Arabian Racehorses Research Articles

Astaxanthin Supplementation Does Not Alter Training-Related Changes in Inflammatory Cytokine Profile in Arabian Racing Horses.

This study aimed to evaluate the oral supplementation of astaxanthin (ATX) on inflammatory markers in 3-year-old Arabian racehorses. Despite the recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of ATX observed in vitro in rodent models and in human athletes, the effects in equine subjects remain unknown. This study involved a controlled trial with 14 horses receiving either ATX (six horses) or a placebo (eight horses), monitored over four months of race training. Inflammatory cytokines: TNFα, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-10, and prostaglandin E (PGE), were measured monthly to assess the impact of ATX on the inflammatory response. The results indicated no significant differences in measured parameters between the ATX and the control group during the study. However, a significant time-dependent decrease in TNFα and IFNγ levels (p = 0.001) was observed in both groups, suggesting that regular training naturally modulates inflammatory responses. Moreover, positive correlations were noted between TNFα and IFNγ (p < 0.001) in the early phase of the study and between IL-6 and IL-10 (p = 0.008) in the later phase. Hematological parameters remained stable and within reference ranges, indicating no adverse effects of ATX supplementation. Performance metrics, including the number of races completed and wins, showed no significant differences between groups, suggesting that ATX did not enhance athletic performance under the study conditions. Overall, while ATX supplementation affected neither cytokine levels nor performance in Arabian racehorses, the natural anti-inflammatory effects of regular training were evident. Further research is needed to explore potential benefits of ATX supplementation under different conditions, such as in horses with subclinical inflammation or varying training regimens, to fully clarify its role and applications in equine sports medicine.

STUDY ON NORMAL HRMATOLOGICAL VALUES OF ARABIAN RACE HORSES

Hematological values for sixty clinically normal Arabian bred race horses of both sexes were estimated.Red cell ,count, hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume, mean corpuscular volume, mean ‘corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, white cell count, differential leukocytic count, total serum protein, albumin and globulin were determined by using several laboratory techniques. It appeared that the total serum protein and globulin were significantly higher in the stallions than those in mares (P &lt; 0.05) whereas the results of other hemaltological parameters were comparable and the mean values did not show significant differences (P &gt; 0.05).

Changes in cardiac troponin I (cTnI), T (cTnT), and some biochemical parameters in Arabian racehorses after training

The aim of this study was to compare the changes in the content of cTnI, cTnT and some biochemical parameters (CK–MB, LDH, AST, ALT) in Arabian racehorses before and after training. Diagnosis of myocardial disease in horses is very difficult due to the lack of specific cardiac signs. Cardiac diseases are seen as a cause of sudden death or decreased performance in horses. It has also been reported that excessive exercise may cause transient myocardial damage. In our study, 20 healthy stallion Arabian racehorses aged 4–10 y (6.00 ± 0.52 y) were used. Five millilitres of blood was collected from the V. jugularis of clinically healthy horses into serum tubes before and after training. Training time was determined as 30 min for each horse. Pre-training cTnI, cTnT, CK–MB, LDH, AST, and ALT contents were determined to be 0.130 ± 0.01 ng/mL, 0.007 ± 0.00 ng/mL, 231.15 ± 8.96 U/L, 692.45 ± 34.12 U/L, 309.92 ± 18.48 U/L, and 11.83 ± 0.92 U/L, respectively. After training, cTnI, cTnT, CK–MB, LDH, AST, and ALT contents were determined to be 0.169 ± 0.01 ng/mL, 0.008 ± 0.00 ng/mL, 289.80 ± 10.96 U/L, 704.25 ± 22.03 U/L, 328.47 ± 19.58 U/L, and 15.24 ± 1.03 U/L, respectively. As a result, it was determined that exercise triggered myocardial damage to some extent in Arabian horses. Exercise stimulates troponin release and the differences that may occur in troponin tests in horses after exercise should be taken into consideration.

