Dynamic Metabolic Response, Clotting Times and Peripheral Indices of Central Fatigue in Horse Competing in a 44 Km Endurance Race.

The research article discusses a study that examined changes in metabolic response, clotting times and fatigue markers in horses participating in a 44 km endurance race. The findings indicated increased glycolysis, lipid mobilization, and amino acid metabolism, which act as fuel for muscle contraction in these horses.

Study Overview

• This study was conducted on six racing horses to better understand how their bodies metabolically respond during feet endurance sports. Blood samples were collected at rest, within 5 minutes of the race end, and 30 and 60 minutes post-race. The study objectives were to elucidate the inner workings of a horse’s physiology when exposed to strenuous physical activity during a 44 km official endurance race.
• The gathered data aimed at influencing the design of efficient training programs that strike a balance between optimal performance and the wellbeing of the animal. The ability to optimize this balance is a product of understanding how horses metabolically react during high-intensity physical activities.

Data Collection

• The collected blood samples examined several metabolic indicators, including lactate and glucose levels, platelets, serum leucine, isoleucine, valine, tryptophan, the ratio between tryptophan and branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) levels, total proteins, non-esterified fatty acids, plasma thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, and fibrinogen.
• These metabolic markers were studied in order to determine changes happening during and after the race as the horse’s body reacted to endurance conditions and physical exertion.

Findings

• The research findings indicated that lactate, platelets, non-esterified fatty acids, BCAAs, and tryptophan/BCAAs ratio showed significantly higher values after the race than at rest, signifying an increase in glycolysis, lipid mobilization, and amino acid metabolism. These processes provide necessary substrates acting as fuel for muscle contraction during prolonged physical exercise.
• On the other hand, glucose showed significantly lower values after the race in comparison to the rest period. This indicates intense energy use to fuel the horse’s intense physical activity.
• Prothrombin and plasma thrombin time values exhibited an increase after the race, indicating that coagulation activity in the horses also increased during the race, possibly to manage potential caused injuries during the race.

Conclusion

• Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into horses’ metabolic responses during endurance races. The findings could aid in developing more effective training programs, ensuring both the enhanced performance and overall welfare of horses.