Assessment of body fluids and blood parameters associated with rapid weight change in heavy horses.
Abstract: Horses competing in pulling competitions often undergo rapid weight change to enter lower weight categories. The aim of this study was to assess weight change and the associated changes of body water compartments in pulling horses. Weight change was attributed primarily to body water losses; however, losses from other sources were also indicated. . Les chevaux participant à des compétitions de trait subissent souvent des changements de poids rapides pour s’inscrire à des catégories de poids inférieurs. Le but de cette étude consistait à évaluer le changement de poids et les changements connexes de l’eau dans les compartiments du corps chez les chevaux de trait. Le changement de poids a été principalement attribué à la perte d’eau corporelle. Cependant, des pertes d’eau d’autres sources ont aussi été signalées.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).
Publication Date: 2019-07-10 PubMed ID: 31281188PubMed Central: PMC6563874
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the effects of rapid weight changes in heavy horses, often used in pulling competitions. The study specifically focuses on the changes in body water compartments linked to these rapid weight changes.
Objective of the Study
- The primary aim of the research was to assess the implications of rapid weight change on the body water compartments of heavy horses. These animals are often made to undergo swift changes in body weight to qualify for lower weight categories in pulling competitions.
Methodology and Findings
- Essentially, the focus of the investigation was on identifying whether changes in weight were mainly due to body water losses or other factors were also at play.
- As per the findings of the study, weight change was primarily attributed to the losses in body water. This indicates that when these horses experience rapid weight shifts, a significant proportion of their body water is lost in the process.
Other Considerations
- Despite the conclusive evidence pointing towards water loss as the main driver of weight change, the study also signaled losses from other unidentified sources.
- These other sources of weight loss need to be further investigated to better understand and manage the health implications of rapid weight changes on these heavy-duty horses.
Concluding Remarks
- The study serves as an important insight into the health ramifications of rapid weight changes in heavy horses and can help in framing better diet and training routines for these animals in pulling competitions.
Cite This Article
APA
Greco-Otto P, Léguillette R.
(2019).
Assessment of body fluids and blood parameters associated with rapid weight change in heavy horses.
Can Vet J, 60(7), 721-724.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Body Water
- Body Weight
- Horses
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
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This article includes 14 references
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