Journal of Veterinary Clinics (한국임상수의학회지)

The Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics (한국임상수의학회)
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A Pilot Study on the Heart Rates of Jeju Horses during Race Trials

  • Seung-Ho Ryu (Department of Equine Resources Science, Cheju Halla University) ;
  • HeeEun Song (Veterinary Department, Korea Racing Authority) ;
  • Eliot Forbes (Steering Committee, International Forum for the Aftercare of Racehorses) ;
  • Byung-Sun Kim (Department of Equine Science, Cheju Halla University) ;
  • Joon-Gyu Kim (Department of Equine Science, Cheju Halla University) ;
  • Ki-Jeong Na (College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University)
  • Received : 2023.11.10
  • Accepted : 2023.12.15
  • Published : 2023.12.31
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Abstract

The autonomic regulation of heart rate (HR) is an indicator of the body's ability to adapt to an exercise stimulus. However, there are no reports on this topic in relation to Jeju horses used for racing. The aim of this study was to analyze the HR responses of Jeju horses during race trials and to investigate the correlation between HR and performance in these horses. HR data were collected from 17 healthy 2- to 7-year-old Jeju horses wearing HR monitors during race trials. Pearson correlation coefficients was used to determine the significance of the association between the race trial time and HR. A significant inverse correlation was observed between the race trial time (performance) and both the maximal HR (HRmax, r = -0.69, p < 0.01) and HR reserve (HRR) (HRmax - average HR during the warm-up period, r = -0.63, p < 0.01) and between the HRR and HRmax (r = 0.73, p < 0.01). Horses with a lower average HR during the warm-up period and higher heart rates during the trial achieved faster race trial times. This study reports the first HR measurements in Jeju horses during race trials, providing new insights into the HR response of this breed to exercise. The use of a noninvasive remote HR monitor system allowed assessment of exercise responses in the field, and the results suggest that both the HRR during warm-up period and HRmax may be useful performance indicators in Jeju horses.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This study was financially supported by research fund of the Korea Racing Authority.

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