Comparison of β-endorphin, Lactate and Cortisol Concentrations in Winning and Losing Racehorses.
Abstract: Understanding the physiological and biochemical changes in racehorses can be invaluable. Accurate information in this area could result in better understanding of needs of sport horses. The aim of this study was to prove the hypothesis that biochemical changes could influence the outcome of competitions. In this study, β-endorphin was evaluated as an indicator of analgesia, lactate as an indicator of fatigue and cortisol as an indicator of stress in the first two horses and the last ones that cross the finish line. This study was performed on 44 horses participating in the 1000-meter national championship. In Group 1, 22 winners and second place horses were included; for Group 2, 22 last and penultimate horses were included. Blood samples were obtained in the doping room after race (T0) and 20 minutes after finishing (T20). Results for beta endorphin at T0 and T20 were higher (P > 0.05) for Group 1 compared to Group 2; on the contrary, lactate concentration was lower (P > 0.05) for Group 1 than Group 2 at T0 and T20. However, differences (P < 0.05) were obtained within groups at T0 and T20 for beta endorphin and lactate concentrations. No significant differences were found for cortisol concentration.The results of this study showed that winning horses had higher levels of β-endorphin and lower levels of lactate than losers. Further and deeper experimental studies are needed to prove the hypothesis that biochemical changes could influence the outcome of competitions.
Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier Inc.
Publication Date: 2021-12-26 PubMed ID: 34965409DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103857Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research is about understanding the correlation between physiological changes in horse bodies and their performance in races. The study suggests that winners tend to have higher β-endorphin (implicating better pain management) and lower lactate levels (indicating less fatigue) in the immediate aftermath of the race.
Research Methodology
- The study involves 44 horses competing in a 1000-meter national championship race.
- These horses are split into two groups – Group 1 (the winners and runners-up) and Group 2 (the last and second-last horses to finish).
- Three biochemical markers were measured in the horses: β-endorphin (indicative of pain management), lactate (indicative of fatigue), and cortisol (indicative of stress levels).
- Blood samples were obtained after the race (T0) and then again 20 minutes later (T20).
Findings & Interpretation
- At both T0 and T20, the β-endorphin levels in Group 1 were higher compared to Group 2 which might suggest that winning horses better manage their stress or pain.
- Contrastingly, the lactate levels in Group 1 were lower at both times, which may indicate less fatigue or better energy management in winning horses.
- For both β-endorphin and lactate levels, significant within-group differences were observed between T0 and T20. This suggests time-sensitive changes in their levels post the race.
- No significant differences in cortisol levels were observed between the two groups or within the groups over time. This indicates similar perceived stress levels amongst all participants.
Conclusion and Further Research Directions
- The outcome of the study indicates that success in horse racing might be associated with higher β-endorphin and lower lactate levels. This suggests winning horses handle pain and fatigue better than those finishing last.
- However, as no definite causality has been established between these physiological markers and competition outcome, further investigations are necessary to establish this connection and the mechanisms underlying it.
Cite This Article
APA
Tavanaeimanesh H, Dashli-Boroon OJ, Corley K.
(2021).
Comparison of β-endorphin, Lactate and Cortisol Concentrations in Winning and Losing Racehorses.
J Equine Vet Sci, 110, 103857.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2021.103857 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran. Electronic address: hamidtavana@ut.ac.ir.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
- Veterinary Advances, The Curragh, Co Kildare, Ireland.
MeSH Terms
- Analgesia / veterinary
- Animals
- Horses
- Hydrocortisone
- Lactic Acid
- Sports
- beta-Endorphin
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Stancari G, Conturba B, Bozzola C, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Associations between Medical Disorders and Racing Outcomes in Poorly Performing Standardbred Trotter Racehorses: A Retrospective Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Aug 9;13(16).
- Tilley P, Simões J, Sales Luis JP. Effects of a 15° Variation in Poll Flexion during Riding on the Respiratory Systems and Behaviour of High-Level Dressage and Show-Jumping Horses. Animals (Basel) 2023 May 22;13(10).
- Schrurs C, Dubois G, Van Erck-Westergren E, Gardner DS. Does sex of the jockey influence racehorse physiology and performance. PLoS One 2022;17(8):e0273310.
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