Electrocardiogram of Clinically Healthy Mithun (Bos frontalis): Variation among Strains

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Physiology
• Cardiology

Background:

• Mithun (Bos frontalis) are unique bovine species with limited physiological data.
• Understanding normal electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters is crucial for assessing cardiac health.
• Genetic variations can influence physiological traits in animal populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish normal electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in four distinct genetic strains of mithun.
• To compare cardiac electrical axis, heart rate, and respiration rate across these strains.
• To identify strain-specific differences in ECG wave amplitudes and durations.

Main Methods:

• Electrocardiography was performed on 32 adult male mithun from four genetic strains (n=8 per strain).
• Parameters recorded included cardiac electrical axis, heart rate, rectal temperature, and respiration rate.
• Statistical analysis was used to compare ECG findings among the strains.

Main Results:

• Respiration and heart rates were significantly higher in the Manipur strain compared to others.
• Significant differences (P < .05) were observed in P wave and QRS complex amplitude and duration among strains.
• The Mizoram strain exhibited the highest P wave and QRS complex amplitude and duration.
• T wave amplitude and duration were higher (P < .05) in Arunachalee and Mizoram strains.
• The electrical axis of the QRS complex varied, with Nagamese and Mizoram strains showing similarities to feline and caprine species, respectively, unlike other bovine species.

Conclusions:

• Electrocardiogram parameters, including P wave, QRS complex, and T wave characteristics, differ significantly among mithun genetic strains.
• The electrical axis of the QRS complex in Nagamese and Mizoram mithuns deviates from typical bovine patterns.
• These findings underscore the importance of strain-specific reference values for mithun cardiac assessment.