Changes in selected biochemical constituents of blood collected from horses participating in a 50-mile endurance ride.

The research analyzes the effect of extreme physical exertion, specifically a 50-mile endurance ride, on various biochemical components in horse’s blood. The study evidenced significant alterations in serum electrolytes, enzymes, and blood metabolites closely related to intense sweating, muscle wear, and reliance on anaerobic glycolysis and lipid mobilization.

Methodology

• The study was conducted on a group of 13 horses that underwent a 50-mile endurance ride. Blood samples were collected at multiple stages: preride, midride, postride, one hour after the ride, and 16 hours after the ride.
• The research focused primarily on understanding substantial shifts in serum electrolytes, blood metabolites, and serum enzymes as a consequence of intense physical activity.

Results

• The findings presented significant variances in the blood biochemistry when comparing preride values with the measurements taken at the different stages.
• There were notable decreases in serum concentrations of chloride, potassium, and calcium, with a corresponding rise in phosphorous levels. The levels of chloride and calcium remained low even 16 hours post-ride.
• A slight but statistically significant increase in sodium concentration was observed during the ride, coupled with a decrease in glucose concentration.
• Despite no evident alteration in blood pyruvate concentration mid-ride, the study revealed a significant increase by the end of the ride.
• Hematocrit levels and total protein concentration also indicated significant changes during the study.
• The research noted high increases in concentrations of free fatty acids, serum enzymes, and lactate during the ride. While creatine kinase and lactic dehydrogenase levels dropped after the ride, levels of aspartate aminotransferase remained high. Significant increases in lactate and free fatty acids during the ride receded to roughly preride values 16 hours after the endurance ride.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that the changes in serum electrolytes, enzymes, and blood metabolites correspond to high-intensity exertion effects, such as increased sweating, muscle damage, and dependency on anaerobic glycolysis and lipid mobilization experienced by the horses during the endurance ride.