Metabolic changes in four beat gaited horses after field marcha simulation

Area of Science:

• Equine Exercise Physiology
• Equine Sports Medicine
• Animal Science

Background:

• The Mangalarga-Marchador, a popular Brazilian 4-gaited horse breed, lacks comprehensive data on exercise-induced metabolic and physiological responses.
• Understanding these responses is crucial for optimizing performance and welfare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the physiological and metabolic effects of a simulated marcha field test on Mangalarga-Marchador horses.
• To compare these responses between the picada and batida marcha gaits.

Main Methods:

• Thirteen Mangalarga-Marchador horses performed a 30-minute simulated marcha field test (approx. 3.2 m/s, 80 kg load), randomly assigned to picada or batida gait.
• Measurements included body composition, heart rate, respiratory rate, glucose, lactate, packed cell volume, total plasma protein, and glutamine, taken pre-test and at multiple intervals post-exercise.
• Statistical analysis involved ANOVA, Tukey's test, and t-tests (P < 0.05).

Main Results:

• Significant acute changes in heart rate, respiratory rate, glucose, lactate, total plasma protein, packed cell volume, and glutamine were observed post-exercise.
• Heart rate decreased significantly by 15 minutes post-exercise, while respiratory rate returned to baseline by 240 minutes.
• The picada gait elicited greater physiological responses (heart rate, respiratory rate, packed cell volume, lactate) compared to the batida gait, indicating higher energy expenditure.

Conclusions:

• Simulated marcha exercise induces physiological and blood parameter alterations, including mild dehydration during recovery, in Mangalarga-Marchador horses.
• The picada gait is more energetically demanding than the batida gait at the same speed.
• These findings necessitate tailored training and nutritional strategies for Mangalarga-Marchador horses based on their gait type.