AN ELECTROPHORETIC STUDY ON SERUM PROTEINS IN NORMAL ARABIAN RACE HORSES

Electrophoretic Pattern of Serum proteins were studied in thirty normal Arabian race horses. The resolution of the serum protein fractions in 24 (80%) of horses, group I revealed five fractions, albumin and the globulins (a1, a2, B and y). The total serum protein was ranged from ( 6.2-8.4 gm/dL) with mean (7.57 ±0.17) in the this group of horses. &#x0D; Where-as four fractions, albumin and the globulins (a2, B and y) were observed in 6(20%) of horses, group 2.&#x0D; The total serum protein was ranged from (6.0 - 7.4 gm/dL) with mean (6.76 ± 0.27) in that group of horses. &#x0D; The Albumin/Globulin ratio in both Groups was (0.66 ±0.13); (0.89 ± 0.07), respectively.

Emergence of equine influenza virus H3Nx Florida clade 2 in Arabian racehorses in Egypt

BackgroundEquine influenza is an important cause of respiratory disease in equids. The causative virus; EIV, is highly variable and can evolve by accumulation of mutations, particularly in the haemagglutinin (HA) gene. Currently, H3N8 is the sole subtype circulating worldwide with Florida clade 1 (FC1) is most prevalent in the Americas and FC2 in Asia and Europe. In Egypt, EIV was detected in two occasions: subtype H7N7 in 1989 and subtype H3N8 (FC1) in 2008. No data is available on the circulation pattern of EIV during the last decade despite frequent observation of suspected cases.MethodsTwenty-two nasal swabs were collected from vaccinated and non-vaccinated horses showing respiratory signs suggestive of EIV infection in 2017–18. Three additional swabs were retrieved during a national race event in January 2018 from Arabian mares with high fever, gait stiffness and dry cough. Samples were screened by RT-qPCR and HA1 domain of the hemagglutinin gene was amplified and sequenced for sequence and phylogenetic analysis.ResultsRT-qPCR screening revealed that only the 3 samples from the race were positive with cycle thresholds ranging from 16 to 21 indicating high viral load. Isolation attempts in hen’s eggs were unsuccessful. Sequence analysis of the HA1 domain gene has revealed two identical nucleotide sequences, while the third contained 3 synonymous mutations. Phylogenetic analysis clustered study sequences with recent FC2 sequences from Europe. Amino acid alignments revealed 14 and 13 amino acid differences in the study sequences compared to A/equine/Egypt/6066NANRU-VSVRI/08 (H3N8) and A/equine/Kentucky/1997 (H3N8), respectively, available as EIV vaccines in Egypt. Nine amino acids were different from A/equine/Richmond/1/2007 (H3N8), the recommended FC2 vaccine strain by the world organization of animal health expert surveillance panel (OIE-ESP), two of which were unique to the Egyptian sequences while the remaining 7 changes were shared with the FC2-144V subgroup detected in the United Kingdom from late 2015 to 2016.ConclusionsThe study represents the first reported detection of FC2-144V related EIV from Arabian mares in Egypt, and probably from the entire middle east region. The presented information about EIV epidemiology and spread may require reconsideration of the vaccine strains used in the national vaccination programs.

AN ELECTROPHORETIC STUDY ON SERUM PROTEINS IN ARABIAN RACE HORSES NATURALLY INFECTED WITH Babesia equi

Electrophoretic patterns of serum protein in 12 Arabian race horses acutely infected with Babesia equi revealed a significant decrease in albumin (P&lt;0.01) and beta globulins (P&lt;0.05) where, alpha globulins fractions significantly (P&lt;0.01) increased. No significant (P&gt;0.05) changes were recorded in gamma globulins fractions and total serum protein.

