Field-training in young two-year-old thoroughbreds: investigating cardiorespiratory adaptations and the presence of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage.
Abstract: Comparatively little is known regarding the initial cardiorespiratory response of young racehorses to training. The objectives were to compare physiological parameters before and after introductory training and determine whether young Thoroughbreds show endoscopic signs of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). Ten Thoroughbreds (20-23 months) underwent 12-weeks of introductory training, including weekly speed sessions. Two 600 m high-speed exercise tests (HSET) were performed following weeks 4 and 12 while wearing a validated ergospirometry facemask. Peak oxygen consumption (V̇Opk) and ventilatory parameters (tidal volume, V; peak inspiratory and expiratory flow, PkV̇, PkV̇; respiratory frequency, Rf; minute ventilation, V̇E) were measured. The ventilatory equivalent of oxygen (V̇E/V̇O) and the aerobic and anaerobic contributions to energy production were calculated. Maximal heart rate (HR) and HR at maximal speed (HR) were determined. Post-exercise hematocrit, plasma ammonia and blood lactate were measured. Evidence of EIPH was investigated via tracheobronchoscopy post-exercise. Results were compared (paired t-test, P < 0.05). Results: Horses were faster following training (P < 0.001) and V̇Opk increased 28 ml/(kg total mass.min) (28 ± 16%; P < 0.001). Ventilatory (V̇E, P = 0.0015; Rf, P < 0.001; PkV̇, P < 0.001; PkV̇, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular parameters (HR, P = 0.03; HR, P = 0.04) increased. The increase in V̇E was due to greater Rf, but not V. V̇E/V̇O was lower (26 ± 3.6 vs 23 ± 3.7; P = 0.02), indicating improved ventilatory efficiency. Anaerobic contribution to total energy production increased from 15.6 ± 6.1% to 18.5 ± 6.3% (P = 0.02). Post-exercise hematocrit (P < 0.001), plasma ammonia (P = 0.03) and blood lactate (P = 0.001) increased following training. Horses showed no signs of EIPH. Conclusions: Young two-year-old Thoroughbreds responded well to introductory training without developing tracheobronchoscopic evidence of EIPH.
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Publication Date: 2024-04-26 PubMed ID: 38671428PubMed Central: PMC11046817DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03997-xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The study analyzes the cardiorespiratory response of young Thoroughbred horses to initial training and checks for any signs of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH). The research shows that young Thoroughbreds adapt well to early introductory training, improving their cardiovascular parameters, ventilatory efficiency, and speed, without showing any tracheobronchoscopic evidence of EIPH.
Objectives of the Research
- The research aimed to understand the initial cardiorespiratory response in young Thoroughbred horses (aged 20-23 months) to training.
- The study also aimed to identify any endoscopic signs of exercise-induced pulmonary hemorrhage (EIPH) in these horses.
Methodology
- The research was performed on ten Thoroughbreds who received 12 weeks of introductory training that included weekly speed sessions.
- Two high-speed exercise tests (HSET) were performed at the end of weeks 4 and 12, during which horses wore a validated ergospirometry facemask for accurate measurements.
- Cardiorespiratory parameters such as peak oxygen consumption, tidal volume, peak inspiratory and expiratory flow, respiratory frequency, and minute ventilation were measured. The aerobic and anaerobic contributions to energy production were also calculated.
- The horses’ heart rate was monitored, and post-exercise measures for hematocrit, plasma ammonia, and blood lactate levels were taken.
- Evidence of EIPH was scrutinized through tracheobronchoscopy post-exercise.
Results of the Study
- The horses’ speed, peak oxygen consumption, various ventilatory and cardiovascular parameters improved significantly after training.
- Specifically, the increased minute ventilation was attributed to the higher respiratory frequency rather than the tidal volume.
- The study also found an improvement in ventilatory efficiency, as indicated by a lower ventilatory equivalent of oxygen.
- The anaerobic contribution to total energy production increased post-training.
- The levels of post-exercise hematocrit, plasma ammonia, and blood lactate also increased following training.
- Significantly, no horse showed indications of EIPH.
Conclusion
- The study concludes that young two-year-old Thoroughbreds respond positively to initial training, showing improvements in cardiorespiratory parameters and speed, without manifesting any signs of EIPH.
Cite This Article
APA
Massie S, Bayly W, Ohmura H, Takahashi Y, Mukai K, Léguillette R.
(2024).
Field-training in young two-year-old thoroughbreds: investigating cardiorespiratory adaptations and the presence of exercise induced pulmonary hemorrhage.
BMC Vet Res, 20(1), 159.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-024-03997-x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada.
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Grimes Way, Pullman, WA, 99164, USA.
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan.
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan.
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, 1400-4, Shiba, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi, 329-0412, Japan.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4Z6, Canada. rleguill@ucalgary.ca.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Horses
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
- Hemorrhage / veterinary
- Male
- Oxygen Consumption
- Lung Diseases / veterinary
- Heart Rate
- Female
- Adaptation, Physiological
- Horse Diseases / physiopathology
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no competing interests.
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