Skeletal muscle adaptations and muscle genomics of performance horses.
Abstract: Skeletal muscles in horses are characterised by specific adaptations, which are the result of the natural evolution of the horse as a grazing animal, centuries of selective breeding and the adaptability of this tissue in response to training. These adaptations include an increased muscle mass relative to body weight, a great locomotor efficiency based upon an admirable muscle-tendon architectural design and an adaptable fibre-type composition with intrinsic shortening velocities greater than would be predicted from an animal of comparable body size. Furthermore, equine skeletal muscles have a high mitochondrial volume that permits a higher whole animal aerobic capacity, as well as large intramuscular stores of energy substrates (glycogen in particular). Finally, high buffer and lactate transport capacities preserve muscles against fatigue during anaerobic exercise. Many of these adaptations can improve with training. The publication of the equine genome sequence in 2009 has provided a major advance towards an improved understanding of equine muscle physiology. Equine muscle genomics studies have revealed a number of genes associated with elite physical performance and have also identified changes in structural and metabolic genes following exercise and training. Genes involved in muscle growth, muscle contraction and specific metabolic pathways have been found to be functionally relevant for the early performance evaluation of elite athletic horses. The candidate genes discussed in this review are important for a healthy individual to improve performance. However, muscle performance limiting conditions are widespread in horses and many of these conditions are also genetically influenced.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2015-12-09 PubMed ID: 26831154DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.11.019Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
Summary
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This research article delves into the adaptations of skeletal muscles in horses and how these changes affect their performance. By applying findings from the equine genome sequence, the study identifies specific genes associated with improved physical performance and changes in muscle structure and metabolism due to physical activity.
Understanding the Adaptations of Skeletal Muscles in Horses
- The researchers dive into the unique adaptations observed in the skeletal muscles of horses. These adaptations have been influenced by the horse’s evolution as a grazing animal, selective breeding over centuries, and the capacity of the muscles to adapt to training.
- Horses exhibit an increased muscle mass compared to their body weight, an efficient locomotor structure based on a sophisticated muscle-tendon design, and a flexible fibre-type composition that allows faster shortening speeds than expected for their size.
- Equine skeletal muscles feature a high volume of mitochondria, permitting a superior overall aerobic capacity in the animal. They also have substantial intramuscular energy reserves, specifically glycogen.
- Additionally, these muscles possess strong buffer and lactate transport capacities, safeguarding against fatigue during anaerobic exercise. Many of these adaptations can be enhanced with further training.
Impact of Equine Genome Sequence on Understanding Muscle Genomics
- The release of the equine genome sequence in 2009 has opened up new avenues to understand equine muscle physiology. Utilizing this resource, the research article discusses the discovery of genes correlated with elite physical performance and structural and metabolic changes in muscles post-exercise and training.
- Genes responsible for muscle growth, muscle contraction, and particular metabolic pathways have been determined to be functionally essential for evaluating the early performance of elite athletic horses.
Genetic Influence on Muscle Performance Limiting Conditions
- The article points out that conditions limiting muscle performance are common in horses. Importantly, many such conditions also have genetic influences. The genes discussed in the study play a significant role, not just in improving performance in healthy horses, but also in understanding and potentially mitigating the performance limiting conditions in others.
Cite This Article
APA
Rivero JL, Hill EW.
(2015).
Skeletal muscle adaptations and muscle genomics of performance horses.
Vet J, 209, 5-13.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.11.019 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Laboratory of Muscular Biopathology, Department of Comparative Anatomy and Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, University of Cordoba, Campus Universitario de Rabanales, 14014 Cordoba, Spain. Electronic address: an1lorij@uco.es.
- Animal Genomics Laboratory, School of Agriculture and Food Science, College of Agriculture, Food Science and Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.
MeSH Terms
- Adaptation, Physiological
- Animals
- Genome / genetics
- Genomics
- Horses / genetics
- Horses / physiology
- Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
- Physical Conditioning, Animal
Citations
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