Glycolipidic Profile Assessment In Endurance Riding Horses

While it is accepted that aerobic training increases capacity for fat oxidation during the exercise, there are few studies evaluating glycolipidic modifications during the training in endurance riding horses. In order to assess usefulness of serum biochemistry in determining the relative contribution of fat to energy production, 6 Arabian horses (speed class, 160 km) were studied all over the training. Horses performed a standardised exercise test on a high-speed treadmill, which consisted of 3 trials, one month apart each other In each trial blood samples were collected prior to (T0), immediately after (T1), 2 hour after (T2) and 24 hour after (T3) the exercise in order to determine blood serum levels of glucose, cholesterol, triglicerids and plasma lactate. According to the records achieved in the subsequent race season, horses were then divided into 2 groups: group A (successfully endurance raced-performers) and group B (unsuccessfully raced-performers). Lactate and cholesterol levels showed statistical differences (P < 0.05) as group A had lower levels than the other group. These results could be related to a more effective training schedule, as the lowest lactate levels had confirmed the enhanced metabolism of fatty acid when energy demands increase. However it could be also related to the lowest cholesterol concentration, as the serum levels of cholesterol decrease when beta-oxidation of Acetyl Coenzyme A increases.