• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.19 no.11
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• pp.1632-1637
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• 2006

We studied the changes in biochemical markers of bone metabolism in growing Thoroughbred horses. Serum osteocalcin (OC), as a marker for bone formation, and carboxy-terminal propeptide of type-I collagen (PICP), as a marker for bone formation, carboxy-terminal telopeptide of type-I collagen (ICTP), as a marker for bone resorption, were determined in nine clinically healthy horses from 3 d to 17 mo of age. The BW and withers height (WH) increased during the study. On the other hand, a rapid reduction in body weight gain (BWG) was observed between 1 mo and 9 mo of age and a rapid reduction in withers height gain was observed between 1 mo and 5 mo of age. The serum markers decreased significantly with increasing age. In particular, dramatic changes in serum markers occurred between 3 d to 1 wk and 5 to 7 mo of age in these horses, which suggests that bone turnover rapidly decreased after birth. On the other hand, the ratio of PICP to ICTP decreased through the experiment. This result suggests that the reduction in bone formation exceeded that of bone resorption. There was a significant correlation between markers and growth parameters, except for the correlation between PICP and BWG on single linear regression analysis. Serum OC and ICTP were affected by the WH in multiple linear regression analysis. These results indicated that the age-related variation in serum biochemical markers of bone metabolism reflected bone growth, but neither BW nor BWG. Therefore, we consider that changes in bone modeling are the major factor affecting the levels of serum biochemical markers by 17 mo of age in horses.

• Journal of Veterinary Science
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• v.23 no.2
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• pp.19.1-19.9
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• 2022

Background: Gastric ulcer is one of the prevalent diseases in racehorses. However, it has not been recognized as important in Korea, and drugs used to treat gastric ulcers are included in the doping test list, so they are not allowed to be administered to racehorses in training. Objectives: This study was performed 1) to investigate the prevalence and the severity of gastric ulcers in Thoroughbred racehorses in Korea, 2) to confirm the therapeutic effect of ranitidine and omeprazole, and 3) to compare the efficacy between ranitidine and omeprazole. Methods: Forty-nine horses were randomly recruited, and gastroscopy was performed within two days after racing. Twelve horses with a sum grade of five or higher were randomly assigned to two treatment groups. Seven horses were administered ranitidine, and five horses were administered omeprazole. Follow-up gastroscopy was scheduled within one to five days after finishing the treatment. Results: The prevalence of gastric ulcer in Korean Thoroughbred racehorses after racing was 100%, and the grade was more severe in the non-glandular region than in the pyloric region. There was no correlation between the severity of gastric ulcer in the two regions. Omeprazole had a greater therapeutic effect than ranitidine. Conclusions: This study shows the importance of recognizing gastric ulcers as an important factor, and omeprazole as a possible treatment option in Korea, as it has been removed from the list of prohibited substances for racehorses. Thus, the use of omeprazole is currently recommended until one day before the race.

• Journal of Animal Science and Technology
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• v.59 no.1
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• pp.2.1-2.6
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• 2017

Background: This study aimed to analyze the on heart rate, blood lactate concentration, packed cell volume (PCV) and hemoglobin (Hb) response after conducting exercise in endurance horses. Methods: A total of 20 healthy 3-9-years-old Jeju crossbreed mares ($5.95{\pm}2.24$ year) of age and $312.65{\pm}13.59kg$ of weight) currently participating the endurance competition were used. The field tests selected for the experiment was gallop (approximately 8.3 m/s) along the selected 2.5 km course (a natural forest trail, not artificial road; a closed loop course). The horses were divided into three groups according to their age; 3-4 years of age (G1, $3.29{\pm}0.49$ year), 6-7 years of age (G2, $6.42{\pm}0.53$), and 8-9 years of age (G3, $8.50{\pm}0.55$). The measurements times for the heart rate, blood lactate concentration, PCV, and Hb analysis were conducted before exercise (T0), shortly after exercise (T1), 15 min after exercise (T2), and 30 min after exercise (T3), respectively. Data was analyzed using an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for repeated measures with times and groups. Results: The results of the comparison depending on the passage of rest time after exercise suggest that the heart rate and blood lactate concentration of three groups at T2 significantly decreased compared to T1 (p < 0.001). PCV of the G2 and G3 groups were significantly decreased at T2 compared to T1 (p < 0.01). Hb values at G2 (p < 0.01) and G3 (p < 0.001) groups were significantly decreased at T2 as compared to T1. However, heart rate, blood lactate concentration, PCV and Hb level at T1 showed no difference in the comparison of horses from different age groups with the exception of G3 group in terms of heart rate. Conclusion: The physiologic and hematological responses of horses during recovery time after 2,500 m exercise with gallop were no significant difference among the groups. These data are useful as a response evaluation method for training of endurance horses.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society of Veterinary Clinics Conference
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• 2007.10a
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• pp.629-629
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• 2007

