Estimation of the energy expenditure from heart rate measurements in working oxen

Abstract

AbstractThe heart rate (fH) and the energy expenditure (EE) of seven Hintenvaelder (Bos taurus) draught oxen and three zebu (Bos indicusj oxen were measured, while the animals were standing, walking and pulling different loads. Linear regressions for all animals relating EE to fHwere highly significant (P < 0·001). The standard errors of the estimate expressed as a percentage of the mean EE (PE) ranged from ±6·7% to ±10·5%. Two animals with PE ±13·7% and ±17·1% were beyond that range. One year later, fHand EE were measured on six of the original seven Hinterwaelder oxen while the animals were standing and walking on a treadmill, on the level and at gradients of 3%, 6% and 9%. In the two experiments mean slope and mean intercept of the regressions of EE on fHwere not different (P > 0·05). Irrespective of the kind of work (draught work or lifting work),fHallows a reliable prediction to be made of the EE of working oxen.