A chemical process in which oxygen is used to make energy from carbohydrates (sugars). Also known as aerobic respiration, oxidative metabolism, or cell respiration.
A process of converting fat and glycogen or glucose into ATP to be used as a fuel by the muscles. Uses oxygen (thus aerobic). A slower process than anaerobic metabolism, but much more efficient, allowing the horse to perform for a much longer period of time. A horse will use predominantly aerobic metabolism below a heart rate of about 150 beats per minute. The maximum intensity at which a horse can continue using aerobic metabolism can be increased with good conditioning. This is the method primarily used by endurance horses.
The complete breakdown of organic substrates into carbon dioxide and water, via pyruvic acid; a process that yields large amounts of ATP but requires mitochondria and oxygen.
Aerobic metabolism occurs when carbohydrates and fats burn together with oxygen, causing the body to use stored sugar and fat to burn.