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.19 no.9
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• pp.1041-1050
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• 2009

Equine respiratory disease is a common cause of poor performance and training interruptions. The higher incidence rate of infectious upper respiratory disease (IURD) in thoroughbred racehorses at the Seoul Race Park coincided with the frequent stabling season, shorter stabling periods, and younger ages in this study. Incidence rates were also correlated with significantly lower proportions of cells expressing MHC class II-, CD2 antigen-, $CD4^+$- or $CD8^+$-T lymphocyte-, and B lymphocyte in IURD patients compared with healthy control groups in the summer and fall and in 2-and-3-year-old groups. The data suggested that movement and new environments may have resulted in immunosuppression and inappropriate responses to respiratory pathogens in IURD patients. The IURD incidence decreased with age, perhaps by the acquisition of immunity, and study results suggested that immunologic protection was associated with IURD, particularly in young thoroughbred racehorses. Streptococci isolates were identified in 11 of 72 IURD horses, and 3 of these isolates were identified as Streptococcus. equi subsp. equi. S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus was isolated from 2 of 23 IURD horses in the spring (8.7%), 5 of 23 in the summer (21.7%), and 1 of 6 in winter (16.7%). S. equi subsp. zooepidemicus (5%) was also identified in 3 of 61 isolates from clinically normal horses. Racetracks should implement anti-IURD protective measures by assessing the capacity of equine immunologic protection at the Park and by limiting the introduction of specific respiratory pathogens (such as S. equi subsp. equi) by preventing the access of infected but subclinical horses with a specified respiratory pathogen-free certification system prior to Park entry.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.36 no.1
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• pp.62-67
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• 2019

This study was performed to apply the measurement of heart rate and velocity in training horses for assessing race performance. Additionally, we aimed to identify parameters that can be used to evaluate the training level and exercise capacity. Eleven healthy 2- to 6-year-old Thoroughbreds were trained by the standard training program and heart rate and velocity were measured by using heart monitoring system and GPS. Regression analysis in heart rate and velocity data was performed to calculate velocity parameters. The mean maximal heart rate in gallop was $214{\pm}11bpm$. The mean $V_{140}$, $V_{180}$, $V_{200}$ and $VHR_{max}$ were $13.8{\pm}4.3km/h$, $37.5{\pm}3.8km/h$, $49.3{\pm}4.3km/h$ and $57.4{\pm}7.1km/h$ respectively. The mean $V_{140}$ of high performance racehorses was significantly higher than that of low performance racehorses (P < 0.05). Moreover, analyzing the correlation between velocity parameters and racing ability-related categories showed that $V_{140}$ was positively correlated with rating (P < 0.05), $V_{180}$ and $VHR_{max}$ were positively correlated with prize money per race (P < 0.05). Also, $V_{140}$ was significantly correlated with G1F (P < 0.05). The results of this study have shown that the measurement of heart rate and velocity during training could be useful methods to assess fitness for races or performance potential. Especially, $V_{140}$ is a good parameter to evaluate a performance of racehorses in Korea.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Grassland and Forage Science
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• v.27 no.2
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• pp.123-128
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• 2007

A study was conducted over two years to determine the temperate mixtures of grasses for grazing horses in Jeju, Korea. The experiment field located at 450 m altitude (Jeju Horse Training Center of Korea Racing Association) was divided into 3 different mixtures plots (3 replications) without a fence between treatments, and sown by three main grasses (orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass and timothy). Seven castrated adult horses were kept on pasture from the middle of April to the end of November without supplementary concentrates. The dry matter yield, percentage of grasses intake and botanical composition were determined during the grazing period. Nutrients in grasses and soils were analyzed. The dry matter yield during two-year experimental period was not different among mixtures (11,000-12,000 kg/ha/year). In botanical composition, perennial ryegrass was dominant in all mixtures during spring through early summer season, but faded away during hot summer season. Timothy seemed to be more resistant against a hot or dry weather than other grasses. The percentage of grasses intakes was higher in the mixture of timothy than those in other mixtures. The contents of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and ADF (acid detergent fiber) were not different among different mixtures. These results indicate that the mixture of timothy, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass and white clover (20, 5, 5, 2 kg/ha as a seeding rate) can be used for gazing pasture of horses in the high altitude of Jeju.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.15 no.9
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• pp.1348-1353
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• 2002

