Boosting Fighting Cock Performance: Maximizing VO2 Max with HIIT (Ep. 2)

Boosting Fighting Cock Performance: Maximizing VO2 Max with HIIT (Ep. 2)
By Asst. Prof. Dr. Somphoth Weerakul (Ajarn Kaew)

Before diving into this article, readers should ideally review the basics of VO2 Max in fighting cocks. This provides the necessary foundation for understanding why physical prowess is directly linked to oxygen utilization efficiency—specifically, the ability to optimize energy production via the Krebs Cycle right up to the limit of aerobic capacity.

Previous data shows that guineafowl trained on treadmills exhibit an average VO2 Max of $97 \pm \text{ml/kg/min}$. This is significantly higher than untrained guineafowl and even outperforms the world's elite human athletes. It stands to reason that a well-conditioned fighting cock could achieve even higher values.

Since VO2 Max can be measured in poultry similarly to mammals, and research suggests that the mechanics of oxygen efficiency follow the same trends, we can hypothesize that the principles for building VO2 Max in fighting cocks are universal. Here is a synthesis of those core concepts:

Train with HIIT!
Most fighting cock training regimens already incorporate HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) principles, though often unintentionally.

HIIT involves short bursts of high-intensity activity where the heart rate spikes rapidly, followed by a recovery period where the heart rate drops, repeated in cycles. In humans, this involves reaching 85-90% of Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax).

Efficiency: HIIT is more effective at increasing VO2 Max in less time compared to steady-state, low-to-moderate intensity "Cardio" (typically 50-70% HRmax).
Aerobic vs. Anaerobic: While steady-state cardio builds endurance by using oxygen and fat as primary fuel, elite performance requires the body to continue aerobic metabolism even at high heart rates. Once the aerobic limit is pushed, the body shifts toward the anaerobic system (glycolysis). The two systems work in tandem depending on oxygen efficiency. As long as the body can still metabolize energy using oxygen, endurance and stamina will remain superior.
Lactic Threshold and Recovery
In fighting cocks, HIIT training enhances agility and improves Anaerobic Capacity or Lactate Threshold (LT)—the ability to endure rising lactic acid levels in the bloodstream.

Beyond HRmax: Elite athletes can often maintain aerobic efficiency even when their heart rate exceeds typical "aerobic zones." For peak performance, we should look beyond HRmax; we want the body to utilize oxygen for energy even at 90% exertion.
LTHR (Lactate Threshold Heart Rate): The goal is to push the LT as close to the HRmax as possible. During rest or deceleration, a fit bird’s heart rate will drop quickly, indicating fast recovery.
Ventilatory Threshold (VT): In humans, the onset of LT is signaled by heavy panting—a compensatory mechanism to "buffer" acidity by exhaling $CO_2$. This is a short-term balancing act known as the Ventilatory Threshold.
Training Intervals
Interval training conditions the muscles to tolerate lactic acid buildup. This involves rapid acceleration or high-intensity activity followed by a recovery period that is often only a fraction of the work period. Examples include:

12 minutes of high intensity / 3 minutes of rest
30 seconds of work / 10 seconds of rest
10 seconds of work / 10 seconds of rest
Repeating these sets according to the bird’s capability helps the body become accustomed to accumulating and clearing lactic acid. While it cannot be cleared entirely during short breaks, this method significantly increases recovery speed.

Warning: Intensity must be monitored to avoid Exertional Myopathy (severe muscle damage), which is frequently seen in fighting cocks after grueling matches.
Conclusion
The body uses a blend of aerobic and anaerobic energy via glycolysis and the Krebs Cycle. Fit animals—including running birds and migratory species—can endure the "burning" of lactic acid longer and clear it more efficiently. However, once intensity surpasses the LT, you reach the peak of aerobic capacity: VO2 Max.

Training at this limit is essential, and HIIT is the most effective way to get there. How you tailor these sessions to your specific bird is the art of the coach.

Stay tuned: What else can increase VO2 Max besides training?