Biochemical markers of performance in Ecuadorian mounted police horses: blood lactate and creatine kinase
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.19191311Keywords:
anaerobic threshold, enzymes, metabolism, muscle fatigueAbstract
Introduction: Mounted police horses contribute to public safety throughout Ecuador, but studies on their appropriate daily workload are lacking. Objective: To assess blood lactate and creatine kinase concentrations as biochemical indicators of performance in Ecuadorian mounted police horses. Method: Thirteen horses were subjected to an exercise stress test, with creatine kinase and blood lactate levels at three time points: prior to patrol at 7:30 a.m. (T1), after four hours at 12:00 p.m. (T2), and after completing an 8-hour shift at 6:30 p.m. (T3), using the cobas c311 clinical chemistry analyzer and an Accutrend® Plus portable analyzer, respectively. Results: Blood lactate and creatine kinase levels were within the normal physiological range. No horse exceeded the anaerobic threshold for blood lactate (4 mmol/L), and creatine kinase values, despite a slight upward trend, remained consistently within the physiological range. This finding is attributable to increased membrane permeability rather than fatigue or muscle damage. Conclusion: These findings represent pioneering research in Ecuador. It was concluded that, except for one horse, blood lactate and creatine kinase levels remained within normal physiological parameters.
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