Multivariate analysis for characteristics of heat tolerance in horses in Brazil.
The environment in which the horse is reared affects its ability to maintain thermal balance which is in turn related to thermal characteristics and regulatory physiological mechanisms. In this study a multivariate analysis of physiological traits in relation to heat tolerance in horses was carried out in the Federal District, Brazil. The aim was to test the ability of these analyses to separate groups of animals and determine which physiological traits are most important in the adaptation to heat stress. Forty adult horses (4 to 13 years) were used, ten from each of four different genetic groups (English thoroughbred, Brazilian showjumper, crossbred and Breton). The traits examined included heart and breathing rate, rectal temperature as well as blood parameters. The data underwent multivariate statistical analysis including cluster, discriminate and canonical using Statistical Analysis System - SAS (R) procedures CLUSTER, STEPDISC, CANCORR and DISCRIM. The tree diagram showed clear distances between groups studied and canonical analysis was able to separate individuals in groups. The discriminate analysis identified the variables which were most important in separating these groups. The multivariate analysis was able to separate the animals into groups with RR, HR and RT being important in this separation.
Castanheira
Marlos
M
Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, Brazil. castanheira_m@hotmail.com
Paiva
Samuel Rezende
SR
Louvandini
Helder
H
Landim
Aline
A
Fiorvanti
Maria Clorinda Soares
MC
Paludo
Giane Regina
GR
Dallago
Bruno Stefano
BS
McManus
Concepta
C
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature / Q000502:physiology; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D001938:Brazil; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology; D006400:Hematocrit / Q000662:veterinary; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000662:veterinary; D012119:Respiration; D014329:Tropical Climate
D006454:Hemoglobins