engleski

Metabolic and oxidative stress in endurance horses during racing

Endurance riding is the most physically demanding equine sport discipline. Being a relatively young discipline, the full impact of endurance racing on horse metabolism has not yet been thoroughly researched. The study included 53 horses that successfully completed 40 km and 80 km endurance races. The average speed and recovery time were compared to age, gender, breed, experience and length of the race track. Two blood samples were taken from the horses for metabolic and oxidative stress research, one before and one after the race. The analysis consisted of several serum biochemical parameters, as well as determination of reactive oxygen metabolites (d-ROMs), malondialdehyde (MDA) and biological antioxidant potential (BAP), as indicators of oxidative stress. Values of renal and muscle damage parameters increased after the races, with the degree of change more significant at longer racing lengths. Electrolyte loss was more pronounced during longer races. Females had significant increases in urea, creatinine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase values compared to males, while older horses had significantly higher values of creatinine. Significant increases in all observed oxidative stress markers were recorded after the races. Higher values of BAP were recorded during longer races. A positive correlation was recorded between urea and triglyceride concentrations, while both parameters positively correlated with BAP concentration. MDA and blood glucose increased proportionally, indicating that hyperglycemia affects cell lipid peroxidation. Endurance riding causes increased body requirements in horses that are manifested by increased electrolyte loss, muscular and urinary system activity, and oxidative stress. Longer races are characterized by increased metabolic demands and oxidative stress, emphasizing the need of prompt veterinary intervention in cases of exhausted horse syndrome expected during longer races.

endurance riding, equine, metabolism, oxidative stress

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