Evaluation of race performance after tendon injuries in race horses with special respect to lesion related parameters

The study aimed to assess the race performance after injury of the palmar metacarpal tendon region in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses. A special scoring system was established to evaluate the performance of the horses for each race after the injury, objectively in this study. Thus, individual total race earnings, the rates of ranking among the top four in at least two and three races and the number of participated races after injury were also analysed. The performance scores after injury were found to be lower in tendinitis cases compared to peritendinitis cases (P=0.0004). It was found that the success rate was lower in cases with tendon lesions than in cases without lesions in terms of race performance after injury (P=0.006). Injuries causing tendon thickening and also tendon echogenicity alterations had negative effects on race performances after injury (P=0.01 and P=0.04, respectively). Also individual total race earnings were lower in cases with tendon thickening compared to those without thickening (P=0.02). According to the results of this study, it is recommended to take prophylactic measures for tendinitis in cases with tendon thickening and echogenicity changes detected by ultrasound in the early stages of tendinitis to be able to display a good race performance after injury.

Relationship between maximum eye temperature and plasma cortisol concentration in racehorses during intensive training.

The aim of the study was to determine the utility of maximum eye temperature measured by infrared thermography (IRT) as a stress indicator compared with plasma cortisol concentration in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses. The study included thirty racehorses undergoing standard training for racing. Measurements of maximum eye temperature and blood collection for plasma cortisol concentration were carried out before training (BT), and within 5 (5AT) and 120 minutes (120AT) after the end of the each training session in three repetitions, with a monthly interval. Both parameters were elevated at 5AT compared to BT (p⟨0.001). Compared to BT, at 120AT the maximum eye temperature remained elevated (p⟨0.001) and plasma cortisol concentration decreased (p⟨0.001). The study indicated significant weak correlations (r=0.220; p⟨0.001) between both measurements at all time points. The results support the use of IRT technique to monitor the response of horses to stress, potentially improving animal management and welfare.

Affecting Lipid Metabolism Salivary MicroRNAs Expressions in Arabian Racehorses Before and After the Race

The active roles of microribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in gene regulation have made miRNAs a key point for the scientific world in the study of physiological processes. Although saliva includes the largest number of miRNAs, there is no miRNA study in saliva on horses has been found. Our study is the first study on miRNAs isolation from saliva in horses. In the present study, saliva was studied in Arabian racehorses to better understand the molecular mechanisms of expression levels that are effective in lipid metabolism of miRNAs and their target genes during the race. Identification of lipid metabolism of miRNAs and their target genes is an opportunity to provide information about biomarkers in Arabian racehorses on energy supply for race performance. Arabian racehorses have low glycogen content and high triglyceride storage capability, thanks to the high amount of oxidative type I fiber in their muscle tissue. Therefore, Arabian racehorses can provide higher levels of energy using more fat. The aim of this study is to determine the prerace and postrace expression levels of eight miRNAs in saliva that are known to affect lipid metabolism in Arabian racehorses. The expression level of eca-miR-33a was found to be statistically significant (P < .05). Target genes of eca-miR-33a have been copredicted as ABCA1, CROT, ABHD2, and SATB2, with three validated databases and other analysis tools. In conclusion, these findings revealed that both eca-miR-33a and its target genes could be potential core genes that play important roles in lipid metabolism in Arabian racehorses to provide energy during the race.

Variation in the SLC16A1 and the ACOX1 Genes Is Associated with Gallop Racing Performance in Arabian Horses

Arabian horses are not only one of the most ancient breeds in the world, but they are also one of the most appreciated racehorse breeds today. The breed generates attention for their phenomenal endurance ability and their capability for gallop racing. Consequently, genetic testing to select the best individuals is attracting ever increasing interests from the Arabian industry. As such, the aim of this study was to further investigate associations between performance and variation at candidate genes suspected of having a key role in Arabian gallop racing performance. Generalized linear models were fit to test associations between eight candidate gene variants and a variety of gallop racing performance traits in a sample of Arabian racehorses (n = 287). Two genes, solute carrier family 16 member 1 (SLC16A1) and acyl-CoA oxidase 1 (ACOX1), were significantly associated with multiple gallop racing performance traits, whereas another gene, actinin alpha 3 (ACTN3) was associated with best race distance. Previously established associations between these three genes and equine metabolism strongly suggest further investigation of these genes, and their relationship with Arabian horse performance is warranted.

