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Home / Equine Research Bank / N Z Vet J / Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses ...
New Zealand veterinary journal2005; 53(2); 101-112; doi: 10.1080/00480169.2005.36487

Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses to early training. 6. Bone parameters in the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones.

Abstract: To determine the effect of a known training regimen on the size and mineral content of the third metacarpal (Mc3) and third metatarsal (Mt3) bones of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses trained on racetracks. Methods: Mc3 and Mt3 of seven horses trained on grass and sand tracks were scanned at several sites using conventional quantitative and peripheral computed tomography (CT). Bone dimensions and density in the diaphysis and epiphysis were compared with those from seven untrained horses. Calcein label was injected in two clusters, during Weeks 9 and 12. The extent and rate of diaphyseal modelling was determined by confocal fluorescent microscopic examination of thin plane parallel sections of the mid-metacarpal region. Results: Volumetric bone mineral density (BMDv) of the epiphysis was markedly higher and of the diaphysis was slightly higher in trained compared with untrained horses, but greater bone size in the trained horses had the greatest effect on an index of bone strength. Active osteons, defined as Haversian systems containing calcein label, were fewer, of smaller diameter at the time of calcein injection, and had a greater bone apposition rate in trained than in untrained horses. Conclusions: Conventional training of 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses over a 13-week period had a significant effect on bone size, density and strength index when compared to untrained horses. Conclusions: Bone responded rapidly to early training. The data provide reference values and sites for use in longitudinal studies of commercial training regimens.
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Publication Date: 2005-04-23 PubMed ID: 15846394DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2005.36487Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • 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.

The research article explores the impact of early training on the size and mineral content of specific bones in 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses. The findings suggest that a regular training regimen significantly affects bone size, density, and strength as compared to untrained horses, while also suggesting that bones respond quickly to early training.

Methodology

  • The researchers studied the third metacarpal (Mc3) and third metatarsal (Mt3) bones in seven 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses that were trained on grass and sand tracks.
  • These bones were scanned at various sites using conventional quantitative and peripheral computed tomography (CT).
  • Comparisons were made between the measurements of these bones from the trained horses and those from seven untrained horses.
  • The researchers also injected a calcein label during the 9th and 12th weeks of training to determine the extent and rate of diaphyseal modelling. This was observed under a confocal fluorescent microscope.

Results

  • The researchers found that trained horses had a significantly higher volumetric bone mineral density (BMDv) of the epiphysis compared to untrained horses. The diaphysis also showed slightly higher BMDv in trained horses.
  • The size of the bone was found to be larger in trained horses, which had a major impact on the bone’s strength index.
  • Additionally, trained horses had fewer active osteons (Haversian systems containing calcein label), smaller osteon diameters at the time of calcein injection, and a greater bone apposition rate compared to untrained horses.

Conclusion

  • The researchers concluded that a regular training regimen for 2-year-old Thoroughbred racehorses over a 13-week period significantly increased bone size, density, and strength index compared to untrained horses.
  • The bones responded relatively quickly to this early training, providing valuable data for reference in future studies related to commercial training regimens.

Cite This Article

APA
Firth EC, Rogers CW, Doube M, Jopson NB. (2005). Musculoskeletal responses of 2-year-old Thoroughbred horses to early training. 6. Bone parameters in the third metacarpal and third metatarsal bones. N Z Vet J, 53(2), 101-112. https://doi.org/10.1080/00480169.2005.36487

Publication

New Zealand veterinary journal
ISSN: 0048-0169
NlmUniqueID: 0021406
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 53
Issue: 2
Pages: 101-112

Researcher Affiliations

Firth, E C
  • Massey Equine, Institute of Veterinary, Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Massey University, Private Bag 11222, Palmerston North, New Zealand. e.c.firth@massey.ac.nz
Rogers, C W
    Doube, M
      Jopson, N B

        MeSH Terms

        • Animals
        • Bone Density / physiology
        • Female
        • Horses / anatomy & histology
        • Horses / physiology
        • Metacarpal Bones / anatomy & histology
        • Metacarpal Bones / physiology
        • Metatarsal Bones / anatomy & histology
        • Metatarsal Bones / physiology
        • Microscopy, Confocal / veterinary
        • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
        • Reference Values
        • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / veterinary

        Citations

        This article has been cited 22 times.
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