Metabolic changes induced by regular submaximal aerobic exercise in meat-type rabbits

Area of Science:

• Animal Physiology
• Exercise Science
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Regular physical activity influences metabolic and enzymatic profiles in mammals.
• Understanding exercise-induced biochemical changes is crucial for animal health and performance research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of a structured treadmill exercise regimen on serum metabolites and enzyme activities in growing Pannon White rabbits.
• To compare biochemical markers between exercised and control groups to identify physiological adaptations.

Main Methods:

• Pannon White rabbits (n=8 per group) underwent 4 weeks of twice-daily treadmill exercise (3-9 m/s, 1.2-1.6 km/day).
• A control group (n=8) remained inactive.
• Venous blood samples were collected weekly, 12 hours post-exercise, for analysis of serum metabolites and enzyme activities.

Main Results:

• Serum total protein, albumin, and creatinine levels significantly increased in the exercised group during the latter half of the study.
• Triacylglycerol levels were elevated after weeks 1 and 4 in exercised rabbits, while non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations were lower at study's end.
• Alkaline phosphatase activity increased, and total lactate dehydrogenase activity decreased in trained rabbits; other tested enzyme activities and urea/cholesterol levels showed no significant differences.

Conclusions:

• Four weeks of treadmill exercise induced significant alterations in serum protein, albumin, creatinine, and lipid profiles in growing rabbits.
• Exercise influenced specific enzyme activities, suggesting metabolic and physiological adaptations.
• The study highlights exercise-induced biochemical changes in rabbits, providing insights into exercise physiology in this species.