Evaluation of Return Rates to Races in Racehorses After Tendon Injuries: Lesion-Related Parameters

Metacarpal tendon diseases are important problems that may cause a decrease in performance and even may finish sport life in equine athletes. In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the ratio of return to races and the time of staying away from races and also to detect the prognostic value of ultrasonographic findings in Thoroughbred and Arabian racehorses with metacarpal flexor tendon injury or peritendonitis. Of 120 cases, 84 (70.0%) returned to races. Among these, 82.1% had tendonitis (69/84) and 17.9% peritendonitis (15/84). Among the cases being unable to return to races, 91.7% had tendonitis (33/36), and 8.3% had peritendonitis (3/36). Although not statistically significant (P > .05), tendonitis cases were found to be away from races for longer periods. Tendonitis cases (85.0%, 102/120) stayed away from races for an average of 39.9 months, whereas peritendonitis cases (15.0%, 18/120) stayed away from races for an average of 27.1 months. It was found that the ratio of return to races after injury was higher in cases without tendon thickening (86.7%, 26/30) than in cases with tendon thickening (64.4%, 58/90). The results of this study show that tendon injuries causing tendon thickening have a negative effect on the ratio of return to races (P < .05).

Safkan Arap Atlarının Yarış Performansına Bazı Çevresel Faktörlerin Etkisi

This study evaluated the relationships between some environmental factors and race performance of purebred Arabian racehorses in the Turkish Jockey Club. For this purpose, the belonging 60 purebred Arabian horses (45 males and 15 females) which registered to Turkish Jockey Club was benefited from 3087 races records. In the research, the effect of gender, age, race distance, dam age, and the city in which the race took place to race performance on the turf and dirt track was investigated. In the environmental factors affecting race speeds of horses were found statistically different. The turf track, dirt track and general average of the race speed were calculated as 14.45±0.02 m/sec, 13.52±0.01m/sec and 13.77±0.01 m/sec, respectively. The horses’s race performance results; it was better than others the turf track, male, short distance, 9-12 dam age, 3 age, and Istanbul, for the race track, gender, race distances, dam age, race age, and race city, respectively. In conclusion, it is thought that performing of similar studies with more horses and more comprehensive studies may be more useful in examining the race performance of horses.

Seroprevalence of West Nile Virus among Arabian Horses in Central, Eastern Anatolia, and Marmara, Turkey

The West Nile Virus (WNV), a mosquito-borne Flavivirus is a common infection identified in the Middle East, Europe, West Asia, Africa, Australia and the United States. The virus can cause severe illnesses and death in horses. The current study aimed to screen West Nile virus neutralizing antibodies in Arabian horse populations from breeding farms located in Central, Eastern Anatolia and Marmara by plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). We sampled 165 Arabian racehorses, during March-December, 2010, in three different provinces (Eskisehir, Malatya, and Bursa) in Turkey. Screening of serum samples showed that 6.6% were positive for West Nile (WN) virus-neutralizing antibodies. The obtained data demonstrate WNV is circulating in mentioned regions among racehorses and the need to carry out a surveillance program includes WNV-focused screening tests in Turkey.

Does routine exercise induce stress and in consequence serum amyloid A (SAA) response in purebred Arabian racehorses?

Does routine exercise induce stress and in consequence serum amyloid A (SAA) response in purebred Arabian racehorses?

Isolation and Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus Species from Various Body Site Infections with Cytologic Evidences in Thoroughbred and Arabian Racehorses in Turkey

Isolation and Antibiotic Susceptibilities of Beta Hemolytic Streptococcus Species from Various Body Site Infections with Cytologic Evidences in Thoroughbred and Arabian Racehorses in Turkey

The effect of relaxing massage on heart rate and heart rate variability in purebred Arabian racehorses.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of relaxing massage on the heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in young racehorses during their first racing season. In the study, 72 Purebred Arabian racehorses were included. The study was implemented during the full race season. The horses from control and experimental groups were included in regular race training 6 days a week. The horses from the experimental group were additionally subject to the relaxing massage 3 days a week during the whole study. HR and HRV were assumed as indicators of the emotional state of the horses. The measurements were taken six times, every 4-5 weeks. The HRV parameters were measured at rest, during grooming and saddling the horse and during warm-up walking under a rider. The changes of the parameters throughout the season suggest that the relaxing massage may be effectively used to make the racehorses more relaxed and calm. Moreover, the horses from the experimental group had better race performance records.

