ASSESSMENT OF PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSE IN SPORT HORSES TO TRAINING INDUCED STRESS

Abstract

Research monitored the induced response of some physiological welfare indicators in sport horses during training. We assessed the stress intensity during training by measuring the variations of heart rate, lactic acid, cortisol and creatinine levels. The horses included in the study were grouped in: untrained (A1 n: 15) and trained (A2 n: 22). Physiological responses differed between the two groups, even if the training programme they underwent was the same. The heart rate and cortisol values increased in untrained horses compared to the trained ones but we recorded an increase of their values in the latter when repeating the exercises during the monitored period (98-120 nmol/l). The plasma lactate levels recorded increased values in the case of the first group (10,2 mmol/l), only until the animals got used to that effort, after which they dropped (9,9 mmol/l). Creatinine concentration increased in the case of trained horses (1,5 mg/dl) compared to the untrained ones (1,2 mg/dl). Horse training may be regarded as stressful under certain circumstances thus leading to a depreciation of their welfare depending on the exercises taken, training intensity and animals’ physical condition. Key words: horses, training, welfare