Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 27, 2026
09:45
An Isolated Working Heart System for Large Animal Models
Published on: June 11, 2014
Comparative Study of Heart Rate Variability Between Holstein Cattle and Mini Cows
Carlos Javier Lainez Reyes1, Simone Biagio Chiacchio1, Paola Alejandra Montenegro Cuellar1
1Department of Veterinary Clinics, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-970, SP, Brazil.
Animals : an Open Access Journal From MDPI
|June 26, 2026
Summary
Heart rate variability (HRV) in miniature cattle shows distinct patterns compared to Holsteins, with differences more apparent in older animals. Portable HRV monitoring is feasible for assessing bovine cardiovascular welfare.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Animal Physiology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key indicator of autonomic nervous system function.
- Understanding HRV in miniature cattle is crucial due to their increasing role in sustainable agriculture.
- Limited data exists on HRV profiles in miniature cattle breeds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare HRV parameters between miniature and Holstein cows.
- To investigate the influence of age on HRV in these cattle populations.
- To assess the feasibility of field-based HRV monitoring in cattle.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Polar H10 monitors to collect RR intervals from 80 healthy female cattle (40 miniature, 40 Holstein, aged 2-8 years).
- Analyzed time- and frequency-domain HRV indices using Kubios HRV software.
- Conducted field evaluations under farm conditions.
Main Results:
- Miniature cows displayed lower heart rates and higher time-domain HRV measures (RMSSD, SDNN) than Holsteins.
- Significant differences in frequency-domain indices (LF, HF, LF/HF ratio) suggest varying autonomic balance between groups.
- Age influenced these distinctions, with older cows (6-8 years) showing more pronounced differences.
Conclusions:
- Observational data suggests associative physiological patterns in HRV between miniature and Holstein cows, potentially influenced by age.
- Confounding factors like farm environment and management prevent definitive conclusions on breed-specific autonomic adaptation.
- Portable HRV monitoring is a viable tool for preliminary bovine cardiovascular welfare assessment.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Factors Influencing Heart Rate
The heart rate, or pulse rate, is a vital indicator of cardiovascular health. It reflects the number of times the heart beats per minute. Various physiological and environmental factors influence heart rate, increasing or decreasing cardiac output. Understanding these factors is crucial for assessing heart function and identifying potential health issues.
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
Let us explore the significant factors affecting heart rate, including age, body temperature, posture, acute pain, chemical influences,...
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
01:31Regulation of Heart Rates
The regulation of heart rate is a complex process controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS), hormonal influences, and intrinsic cardiac mechanisms. The ANS has two main components: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS).
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
The SNS increases heart rate through the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine, which act on beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the heart. This action increases the rate of depolarization in the sinoatrial (SA) node, the heart's...
01:19Cardiac Output I:Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac Output
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...
Cardiac output (CO) refers to the total amount of blood ejected by one of the ventricles in liters per minute (L/min). In a resting adult, CO ranges from 5 to 6 L/min, adjusting according to the body's metabolic requirements.
Effect of Heart Rate on Cardiac Output
Cardiac output adapts to metabolic demands during stress, physical activity, or illness. The autonomic nervous system regulates heart rate via the sinoatrial node. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases heart rate...