Theses and Dissertations

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Nicodemus, Molly

Committee Member

Lamberth, John

Date of Degree

5-13-2006

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Animal Physiology

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Department

Department of Animal and Dairy Sciences

Abstract

The influence of a 60-day strength training regime on the flat walking Tennessee Walking Horse (TWH) yearling performance was determined using behavioral, physiological, and biomechanical measurements. Four TWH yearlings participated in a 60-day strength training regime. Documentation was made on behavioral responses, and measurements were taken on respiratory rates and standing and flat walking kinematics. Means (SD) were determined for physiological and biomechanical variables, and paired t-tests (P=0.05) were performed. Morphometrics, kinematics, and temporal variables remained constant through training. The flat walk shared similar kinematics and temporal variables with the walk, except for the rhythm, bipedal support, head displacements, and hind fetlock joint motion. While respiratory rates were not significantly different in training response, the TWH yearling demonstrated more efficient respiration compared to the non-gaited trot. Training impact was limited to improved, desirable behavioral responses. Through survey responses by TWH trainers, additional training variables were indicated for future training protocols.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/17308

Comments

horse||Tennessee Walking Horse||Kinematics||yearling||Flat Walking

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