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Theriogenology2010; 73(7); 973-983; doi: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.026

Determination of heart rate and heart rate variability in the equine fetus by fetomaternal electrocardiography.

Abstract: Heart rate is an important parameter of fetal well-being. We have analyzed fetal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) by fetomaternal electrocardiography (ECG) in the horse (Equus caballus) from midpregnancy to foaling. It was the aim of the study to detect changes in the regulation of fetal cardiac activity over time and to establish normal values in undisturbed pregnancies. A total of 22 mares were available for the study. Fetomaternal electrocardiography was a reliable technique to detect cardiac signals in fetuses between Day 173 of gestation and foaling. Fetal HR decreased from 115+/-4 beats/min (Days 170 to 240 of gestation) to 83+/-3 beats/min (Day 320) to 79+/-1 beats/min (1 d before foaling; P<0.001). Mean beat to beat (RR) interval and standard deviation of the RR interval (SDRR) increased (P<0.001). Gestational age thus affects RR interval and HR in the equine fetus. From Days 270 to 340 of gestation, SDRR increased from 11.4+/-1.3 msec on Day 270 to 27.8+/-3.6 msec on Day 340 (P<0.05), and the root mean square of successive RR differences (RMSSD) tended to increase (P=0.07), indicating maturation of the fetal autonomous nervous system. For the last 10 d before foaling, fetal HR and HRV remained constant and did not allow predicting the onset of parturition in the horse. Only during the last 30min before the foal was born, in 4 of 5 fetuses, HR decreased and RR interval increased. Accelerations and decelerations in HR were detectable at all times, but neither their number nor duration changed over time.
Copyright 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2010-01-27 PubMed ID: 20106514DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.026Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

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This study explores the use of fetomaternal electrocardiography (ECG) in tracking fetal heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in horses from mid-pregnancy to birth. Through observing changes and establishing reliable data for typical pregnancies, the researchers found that fetal HR decreases and RR interval (time between heartbeats) increases as gestation progresses. These findings were consistent and did not help in predicting the onset of birth. Cardiac fluctuations were present throughout, but the duration and frequency did not change.

Methodology

  • The study involved a total of 22 mares at different stages of their gestation period, ranging between Day 173 and foaling.
  • The researchers used fetomaternal electrocardiography to track the cardiac signals of the yet-to-be-born foal.
  • Through the method, they observed changes in heartbeats ranging from 115 beats per minute (Days 170 to 240 of gestation) to 79 beats per minute (1 day before foaling) showing a decreasing trend.

Findings

  • The research established that as gestation advanced, the RR interval (time between heartbeats) increased, while the heart rate reduced.
  • From Days 270 to 340 of gestation, the study found significant changes in SDRR (standard deviation of the RR interval), an indicator of HRV, suggesting development in the fetal autonomous nervous system.
  • Despite the observed changes during gestation, the heart rate and heart rate variability remained constant in the last 10 days leading to birth and did not assist in predicting when birth would occur.
  • Cardiac fluctuations were prevalent throughout the period under study. However, their number and duration did not exhibit significant changes over time.

Significance of the Study

  • The study provided reliable and normal values for fetal heart rate and heart rate variability in undisturbed pregnancies. This information is vital as it serves as a benchmark for assessing fetal well-being in horses.
  • The method and findings of this study could be valuable for equine practitioners and researchers.

Cite This Article

APA
Nagel C, Aurich J, Aurich C. (2010). Determination of heart rate and heart rate variability in the equine fetus by fetomaternal electrocardiography. Theriogenology, 73(7), 973-983. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.11.026

Publication

Theriogenology
ISSN: 1879-3231
NlmUniqueID: 0421510
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 73
Issue: 7
Pages: 973-983

Researcher Affiliations

Nagel, C
  • Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, Brandenburg State Stud, Neustadt (Dosse), Germany.
Aurich, J
    Aurich, C

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Electrocardiography / methods
      • Electrocardiography / veterinary
      • Female
      • Gestational Age
      • Heart Rate, Fetal / physiology
      • Horses / embryology
      • Parturition
      • Pregnancy

      Citations

      This article has been cited 6 times.
      1. Brito PHS, Ferreira MA, Rusch E, Arantes JA, Carregaro AB, Valadão CAA, Ghantous GF, Dória RGS. Anesthesia for non-obstetric surgery during late term pregnancy in mares. PLoS One 2024;19(11):e0313563.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313563pubmed: 39576817google scholar: lookup
      2. McCrae P, Spong H, Golestani N, Mahnam A, Bashura Y, Pearson W. Validation of an Equine Smart Textile System for Heart Rate Variability: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 1;13(3).
        doi: 10.3390/ani13030512pubmed: 36766401google scholar: lookup
      3. Cruz-Aleixo AS, Castro Ferreira Lima M, Holanda DE Albuquerque AL, Tortorelli Teixeira R, Alves DE Paula R, Grandi MC, Laurenti Ferreira DO, Harumi Tsunemi M, Biagio Chiacchio S, Gomes LourenÇo ML. Heart rate variability in Dorper sheep in the fetal and neonatal periods until 120 days of age: Use of the technique in the field. J Vet Med Sci 2021 Jan 14;83(1):17-27.
        doi: 10.1292/jvms.20-0292pubmed: 33191386google scholar: lookup
      4. Nagel C, Melchert M, Aurich C, Aurich J. Differences in Endocrine and Cardiac Changes in Mares and Her Fetus before, during, and after Parturition in Horses of Different Size. Animals (Basel) 2020 Sep 4;10(9).
        doi: 10.3390/ani10091577pubmed: 32899617google scholar: lookup
      5. Murase H, Niwa H, Katayama Y, Sato F, Hada T, Nambo Y. A clinical case of equine fungal placentitis with reference to hormone profiles and ultrasonography. J Equine Sci 2015;26(4):129-33.
        doi: 10.1294/jes.26.129pubmed: 26858578google scholar: lookup
      6. Murase H, Endo Y, Tsuchiya T, Kotoyori Y, Shikichi M, Ito K, Sato F, Nambo Y. Ultrasonographic evaluation of equine fetal growth throughout gestation in normal mares using a convex transducer. J Vet Med Sci 2014 Jul;76(7):947-53.
        doi: 10.1292/jvms.13-0259pubmed: 24662520google scholar: lookup
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