Diurnal changes in the hematological indices in the blood of racing Arabian horses.

This study explores the diurnal variations in certain properties of red and white blood cells in racing Arabian horses. Findings indicate varying changes throughout the day, with most peaks occurring during the night, and that these changes differed between stallions and mares.

Objective of the study

• This research examines the diurnal changes in the number and selected properties of red and white blood cells in eight stallions and six mares of pure Arabian horses. The diurnal changes refer to differences seen over the course of a 24-hour period.

Findings of the Study

• The study found that all horses exhibited distinct diurnal changes, but these changes did not fulfill the conditions of a circadian rhythm according to the guidelines set by Halberg. Circadian rhythm refers to physical, mental, and behavioral changes following a roughly 24-hour cycle, typically in response to light and darkness in an organism’s environment.
• It was observed that most of these shifts or peaks in cell numbers and properties occurred during the dark phase of the 24-hour period, with the exception of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell), erythrocyte (red blood cell) sizes, and cell rate sedimentation (the rate at which cells fall and deposit – a measure of inflammation).
• Furthermore, the majority of these indices showed higher average diurnal levels in mares compared to the stallions. This suggests that the fluctuations may affect female horses differently than males.

Significance of the Study

• Racing horses are often subjected to gruelling training routines and races, and understanding these diurnal changes could be critical in optimizing their performance and health.
• This study provides initial findings that could contribute to a better understanding of how these animals’ bodies operate on a cellular level throughout the day, potentially influencing feeding and training schedules.
• It illustrates the need for further studies to confirm these findings and to explore their implications, especially regarding the observed gender differences.