Metabolic evaluation of Crioulo horses participating in competitions of 750 km

Abstract

RESUMO.-[Avaliação metabólica de cavalos Crioulos submetidos a uma competição de resistência de 750 km.] O cavalo Crioulo realiza uma das provas de maior exigência física nas modalidades equestres. A Marcha de Resistência é uma competição na qual os animais percorrem 750km durante 15 dias. O objetivo desse estudo foi caracterizar as respostas metabólicas ocorridas nesse período. Foram avaliados 11 equinos da raça Crioula inscritos na competição, sendo dois machos e nove fêmeas. Foram efetuadas coletas de sangue 24h antes da prova e no 4º, 9º, 11º, 14º e 15º dia de competição. Foram avaliados a concentração sanguínea de creatininoquinase, aspartato aminotransferase, lactato desidrogenase, glicose, lactato, uréia, creatinina, sódio, potássio, cloreto, magnésio, cálcio total, cálcio iônico, proteínas totais, hematócrito e o leucograma. Ao final da competição os valores médios de AST sérica foram de 1151±358 UI/L, os valores de médios de LDH foram de 7418±1695 UI/L e de CK foi de 13867±3998UI/L. Houve aumento significativo nos valores de uréia, creatinina e lactato (p<0,0001). Foi observada diminuição nos valores médios de cloreto, sódio, potássio, cálcio total e iônico (p≤0,0002). Na avaliação hematológica foi constatada elevação nos valores de leucócitos totais e segmentados (p≤0,0002) e diminuição nos valores de hematócrito, proteína plasmática total e linfócitos (p≤0,0003 The Crioulo breed of horses performs in one of the most physically demanding equestrian competitions, the Marcha de Resistência, which is a contest in which the horses run 750 km in 15 days. The study's aim was to characterize the metabolic responses during this period. We evaluated eleven Crioulo horses in the competition, specifically, two males and nine females. Blood samples were collected 24 hours before the contest and on the 4 th , 9 th , 11 th , 14 th and 15 th days of competition. We evaluated CK, AST, LDH, glucose, lactate, urea, creatinine, sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, total calcium, ionized calcium, total protein, hematocrit and the white blood cell count. At the end of the competition, the mean values of serum AST were 1151±358 IU/ L the mean LDH values were 7418±1695 IU/L and CK was 13,867±3998UI /L. There was a significant increase in urea, creatinine and lactate (p<0.0001). A decrease in the mean values of chloride, sodium, potassium, and total and ionized calcium was observed (p≤0.0002). An evaluation of the total leukocytes and segmented neutrophils (p≤0.0002) revealed their increased values, and decreased values were observed for hematocrit, plasma protein and total lymphocytes (p≤0.0003). The values of glucose, on average, remained constant. Based on these data, we conclude that the Marcha de Resistência competition necessitated a high muscular demand and the depletion of energy and electrolytes, suggesting an inflammatory process in the animals evaluated.

Metabolic profile and body condition score of Crioulo horses finalists in the Freio de Ouro competition

“…Creatine kinase concentration in both males and females was smaller in this study than reported previously in healthy Crioulo horses in pasture and exercise conditions (Da Cás et al, 2000;Lacerda et al, 2006;Amaral et al, 2013) and in other breeds (Stuchi et al, 2019). Creatine kinase is an enzyme related to muscle function.…”

“…This differs from the 750-km gait competition, where animals have less time to prepare. Another study by our research group on Crioulo horses in Freio de Ouro identified higher values of CK and LDH before starting the competition than at the end, indicating higher physical demand within seven days prior (Amaral et al, 2013).…”

“…The circulating half-life of CK is smaller than LDH, so the LDH concentration remains elevated for at least 48 h after cell damage or muscle leakage (Teixeira et al, 2008). In a study evaluating Crioulo horses in a 750 km gait competition, there were increases of 2614% and 717% in CK and LDH, respectively, at the end of the competition, highlighting the high muscular demand of the breed in this type of event (Amaral et al, 2013). The Freio de Ouro competition is also demanding, but it focuses more on functionality and evaluates movement perfection, requiring a longer time of training and conditioning.…”