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Research in veterinary science1980; 28(2); 137-144;

Muscle fibre type composition of a number of limb muscles in different types of horse.

Abstract: Skeletal muscle of the equine was differentiated into three fibre types according to myosin ATPase (pH 9.4) and succinic dehydrogenase activity. The percentage of these types was determined in the musculus deltoideus, m triceps brachii caput longum, m gluteus medius, m semitendinosis, m biceps femoris and m vastus lateralis of the thoroughbred, Shetland pony, pony, heavy hunter and donkey. In addition the m gluteus medius was examined in the arab and American racing quarterhorse. High myosin ATPase activity fibres varied from a mean of 93.2 per cent in the m gluteus medius of the quarterhorse to 58.2 per cent in the m vastus lateralis of the donkey. In the m gluteus medius it was found that the percentage of high mycosin ATPase (pH 9.4) fibres varied significantly among breeds and these differences were related to the sprinting speed of the breed.
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Publication Date: 1980-03-01 PubMed ID: 6447905
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  • Comparative Study
  • Journal Article

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 article investigates the variants in the composition of different fibre types in the muscles of various equine breeds, and relates the findings to the breeds’ sprinting speeds.

Objective of the Research

The primary objective of the study is to differentiate horse skeletal muscle into three fiber types based on the myosin ATPase (pH 9.4) and succinic dehydrogenase activity, and then determine the percentage of these types in different muscles of different breeds of horses. The goal is to determine if these differences are related to the sprinting speed of the breed.

Types of Horses and Muscles Examined

  • The study examined several breed types including the thoroughbred, Shetland pony, pony, heavy hunter, donkey, Arab, and American racing quarterhorse.
  • Various muscles were tested including the musculus deltoideus, m triceps brachii caput longum, m gluteus medius, m semitendinosis, m biceps femoris, and m vastus lateralis.

Method of Differentiation

  • The researchers differentiated the horse muscles into three fiber types based on their myosin ATPase (pH 9.4) and succinic dehydrogenase activities.
  • Myosin ATPase is an enzyme that helps with muscle contraction, making it an essential component of muscle fibers. Succinic dehydrogenase is involved in the process of respiration in the cells, hence its activity also indicates the type of fiber.

Findings in Muscle Fibre Composition

  • The research found that high myosin ATPase activity fibers varied in different breeds and muscles. The highest mean percentage, 93.2%, was found in the m gluteus medius of the quarterhorse, while the lowest, 58.2%, was found in the m vastus lateralis of the donkey.
  • The muscle m gluteus medius showed significant variation in the percentage of high myosin ATPase (pH 9.4) fibers among different breeds.

Relation to Sprinting Speed

  • The analysis also revealed a correlation between the percentage of high myosin ATPase fibers and the sprinting speed of the breed. The conclusion suggests that the type of muscle fibers might greatly impact the speed capabilities of different horse breeds.

Cite This Article

APA
Snow DH, Guy PS. (1980). Muscle fibre type composition of a number of limb muscles in different types of horse. Res Vet Sci, 28(2), 137-144.

Publication

Research in veterinary science
ISSN: 0034-5288
NlmUniqueID: 0401300
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 28
Issue: 2
Pages: 137-144

Researcher Affiliations

Snow, D H
    Guy, P S

      MeSH Terms

      • Adenosine Triphosphatases / metabolism
      • Animals
      • Breeding
      • Histocytochemistry
      • Horses / metabolism
      • Muscles / enzymology
      • Succinate Dehydrogenase / metabolism

      Citations

      This article has been cited 19 times.
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