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Schrurs C, Dubois G, Van Erck-Westergren E, Gardner DS. Cardiovascular Fitness and Stride Acceleration in Race-Pace Workouts for the Prediction of Performance in Thoroughbreds. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1342. [PMID: 38731345 PMCID: PMC11083884 DOI: 10.3390/ani14091342] [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: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In-training racehorse physiological data can be leveraged to further explore race-day performance prediction. To date, no large retrospective, observational study has analysed whether in-training speed and heart rate recovery can predict racehorse success. Speed (categorised as 'slow' to 'fast' according to the time taken to cover the last 600 m from a virtual finish line) and heart rate recovery (from gallop to 1 min after exercise) of flat racehorses (n = 485) of varying age, sex and type according to distance (e.g., sprinter, miler and stayer) were obtained using a fitness tracker from a single racing yard in Australia. Race-pace training sessions on turf comprised 'fast gallop' (n = 3418 sessions) or 'jumpout' (n = 1419). A posteriori racing information (n = 3810 races) for all 485 racehorses was extracted and combined with training data. Race performance was categorised as win/not-win or podium or not, each analysed by logistic regression. Colts (p < 0.001), stayers (p < 0.001) and being relatively fast over the last 600 m of a benchmark test in training (p < 0.008) were all predictive of race performance. Heart rate recovery after exercise (p = 0.21) and speed recorded at 600 m of a 1 km benchmark test in training (p = 0.94) were not predictive. In-training physiological data analytics used along with subjective experience may help trainers identify promising horses and improve decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Schrurs
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
| | | | | | - David S. Gardner
- School of Veterinary Medicine & Science, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington, Loughborough LE12 5RD, UK
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Munsters C, Siegers E, Sloet van Oldruitenborgh-Oosterbaan M. Effect of a 14-Day Period of Heat Acclimation on Horses Using Heated Indoor Arenas in Preparation for Tokyo Olympic Games. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:546. [PMID: 38396514 PMCID: PMC10886293 DOI: 10.3390/ani14040546] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
To optimise the performance and welfare of horses during equestrian competitions in hot climates, it is advised to acclimate them to the heat. The effects of training in a heated indoor arena were studied. Four Olympic horses (13.3 ± 2.2 years; three eventers, one para-dressage horse) were trained for 14 consecutive days in a heated indoor arena (32 ± 1 °C; 50-60% humidity) following their normal training schedule in preparation for the Tokyo Olympic games. Standardised exercise tests (SETs) were performed on Day 1 and Day 14, measuring heart rate (HR; bpm), plasma lactate concentration (LA; mmol/L), deep rectal temperature (Trec; °C), sweat loss (SL; L), and sweat composition (K+, Cl- and Na+ concentration). The data were analysed using linear mixed models. The Trec and HR were significantly decreased after acclimation (estimate: -0.106, 95% CI -0.134, -0.078; estimate: -4.067, 95% CI -7.535, -0.598, respectively). Furthermore, for all the horses, the time taken to reach their peak Trec and heat storage increased, while their LA concentrations decreased. The SL, Cl-, and Na+ concentrations decreased in three out of the four horses. Conclusions: Fourteen days of normal training in a heated indoor arena resulted in a reduction in cardiovascular and thermal strain. This is advantageous because it shows that elite sport horses can be acclimated while training as usual for a championship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolien Munsters
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.S.v.O.-O.)
- Equine Integration B.V., Groenstraat 2c, 5528 Hoogeloon, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Siegers
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands (M.S.v.O.-O.)
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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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Verdegaal ELJMM, Howarth GS, McWhorter TJ, Boshuizen B, Franklin SH, Vidal Moreno de Vega C, Jonas SE, Folwell LE, Delesalle CJG. Continuous Monitoring of the Thermoregulatory Response in Endurance Horses and Trotter Horses During Field Exercise: Baselining for Future Hot Weather Studies. Front Physiol 2021; 12:708737. [PMID: 34512382 PMCID: PMC8427666 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.708737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Establishing proper policies regarding the recognition and prevention of equine heat stress becomes increasingly important, especially in the face of global warming. To assist this, a detailed view of the variability of equine thermoregulation during field exercise and recovery is essential. 13 endurance horses and 12 trotter horses were equipped with continuous monitoring devices [gastrointestinal (GI) pill, heartrate (HR) monitor, and global positioning system] and monitored under cool weather conditions during four endurance rides over a total of 80 km (40 km loops) and intense trotter track-based exercise over 1,540 m. Recordings included GI temperature (T c ), speed, HR and pre- and post-exercise blood values. A temperature time profile curve of T c was constructed, and a net area under the curve was calculated using the trapezoidal method. Metabolic heat production and oxygen cost of transport were also calculated in endurance horses. Maximum T c was compared using an independent samples t-test. Endurance horses (mean speed 14.1 ± 1.7 km h-1) reached mean maximum T c (39.0 ± 0.4°C; 2 × 40 km in 8 horses) during exercise at 75% of completion of T c exercise and T c returned to baseline within 60 min into recovery. However, the mean T c was still 38.8 ± 0.4°C at a HR of 60 bpm which currently governs "fit to continue" competition decisions. Trotters (40.0 ± 2.9 km h-1) reached a comparable mean max T c (38.8 ± 0.5°C; 12 horses) always during recovery. In 30% of trotters, T c was still >39°C at the end of recovery (40 ± 32 min). The study shows that horses are individuals and thermoregulation monitoring should reflect this, no matter what type of exercise is performed. Caution is advised when using HR cut-off values to monitor thermal welfare in horses since we have demonstrated how T c can peak quite some time after finishing exercise. These findings have implications for training and management of performance horses to safeguard equine welfare and to maximize performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth-Lidwien J. M. M. Verdegaal
- Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gordon S. Howarth
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Todd J. McWhorter
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Berit Boshuizen
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Samantha H. Franklin
- Equine Health and Performance Centre, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Carmen Vidal Moreno de Vega
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stacey E. Jonas
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Louise E. Folwell
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Roseworthy Campus, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Catherine J. G. Delesalle
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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