Dynamic Adaptation of Hematological Parameters, Albumin, and Non-Esterified Fatty Acids in Saddlebred and Standardbred Horses During Exercise.

The article discusses a study on how various physiological parameters in Standardbred and Italian Saddlebred mares respond to exercise following a rest period. The findings demonstrate different breed-specific responses and note similarities between the horse breeds post-training.

Study Design and Procedure

• Twenty mares, divided equally into Standardbred and Italian Saddlebred groups, underwent a four-week training program post a seasonal rest.
• Hematological parameters assessed included red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct) – a test that measures the percentage of blood volume taken up by red blood cells, platelets (PLTs), platelet aggregation (AG), aggregation slope (Slope), and fibrinogen (Fb).
• Other key parameters analyzed were Albumin (Alb) – a protein made by the liver that keeps fluid from leaking out of blood vessels, and non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs) – molecules released into the bloodstream from fat stores.
• The blood samples for analysis were collected weekly during the training program after simulated exercise at different time periods (T0pre-T0post; T1, T2, T3, and T4pre-T4post).

Results and Analysis

• The two-way ANOVA test signified an overall increase in all parameters, post vs. pre-exercise, at T0 and T4, and reduction in PLTs at these time points for both horse breeds.
• The breed-specific differences were seen as higher values for RBCs, Hb at each time point, Hct at T0 post, T2, T3, and T4 post; and NEFAs at T0 post and T4 post in Standardbred horses than in Saddlebred ones.
• Positive correlations were found among RBCs, Hb, Hct, PLTs, Alb, and NEFAs for both breeds; and between AG and Slope in Saddlebred horses.
• Negative correlations were found between AG and RBCs, Hb, Hct, PLTs, Alb, and NEFAs in Standardbred horses; and between AG and Slope with RBCs, Hb, Hct, and PLTs in Saddlebred horses.

Conclusions

• Both horse breeds showed a comparable response to training after the seasonal rest period.
• The research highlights the importance of understanding breed-specific physiological changes to optimize training programs for equine athletes.