Maximal anaerobic (lactic) capacity and power of the horse.
Abstract: Blood lactate concentrations were determined in 16 horses (three Thoroughbreds, seven Standardbreds and six polo ponies) before and 5 mins after they galloped over distances of 200, 300 and 400 m at maximal speed. The highest net lactate concentration (delta Lamax) of 14 to 15 mmol/litre was attained by the polo ponies and the highest speed by the Thoroughbreds. The maximal rate of lactate production (delta Låmax) was about 35 mmol/litre X min for the polo ponies and 20 to 25 mmol/litre X min for the Standardbreds and the Thoroughbreds. Values for delta Lamax and delta Låmax were similar to those measured in human athletes after exhaustive work. delta Låmax increases with the speed (v) and can be described by the equation delta Lå = a (v-v1), where a is a proportionality constant representing the amount of lactate needed to cover a unit distance and v1 the theoretical speed at which delta Lå = 0 X v1 was highest for the Thoroughbreds and lowest for the polo ponies; this difference could be caused by the effect of training and/or to genetic differences among the different breeds of horses X v1 could be a useful index of the fitness of a horse following a training programme.
Publication Date: 1985-03-01 PubMed ID: 3987660DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02066.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article evaluates the anaerobic capacity and power of three breeds of horses using blood lactate concentrations before and after exertion. The study showed that these values are similar to those of human athletes after exhaustive work, with polo ponies showing the highest lactate production.
Understanding the Maximization of Anaerobic Capacity
- The study aimed to determine the maximum lactate that could be created by a horse’s body in a state of anaerobic exercise. Anaerobic exercise refers to short-lasting, high-intensity activity, where the demand for oxygen exceeds the oxygen supply available. As a result, the body has to produce energy without oxygen, leading to the creation of lactate or lactic acid in the blood.
- The researchers looked at blood lactate concentrations in 16 horses (split between Thoroughbreds, Standardbreds, and polo ponies) before and after galloping at their maximum speed over distances of 200, 300 and 400 meters.
- By comparing these values, the researchers were able to evaluate and compare the maximal anaerobic capacity of the different breeds of horses. Evidence points to polo ponies reaching the highest net lactate concentrations (around 14-15 mmol/liter) followed by Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds.
Quantifying Maximal Rate of Lactate Production
- The research further investigated the maximal rate of lactate production after exercise. Again, the polo ponies showed the highest production rate with around 35 mmol/liter per minute while the other two breeds demonstrated lower rates (20-25).
- The lactate concentration and production rates among horses were found to be similar to those observed in human athletes after exhaustive work. This implies that horses, like humans, can rely on anaerobic metabolism during intense exercise.
The Impact of Speed and Training
- The study also showed that maximal lactate production increased with speed. This relationship is given by the formula ∆Lå = a (v-v1), where ‘a’ is a proportionality constant representing the amount of lactate needed to cover a unit distance, ‘v’ is speed, and ‘v1’ is the theoretical speed at which no lactate is produced.
- The Thoroughbreds showed the highest theoretical speed value (v1), while the polo ponies displayed the lowest. These differences could be due to variations in training or genetic differences between the horse breeds.
- The study suggests the theoretical speed (v1) could serve as an index of a horse’s fitness post a training programme. This is useful to measure the effectiveness of training regimens and can inform adjustments to maximize performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Saibene F, Cortili G, Gavazzi P, Sala A, Faina M, Sardella F.
(1985).
Maximal anaerobic (lactic) capacity and power of the horse.
Equine Vet J, 17(2), 130-132.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02066.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
MeSH Terms
- Anaerobiosis
- Animals
- Energy Metabolism
- Horses / physiology
- Humans
- Lactates / blood
- Lactic Acid
- Physical Exertion
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Stancari G, Conturba B, Bozzola C, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Evaluation of fitness parameters in relation to racing results in 245 Standardbred trotter horses submitted for poor performance examination: A retrospective study. PLoS One 2023;18(10):e0293202.
- Lo Feudo CM, Stucchi L, Stancari G, Alberti E, Conturba B, Zucca E, Ferrucci F. Associations between Exercise-Induced Pulmonary Hemorrhage (EIPH) and Fitness Parameters Measured by Incremental Treadmill Test in Standardbred Racehorses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Feb 12;12(4).
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