealand. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:E2032. [PMID: 33158103 PMCID: PMC7694201 DOI: 10.3390/ani10112032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to conduct a cross-sectional survey of racing greyhound trainers in New Zealand in order to provide an overview of their training practices. A survey regarding training practices was posted to all registered greyhound training license holders in New Zealand in August 2019. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 48 trainers (35.6%; n = 48/137) who completed the survey. Other than the differences in the number of greyhounds in race training, the training programmes described by public trainers and owner trainers were similar. Trainers reported that the primary reason for registering young dogs for racing and for qualifying for racing was the ability to meet time milestones. Young dogs had a median of six (interquartile range (IQR): 4-10) trials before they commenced their racing career. Trainers described training practices that aimed to prepare greyhounds for race-day. Regardless of whether the dogs raced once or twice a week, most training programmes demonstrated high specificity where training involved two periods of load cycles through high-intensity workload. Trainers racing their greyhounds once a week simulated the workload of trainers racing their greyhounds twice a week by introducing one high-intensity (speed) workout during the week. Training programmes were structured to condition the dogs to the physiological and metabolic requirements of sprint racing. This study highlights the importance of the need for an improved understanding of training and competition load in order to enable future research in the field of racing greyhounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Palmer
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (C.F.B.)
| | - Chris W. Rogers
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (C.F.B.)
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Kevin J. Stafford
- School of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Arnon Gal
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 1008 W Hazelwood Drive, IL 61802, USA;
| | - Darryl J. Cochrane
- School of Sport, Exercise and Nutrition, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand;
| | - Charlotte F. Bolwell
- School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand; (C.W.R.); (C.F.B.)
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