Biochemical indicators of bone formation in foals after transfer from pasture to stables for the winter months.

The research monitors the effect of moving foals from pastures to stables during winter on their bone formation, indicated through various biochemical serum measurements. The study concludes a noticeable slow down in bone formation in foals in the winter months suggesting possible factors including a decrease in physical activity and in serum free thyroxine concentration.

Objective and Methodology

• The study aimed to understand the impact of transfer from pastures to stables on bone formation in foals during the winter months. Bone formation indicators included serum alkaline phosphatase activity and serum concentrations of osteocalcin, free thyroxine, protein, and cholesterol.
• A total of 14 foals were studied, and the aforementioned indicators were measured on a monthly basis from the time of their birth until they reached one year of age.

Results and Findings

• The research found that the activity of alkaline phosphatase and the concentrations of osteocalcin, free thyroxine, and cholesterol showed a temporary decrease in November. This decrease was observed right after the foals were moved from their pastures to the stables.
• In the following two months, there was a slight increase in both, serum alkaline phosphatase activity and the concentration of osteocalcin. However, this increase was less than what it was in the open pastures.
• The protein concentration was observed to be highest during the late fall and it significantly decreased during April and May. This could have been due to inadequate protein nutrition during the winter months.

Interpretation and Conclusion

• Observing all the data, a substantial slowdown of bone formation in foals was detected after their transfer from open pastures to closed stables.
• The study hypothesized the reasons for this slowdown could be the decrease in physical activity due to confinement in the stables, and a decrease in the concentration of serum free thyroxine.
• This research provides significant insights into the impact of environmental factors on the development and bone formation in young foals, which could potentially inform better management and care practices during the winter months.