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes and readjustment capacity in the hematological characteristics of the horse during and after a prolonged training program. One pony and two hot-blooded horses were used in this study. Resting or basal blood parameters were assessed by collecting blood samples of the animals for 1 to 2 months prior to start of the training program. Each animal was subjected to arbitrary exercise for 30 min by an automatic hot trotter and was bled at 0, 15, 30, 45 (15 min of recovery), 60 (30 min of recovery), and 75 min (45 min of recovery) after onset of exercise. All animals were exercised 3 times a week over a fivemonth period. Hematological parameters including average white blood cell counts (WBC, ${\times}$$10^3$/$\mu$l), erythrocyte concentrations (RBC, ${\times}$$10^6$/$\mu$l), hematocrit (HCT, %), mean corpuscular volume (MCV, fl), number of platelets (PLT, ${\times}$$10^4$/$\mu$l), hemoglobin concentration (Hb, g/dl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH, pg), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC, g/dl) were analyzed using an automatic cell counter. All animals showed that RBC, WBC, and HCT were significantly (p<0.05) increasing from 7.09, 8.55, and 43.5 to 8.11, 9.67, and 49.5, respectively, during the 30 min of exercise and were back to or lower than the initial basis (resting and 0 min) 30 min after exercise. However, no significant differences were detected in MCV (50.3-51.3 fl), MCH (17.2-17.4 pg), and MCHC (33.7-34.4 g/dl) values (p>0.05) regardless of the training periods. Similar trends were observed after 1, 3, 4, and 5 months of training when compared to the resting state. When these parameters were analyzed by the effect of training periods (month), mean WBC concentrations significantly reduced in the fourth and fifth month after onset of training compared to that in resting condition or the first month of training program (p<0.05). The RBC values elevated at the second month (9.40) and reaching a significantly low level (p<0.001) at the fifth month (8.62) after training compared to the first month of training (7.89). In conclusion, a mild training program enhances blood parameters gradually in both the horse and the pony. Therefore, an optimized training program is beneficial in promoting the endurance performance of the horse.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.44 no.1
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• pp.121-124
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• 2004

Horses that have been retired from racing or imported from abroad are retired as broodmares. Whether at private farms or government institutes they are bred to stallions with the aim of improving fertility and enhancing the breed. Accidental deaths as a result of surgical or obstetrical complications lead to decreased productivity and economic losses to the horse breeding industry. Intussusception of the uterine horn is a frequent complication of the equine and bovine species, but rarely seen in other species. The most common causes are thought to be tearing of the placenta which is suspended from the uterus and ovaries and the weight of the placenta. Expulsion of the embryonic membranes is also thought to be a contributing factor. If symptoms are minor and treatment affected quickly, the problem will likely resolve itself. In more severe cases the uterus will prolapse completely. This case study was observed in a Thoroughbred broodmare. After treatment of dystocia, the broodmare could not stand up. She became dehydrated, collapsed, suffered colic and was euthanised. In this case was observed serious swelling vulva and perineal region by morphology, and there was seldom ascites and unusual view in thoracic and abdominal cavity after opening abdomen. However, intussusception of uterine horn involuted left uterine horn into the uterine body was observed.

• Korean Journal of Veterinary Research
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• v.39 no.6
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• pp.1081-1090
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• 1999

To establish the protocol of a standardized exercise test for evaluating exercise intolerance and degree of fitness in Thoroughbred racehorses, we examined serum lactate concentrations related to exercise intensities using the high speed treadmill. Twelve clinically healthy Thoroughbred racehorses with or without previous training or racing history were assigned to two gorups, fit and unfit group, respectively. The protocol used for the standardized exercise test was consisted of two stages : stage of warm-up and that of acceleration. During the warm-up, the horses exercised 5 min at 1.8m/s and 3 min 3.4m/s without inclination. At the acceleration stage, exercise test was performed at 10% slope and the speed was increased from the initial 5m/s to the maximal speed which each tested horse could keep up with. The speed was increased with incremental steps of 1 m/s every minute. During the last 15 sec of each step, blood samples were collected for serum lactate determination. $V_{max}$(maximal treadmill speed which tested horses could keep up with) of the fit group ($10.93{\pm}0.33m/s$, mean${\pm}$SE, n = 6) was higher than that of the unfit group ($9.52{\pm}0.23m/s$, mean${\pm}$SE, n = 6). Serum lactate concentrations increased exponentially according to exercise intensities. $V_{La4}$(speed producing a serum lactate concentration of 4mmol/l) of the fit group, $6.45{\pm}0.26m/s$, was higher than that of the unfit group, $5.45{\pm}0.23m/s$. $La_{peak}$(peak plasma lactate concentration during the exercise test) was lower in the fit group ($20.34{\pm}1.62mmol/l$ at 1 min after maximal intensity exercise) than in the unfit group ($24.78{\pm}1.09mmol/l$ at 2 min after maximal exercise step). $t_{50%}$(time required for the recovery of lactate concentration to be one-half of $La_{peak}$ after maximal exercise) of the unfit group and the fit group were 40.0 and 18.0 min, respectively. Therefore, the protocol of the incremental standardized exercise test utilized in this study seems to be reliable for the assessment of fitness and exercise intolerance for the Thoroughbred racehorses.