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Physiological responses of horses to 24 hours of transportation using a commercial van during summer conditions.
Abstract: Fifteen mature horses (mares, n = 6); geldings, n = 9) were used to assess the physiological responses of 24 h of transport in a commercial van under California summer conditions. The study was conducted on four consecutive days, and data were collected on d 1 and d 2 to obtain baseline values and to determine any diurnal variation in the individual measurements. Travel commenced on d 3 at 0800 for 24 h, with a total of 1,622 km traveled. Blood samples were collected at 0800, 1100, 1400, 2000, and 0200 each day. Horses were weighed and rectal temperatures recorded at 0800 each day and at 2000 each day except d 3. Body weight, rectal temperature, serum cortisol, serum lactate, and white blood cell (WBC) counts exhibited diurnal variation (P = .0001) on d 1 and d 2. Body weight immediately after unloading showed a 6% loss. At 24 h following transit, a 3% deficiency in body weight loss remained. The WBC counts showed a progressive increase with duration of travel and peaked at the termination of transport. Dehydration measures of hematocrit and total protein increased during transport and returned to baseline during the posttransport period. Serum concentrations of lactate, creatine kinase and aspartate aminotransferase increased during transport and in the early posttransit period, but returned to baseline values at the conclusion of the 24-h posttransport period. Glucose concentration increased with the initiation of transport and did not decrease to baseline concentration at the end of the 24-h posttransport period. Plasma cortisol and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio increased with duration of transit and returned to baseline during the posttransport period. These data clearly showed physiological responses of horses undergoing 24 h of transport including changes in muscle metabolism, stress indices, dehydration and immune parameters, and body weight. These responses may increase disease susceptibility and influence energy availability for athletic performance following long-term transport of horses.
Publication Date: 2000-06-30 PubMed ID: 10875627DOI: 10.2527/2000.7861458xGoogle Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- U.S. Gov't
- Non-P.H.S.
Summary
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This study examines the physiological impacts of a 24-hour journey on horses in a commercial van during summer in California. The research found significant changes in body weight, temperature, blood composition, and stress indicators, which could affect the horse’s health and athletic performance post-transport.
Study Design
- Fifteen mature horses, both mares and geldings, participated in this study. The study occurred over four consecutive days.
- Baseline measurements took place on the first two days. These included body weight, rectal temperature, serum cortisol levels, serum lactate levels, and white blood cell (WBC) counts.
- The journey occurred on the third day and lasted for 24 hours. During this journey, the horses were transported a total of 1622 kilometers.
- Various tests were performed at specific times throughout all four days.
Physical Responses
- Diurnal variations (changes throughout the day) occurred in body weight, rectal temperature, red and white blood cell counts, and serum markers (cortisol and lactate).
- A 6% loss in body weight occurred immediately after the transportation period. A 3% deficit in body weight still remained even 24 hours post-transit.
Blood Composition Responses
- The count of WBC increased progressively with the duration of the journey and peaked at the end of transportation.
- Dehydration indicators like hematocrit and total protein levels increased during transit and went back to baseline during post-transport.
- Levels of lactate, creatine kinase, and aspartate aminotransferase in the serum surged during transit and in the immediate post-transit period. They later returned to baseline values at the end of the 24-hour post-transit period.
- Glucose concentration started increasing with the initiation of transport and didn’t decrease back to baseline level at the end of the 24-hour post-transit period.
Stress Indices and Immune Responses
- Plasma cortisol (a stress hormone) and neutrophil:lymphocyte ratio (an immune parameter) escalated with the duration of transportation and normalized during the post-transport period.
Overall Findings
- The study revealed significant physiological changes in horses resulting from a 24-hour transit period. These responses include changes in muscle metabolism, stress markers, dehydration and immune parameters, and body weight.
- Such physiological responses may increase the horses’ potential susceptibility to diseases and impact their energy availability for future athletic performance.
Cite This Article
APA
Stull CL, Rodiek AV.
(2000).
Physiological responses of horses to 24 hours of transportation using a commercial van during summer conditions.
J Anim Sci, 78(6), 1458-1466.
https://doi.org/10.2527/2000.7861458x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Veterinary Medicine Cooperative Extension, University of California, Davis 95616, USA. clstull@ucdavis.edu
MeSH Terms
- Alanine Transaminase / blood
- Animals
- Aspartate Aminotransferases / blood
- Blood Glucose / analysis
- Body Temperature
- Body Weight
- California
- Circadian Rhythm
- Creatine Kinase / blood
- Female
- Horses / blood
- Horses / physiology
- Hydrocortisone / blood
- Lactic Acid / blood
- Leukocyte Count
- Male
- Rectum
- Seasons
- Time Factors
- Transportation
Citations
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