Physiological, metabolic and biochemical responses of horses competing in the speed and endurance phase of a CCI*****3-day-event.
Abstract: The present study was undertaken to investigate physiological, metabolic, haematological and biochemical changes in horses competing in the Speed and Endurance test of a Concours Complet International (CCI)*****3-day-event held under FEI rules. A total of 28 horses competing in the Burghley Horse Trials Speed and Endurance test were selected to be monitored: 11 horses in 1993 and 17 horses in 1994. Of the 28 horses selected, 17 completed the Speed and Endurance test and went on to complete the showjumping test. Mean +/- s.d. shade temperature and relative humidity, black globe temperature and wind speed were 13 +/- 1 and 20 +/- 2 degrees C, 54 +/- 3 and 55 +/- 10%, 17 +/- 2 and 29 +/- 4 degrees C and 2.7 +/- 0.7 and 1.2 +/- 0.3 m/s, for 1993 and 1994, respectively. Mean heart rate during Phases A, B and D was not significantly different between years, but mean heart rate during Phase C and X was significantly higher in 1994. Mean (+/- s.d.) heart rate on Phase B and D for all horses in both 1993 and 1994 was 198 +/- 8 and 188 +/- 11 beats/min, respectively. Mean heart rate during Phase D showed a poor correlation with mean speed (r = 0.412). Total mean (+/- s.d.) weight loss from the start of Phase A to the end of Phase D was 15.5 +/- 6.1 kg in 1993 and 16.5 +/- 5 kg in 1994 and did not differ significantly between years. Following 14-18 h completion of Phase D, mean bodyweight was not significantly different from that at the start of Phase A in either year. Mean rectal temperature at the end of Phase D was 41 +/- 0.6 degrees C and 41.1 +/- 0.6 degrees C in 1993 and 1994, respectively (P > 0.05). Both the lowest (39.7 degrees C) and highest (41.8 degrees C) rectal temperatures were recorded at the end of Phase D in 1994. Plasma lactate concentrations at the end of Phase D were 8.5-38.5 mmol/l. The highest lactate concentration also coincided with the highest plasma glucose concentration (11.4 mmol/l) as well as the joint fastest time in either year, although overall lactate showed only weak correlations with mean speed on Phase D (r = 0.12, 1993; r = 0.58, 1994). While the Speed and Endurance test at CCI*****level run in a temperate climate presents a considerable challenge to the fitness and ability of the horses competing, the metabolic and physiological changes are not extreme. The majority of horses that finish the test appear to undergo a rapid and considerable degree of recovery and are able to present sound at the final inspection, take part in the showjumping test and complete the competition.
Publication Date: 1995-11-01 PubMed ID: 8933083DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb05006.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study examines the physiological and metabolic changes in horses performing in the CCI*****3-day-event’s Speed and Endurance test, particularly focusing on heart rate, body weight fluctuations, temperature, and other vital indicators. The research indicates that while the test challenges horses’ fitness and skill, the changes didn’t seem extreme and the majority of the horses returned to normal quickly after completion.
Study Context and Selection
- The researchers picked out 28 horses to be observed during the Speed and Endurance test of the Concours Complet International (CCI)*****3-day event held under FEI rules.
- The selected horses participated in the Burghley Horse Trials Speed and Endurance test in two groups, 11 in 1993 and 17 in 1994.
- Out of the selected horses, 17 completed the Speed and Endurance test and proceeded to complete the show jumping test as well.
Data Collection
- Several meteorological metrics like temperature, humidity, wind speed, and black globe temperature were recorded for both the years.
- The heart rates were recorded during different phases (A, B, D, C, X) of the racing event.
- Bodyweight loss from the start of Phase A to the end of Phase D was also recorded.
- Rectal temperature at the end of Phase D was noted for both years.
- Plasma lactate and glucose concentrations were recorded at the end of Phase D.
Findings
- The heart rates during Phases A, B, and D weren’t significantly different between the years, but heart rates were higher during Phase C and X in 1994. The overall average heart rate in both years was around 198 and 188 beats/min, respectively.
- The total average weight loss from the start of Phase A to the end of Phase D was 15.5 kg in 1993 and 16.5 kg in 1994 without significant differences.
- 14-18 hours after completing Phase D, the horses’ body weight did not differ significantly from its initial weight.
- The average rectal temperature at the end of Phase D in both years was approximately 41 degrees Celsius.
- The plasma lactate concentrations ranged from 8.5 to 38.5 mmol/l with the highest correlating with the highest plasma glucose concentration (11.4 mmol/l).
Conclusions
- Despite the physical demands of the Speed and Endurance test at the CCI***** level in a temperate climate, the metabolic and physiological changes in horses are not extreme.
- Most horses undergo a substantial, rapid recovery after the test, appearing sound and capable of taking part in a subsequent show jumping test and completing the competition.
Cite This Article
APA
Marlin DJ, Harris PA, Schroter RC, Harris RC, Roberts CA, Scott CM, Orme CE, Dunnett M, Dyson SJ, Barrelet F.
(1995).
Physiological, metabolic and biochemical responses of horses competing in the speed and endurance phase of a CCI*****3-day-event.
Equine Vet J Suppl(20), 37-46.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb05006.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Physiology Unit, Equine Centre, Animal Health Trust, Newmarket, Suffolk, UK.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
- Blood Glucose / analysis
- Blood Proteins / analysis
- Blood Viscosity
- Body Temperature
- Creatine Kinase / blood
- Electrolytes / blood
- Female
- Heart Rate
- Hematocrit / veterinary
- Hemoglobins / analysis
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Lactic Acid / blood
- Leukocyte Count / veterinary
- Male
- Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
- Physical Endurance / physiology
- Respiration
- Weather
- Weight Loss / physiology
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