Off track training ameliorates emotional excitability in Purebred Arabian racehorses

The aim of this study was to compare emotional excitability in purebred Arabian racehorses trained either with a standard method or with additional off-racetrack training. The study was carried out...

Haematological parameters of 2‑year-old purebred Arabian racehorses in different periods of horse racing season

Haematological parameters of 2‑year-old purebred Arabian racehorses in different periods of horse racing season

The Effect of Different Physical Exercise on Plasma Leptin, Cortisol, and Some Energetic Parameters Concentrations in Purebred Arabian Horses

Leptin is a hormone that coordinates food intake, energy expenditure, and metabolic rate; it is, however, unknown how exercise influences plasma leptin concentration in horses. The aim of the study was to evaluate the exercise-induced changes in plasma leptin concentration in purebred Arabian horses competing in races and endurance rides. A total number of 26 horses (12 purebred Arabian racehorses aged 3–5 years and 14 endurance horses aged 7–14 years) were studied during performing routine physical exercise. From each horse, blood samples were collected at rest and immediately after the exercise session. Concentrations of plasma leptin, cortisol, lactic acid, uric acid, triacylglycerols, glycerol and free fatty acids were determined. Exercise-induced increase in cortisol and free fatty acid values were higher in endurance horses than in racehorses. Neither endurance nor race exercises influenced the plasma leptin concentration. Further research is needed to elucidate the effects of different types of exercise on leptin synthesis and secretion in horses.

Musculoskeletal Injury in Arabian Racehorses: A Study of Injury Distribution and Prevalence in One Training Yard in the United Kingdom (2005–2012)

AimsThere has been limited information regarding musculoskeletal injury in Arabian racehorses. This study aims to document the distribution of musculoskeletal injuries and their prevalence in a population of Arabians in flat training in one Newmarket yard.MethodsA retrospective analysis of individual veterinary records for all horses in training in one Arabian racing yard during the period from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2012 was performed. Information including injury type, sex, age and limb affected were recorded. Injury categories included in the study were: 1) fractures involving the carpus, tarsus, proximal sesamoid bones and metacarpophalangeal/metatarsophalangeal joints; 2) stress fractures (pelvis, tibia, scapula, humerus, radius, metacarpus, metatarsus); 3) suspensory ligament branch desmitis; 4) superficial digital flexor (SDFT) tendonitis. Injuries which occurred as a result of trauma and those which may be associated with variable clinical signs were excluded.ResultsIn 144 horses, 42 individual injuries occurring in 34 horses were recorded. Overall prevalence of horses sustaining musculoskeletal injury was 23.6%. Eight horses sustained more than one injury and 3 horses suffered re‐injury (same site, same limb). Fractures of the proximal phalanx (P1) were the most common injury type (25/42, 59.5%), followed by SDFT tendonitis (8/42, 19.0%) and suspensory ligament branch desmitis (3/42, 7.1%). Musculoskeletal injury was most common in 4‐year‐olds. Gender was not significantly associated with overall musculoskeletal injury.Conclusions and practical significanceA better knowledge of the distribution and prevalence of musculoskeletal injury in racing Arabians may allow earlier intervention and focus veterinary diagnostic efforts for injury detection.AcknowledgementsThe author is grateful for the co‐operation of Mrs. G. Duffield and Shadwell Estate Management, Newmarket, UK.Ethical animal researchThis study, using client‐owned animals, involves informed client consent. Sources of funding: None. Competing interests: None.