Effect of Lactate Minimum Speed-Guided Conditioning on Selected Blood Parameters of Horses.

This research investigates the effect of a conditioning program guided by lactate minimum speed (LMS) on blood osmolality in horses. It suggests that such a program can enhance fitness in horses and maintain blood osmolality during exercise, proving the effectiveness of osmotic blood balance management.

Study Methods

• The study involved ten Arabian horses and was conducted over a period of 6 weeks.
• Each horse was evaluated both before (ET 1) and after the conditioning period (ET 2).
• The intensity of the conditioning was determined by the Lactate Minimum Speed (LMS) established during the initial evaluation (ET 1).
• Blood samples were collected from the subjects at rest and during the evaluation tests (ET 1 and ET 2).

Results and Findings

• Post-conditioning assessments showed that individual horses experienced an increase in LMS and a decrease in lactate levels. However, these changes were not significantly consistent when evaluated at a group level.
• The study found no noticeable change in blood osmolality between the before and after conditioning evaluations. This indicates the effectiveness of the equines’ osmotic blood balance during physical activity.
• The conditioning also did not cause any significant change in the horses’ plasma volume, suggesting greater control of homeostasis due to the adaptations resulting from the conditioning.
• The reduced lactate production during ET 2 provides evidence of an improvement in the animals’ fitness after the LMS-guided conditioning program.

Conclusion

• The study concluded that an LMS-guided conditioning program can be successfully used in regulating an effective equine training program.
• Despite requiring some adjustments, this kind of program shows potential in enhancing physical fitness, controlling homeostasis, and maintaining osmotic blood balance during physical activity in horses.