Metabolic changes in thoroughbred and pony foals during the first 24 h post partum.
Abstract: Metabolic rates, rectal temperatures and respiratory quotients (RQ) were determined during the first 24 h post partum in Thoroughbred and pony foals and in relation to environmental temperature. Both breeds had high metabolic rates (greater than 200 W/m2) during the first hour post partum when they were wet and shivering; by 4 to 24 h values were fairly steady at about 153 and 105 W/m2 for Thoroughbred and pony foals, respectively. At birth, rectal temperature was lower in Thoroughbred foals than in pony foals; values increased during the first hour, and then decreased. At 24 h of age, both breeds had a rectal temperature of 38.4 degrees C. RQ values were high (greater than 0.9) at birth in both breeds, declining to about 0.82 by 4 to 24 h of age. At similar environmental temperatures, the metabolic rates per unit area of Thoroughbred foals were higher than those of pony foals at all ages. The results indicate that breed differences may exist between the thermal responses of newborn Thoroughbred and pony foals.
Publication Date: 1991-01-01 PubMed ID: 1795299
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study investigates the metabolic changes, rectal temperatures, and respiratory quotients in Thoroughbred and pony foals during their first 24 hours after birth and how these factors relate to environmental temperature. The findings suggest that there may be breed differences in thermal responses between newborn Thoroughbred and pony foals.
Overview of the Study
- The research was conducted to measure metabolic rates, rectal temperatures, and respiratory quotients (RQ) in Thoroughbred and pony foals in their first 24 hours after birth. The study also examined how these factors were affected by environmental temperature.
- The investigations pointed to significant metabolic activities within the first hour of birth when the foals were wet and shivering, before rates started to stabilize between 4 to 24 hours.
- The results showed breed-based differences in the thermal reactions of newborn Thoroughbred and pony foals.
Findings on Metabolic Rates
- Both breeds demonstrated high metabolic rates with over 200 W/m2 during the first hour post birth when they were wet and shivering due to the birthing process.
- These rates steadied to about 153 and 105 W/m2 for Thoroughbred and pony foals, respectively, between 4 to 24 hours.
- At similar environmental temperatures, the metabolic rates per unit area of Thoroughbred foals were higher than those of pony foals at all examined ages, indicating breed differences in their metabolism.
Findings on Rectal Temperatures
- At birth, rectal temperature was lower in Thoroughbred foals than in pony foals.
- Values increased during the first hour, likely due to the body’s metabolism and thermoregulation, and then decreased.
- At 24 hours of age, both breeds had a rectal temperature of 38.4 degrees Celsius, indicating a stabilization of body temperature over time.
Findings on Respiratory Quotients (RQ)
- RQ values were high in both breeds at birth, with a value greater than 0.9.
- This value declined to roughly 0.82 between 4 to 24 hours of age.
- The study did not explicitly mention the implications of this reduction in RQ value, but it could be related to changes in respiratory efficiency as the animals settled into their post-birth environment.
Cite This Article
APA
Ousey JC, McArthur AJ, Rossdale PD.
(1991).
Metabolic changes in thoroughbred and pony foals during the first 24 h post partum.
J Reprod Fertil Suppl, 44, 561-570.
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Beaufort Cottage Stables, Newmarket, Suffolk, U.K.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn / metabolism
- Body Temperature
- Breeding
- Environment
- Female
- Horses / metabolism
- Postpartum Period / physiology
- Pregnancy
- Respiration
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Boakari YL, Legacki E, Alonso MA, Dos Santos ACF, Nichi M, Conley AJ, Fernandes CB. Postnatal Dynamics of Circulating Steroid Hormones in Mule and Equine Neonates. Vet Sci 2022 Oct 28;9(11).
- Ferner K, Schultz JA, Zeller U. Comparative anatomy of neonates of the three major mammalian groups (monotremes, marsupials, placentals) and implications for the ancestral mammalian neonate morphotype. J Anat 2017 Dec;231(6):798-822.
- Szdzuy K, Zeller U, Renfree M, Tzschentke B, Janke O. Postnatal lung and metabolic development in two marsupial and four eutherian species. J Anat 2008 Feb;212(2):164-79.
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