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The aim of this study was to determine a heart rate deflection point (HRdp) in competitive agility dogs. Fourteen healthy border collies underwent progressive incremental treadmill exercise--modified Conconi test protocol. Heart rate was continuously recorded, and the HRdp was estimated using two methods: subjective and computer aided regression. Maximal heart rate (HRmax), achieved running speed at the anaerobic threshold and at the end of test were also determined. Statistical analysis showed a very high positive correlation between HRdp determined by two methods. The mean HRdp in this research corresponded to 80% of HRmax. The wide range of individual HRdp (162-229 BPM) indicates the need of an individual approach in assessing physiological parameters. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first application of Conconi modified test for estimating anaerobic threshold in agility dogs since the standard for dogs is yet undetermined. Future studies need to detect the most appropriate and reliable technique for its determination as well as its applicability in programming of the optimal training intensity.

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Serum biochemical values were determined in blood samples collected from 48 shot fallow deer from the Brijuni islands and 45 sedated fallow deer (Dama dama L.) from hunting grounds in the continental part of Croatia. The parameters were compared with regard to age, sex and habitat. Statistically significant differences were found for serum total protein concentration, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity between young and adult island deer, as well as for total protein, triacylglyceride, cholesterol concentration and alkaline phosphatase activity between young and adult continental deer. In young animals, island males had higher albumin concentrations, while continental males had higher alkaline phosphatase values than females. In adult animals, island males had a higher blood urea nitrogen concentration, while continental males had higher albumin and cholesterol concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and creatine kinase activities. In this group, males exhibited lower bilirubin and triacylglyceride concentrations than females. Our results indicate that besides age, sex and sampling method, nutritional and environmental factors should be considered when evaluating serum biochemical parameters of fallow deer.

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