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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Muscle fibre characteristics of active and inactive standard...
Equine veterinary journal1985; 17(6); 434-438; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02549.x

Muscle fibre characteristics of active and inactive standardbred horses.

Abstract: Muscle biopsies were taken from the middle gluteus muscle of 36 Standardbred horses. Twelve of the horses were inactive, while 24 were actively trained and raced. Twelve of the trained horses were moderate performers, with a mean racing time of 1 min 21 secs per km (741 m/min) and the other 12 were excellent performers, with a mean racing time of 1 min 16 secs per km (789 m/min). The percentage and mean area of Type I fibres were similar in all three groups of horses. Marked differences were found among the subgroups of Type II fibres. The well-trained horses had a higher proportion of Type IIA fibres and a lower proportion of the Type IIB (58 per cent IIA and 15 per cent IIB fibres in the excellent performers; 49 per cent IIA and 26 per cent IIB in the moderate performers) than the inactive horses (41 per cent IIA and 35 per cent IIB fibres). The mean area of Type II fibres was smaller in the muscle of the active horses (excellent performers: IIA, 3075 micron2; IIB, 3378 micron2) moderate performers: IIA, 3185 micron2; IIB, 4252 micron2) than in that of the inactive ones (IIA, 3714 micron2; IIB, 5935 micron2). Intramuscular substrates (glycogen and triglycerides) and the activities of enzymes used as markers for the glycolytic potential of the muscle seemed to be similar in the three groups of horses, although there were large interindividual variation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
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Publication Date: 1985-11-01 PubMed ID: 4076157DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02549.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research examines the muscle characteristics of different types of standardbred horses. It finds that fiber type distribution and area differs based on the level of the horse’s activity and performance, with well-trained horses having more Type IIA fibers and fewer Type IIB fibers than inactive horses, also, the size of Type II fibers was smaller in active horses.

Objective of the Research

  • The main aim of the research was to establish the muscle fiber characteristics of active and inactive standardbred horses. The researchers were particularly interested in understanding differences in the muscle fiber types (type I, IIA, and IIB) based on horse’s activity level and performance.

Sampling and Methodology

  • Researchers took muscle biopsies from 36 Standardbred horses: 12 inactive, 12 moderate performers, and 12 excellent performers. The performance level was based on their mean racing time. The muscle samples were taken from the middle gluteus muscle.

Key Findings

  • The percentage and mean area of Type I fibers were similar across all three groups regardless of their activity level or performance.
  • The Type II muscle fibers showed differences based on the horses’ activity level and performance. The well-trained horses had a higher proportion of Type IIA fibers and a lower proportion of the Type IIB fibers compared to the inactive horses.
  • The mean area of Type II fibers was smaller in the muscle of active horses compared to their inactive counterparts.
  • The intramuscular substrates and the activities of enzymes used as markers for the glycolytic potential of the muscle were similar in the three groups of horses, despite large interindividual variations.

Implications of the Research

  • The research provides valuable insight into the muscle fiber characteristics of horses based on their level of activity and performance.
  • These findings could potentially be used to tailor training regimens and dietary programs for horses at different performance levels, helping them achieve their maximum potential.

Cite This Article

APA
Essén-Gustavsson B, Lindholm A. (1985). Muscle fibre characteristics of active and inactive standardbred horses. Equine Vet J, 17(6), 434-438. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1985.tb02549.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 17
Issue: 6
Pages: 434-438

Researcher Affiliations

Essén-Gustavsson, B
    Lindholm, A

      MeSH Terms

      • 3-Hydroxyacyl CoA Dehydrogenases / metabolism
      • Animals
      • Biopsy / veterinary
      • Citrate (si)-Synthase / metabolism
      • Female
      • Glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate Dehydrogenases / metabolism
      • Histocytochemistry
      • Horses / anatomy & histology
      • Horses / metabolism
      • L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / metabolism
      • Male
      • Muscles / anatomy & histology
      • Muscles / enzymology
      • Muscles / metabolism

      Citations

      This article has been cited 13 times.
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