Effect of feed deprivation on selected parameters of lipid mobilisation and hepatic function in healthy Akhal Teke horses.

This article explores the impact of feed deprivation on the metabolic health markers and liver function in Akhal Teke horses, particularly looking at the presence of certain fatty acids, bile components, insulin levels, and nitrogen compounds in the blood. The study found that horses did not develop a catabolic crisis after being deprived of feed for four days, and did not show signs of hyperlipaemia, providing insights into the breed’s physiological response to food restriction.

Objective and Hypothesis

• The researchers hypothesized that feed deprivation in horses would cause changes in various biochemical parameters. They anticipated an increase in the serum concentration of free fatty acids (FFA), triglycerides (TG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total bilirubin (tBIL), total bile acids (tBA), as well as increased activity of GGT and GLDH enzymes, which are indicative of liver damage. Conversely, they expected a decrease in the concentration of insulin and direct bilirubin (dBIL).

Methods

• Eleven Akhal Teke horses were subject to feed deprivation for a period of 96 hours. Blood samples were collected from the horses at several intervals during this timeframe.
• The researchers measured the presence and levels of various metabolites in the horses’ blood, including FFA, TG, insulin, GGT, GLDH, tBIL, dBIL, tBA, and BUN.
• The data were then examined using various statistical tests to determine any significant differences.

Results

• The horses tolerated the feed restriction without complications. During the deprivation, the concentration of TG, FFA, BUN, dBIL, and insulin significantly increased. Concurrently, GGT activity levels also increased.
• However, the concentrations of tBIL, tBA, and GLDH activity did not significantly change.

Conclusions

• The researchers noted that certain limitations in their study, such as a small sample size and the lack of certain measurements, may have affected the overall robustness of their findings.
• Overall, they concluded that Akhal Teke horses did not develop a catabolic crisis (breakdown of body resources due to stress or starvation) following four days of feed restriction. Hyperlipaemia (excessive fat in the blood) did not occur either.
• Parameters like total BIL and tBA did not increase and thus, were deemed not useful indicators for assessing inappetence in these horses.