Diurnal changes in lactic and pyruvic acid levels and pH values in foals during the first 13 weeks of their life and in their lactating mothers.

The research article investigates the daily variations in the levels of lactic acid, pyruvic acid, and pH values in horse foals during their first 13 weeks of life and in their lactating mothers.

Research Background and Methodology

• The study aims to investigate the diurnal (daily) changes in the levels of lactic acid (LA), pyruvic acid (PA), and pH values in standard-bred mares and their foals over a period of 13 weeks.
• This research spanned two years and began when the foals were seven days old, continuing every two weeks until the foals reached the age of 13 weeks.
• In order to monitor these changes, blood samples were taken every four hours for a day every other week over the course of the study period.

Research Findings

• Different from their lactating mothers, the foals portrayed diurnal rhythm in their LA and PA levels, with the highest point (acrophase) occurring at night.
• However, no diurnal rhythm was observed in the lactating mares for either LA, PA levels or pH values over the same study period.
• Interestingly, significant correlations were found between the levels of metabolites studied in the mother horse and foal suggesting a possible maternal influence on the foal’s metabolic processes.
• The research article also suggests that environmental factors such as air temperature and humidity can cause fluctuations in the parameters studied in horse blood, thereby affecting the diurnal rhythm.

Conclusion

• This study provides crucial insights into the diurnal changes in the metabolite levels of LA, PA, and pH values in young horse foals and their lactating mothers. Such findings add significant value to understanding the horse’s metabolic processes, aiding future research aiming to optimise equine health and performance.