Changes in haematological and biochemical parameters in blood serum of horses during exposition to workload stress.
- Journal Article
Summary
This study examines how training impacts a variety of blood parameters in horses, including mineral and energy profiles, liver function, and hematology. The findings reveal several significant changes, though no visible alterations to the horses’ general health were observed throughout the year-long experiment.
Objective and Methodology
- The primary aim of this study was to determine how horse training affects various blood parameters. The researchers examined mineral profiles, energy profiles, liver functions, and general hematology throughout the training process.
- To collect the necessary data, the team took blood samples from a group of horses at multiple points—ahead, in the middle, and at the end of a training program that lasted a year.
- The training regimen was comprehensive and included various activities such as transportation, lounging, riding, jumping, racing, treadmill training, and shoeing.
Results
- The results show significant changes in numerous blood parameters, particularly certain minerals like calcium, potassium, and sodium. The study also noted changes in total protein levels, urea, and specific liver function parameters.
- Changes were also observed in hematology results across different sample collection points, highlighting the physiological impacts of the training program on the horses.
Conclusion
- Despite the significant alterations in blood parameters, there were no discernible changes in the health status of the horses throughout the experiment’s duration.
- The research concludes that though horse training can cause changes in the internal environment of the animal, these alterations do not necessarily imply a negative impact on the overall health status.
The study is crucial in the field of veterinary medicine and animal training as it offers valuable understanding about the physiological effects of extensive training programs on horses. It underscores the importance of monitoring key indicators in the blood during such activities to ensure the animal’s health and well-being. Yet, it also reassures that even significant changes in these indicators do not necessarily predicate adverse health outcomes.
Cite This Article
Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
- AgroBioTech Research Centre, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
- Institute of Applied Biology, Slovak University of Agriculepartment of Animal Physiology, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
- Institute of Animal Husbandry, Faculty of Agrobiology and Food Resources, Slovak University of Agriculture, Nitra, Slovak Republic.
Conflict of Interest Statement
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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Kirchner R, Kirchnerová S, Tirpák F, Halo M Jr, Slanina T, Tokárová K, Kováčik A, Miškeje M, Komárňanská V, Greń A, Formicki G, Massányi P. Biogenic Elements and Heavy Metals in Hermann's Tortoises-Testudo hermanni: Effect on Serum Biochemistry and Oxidative Status Parameters.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Jul 6;13(13).