Haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, and sedimentation rate of horse blood.

This research article investigates different variables of horse blood, such as the haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, and sedimentation rate in healthy, resting, and excited or working horses. The proportions of these variables in horses were compared with those in other animals like sheep and oxen.

Analysis of Blood Samples

• The researchers measured several variables in blood samples from seven healthy horses. These variables included the volume percentage of red blood cells (r.b.c.), the concentration of haemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen), the relative viscosity (thickness) of the plasma and blood, and the rate at which red blood cells sediment (settle to the bottom of a tube).

Effect of Excitement or Work on Blood Parameters

• It was noted that when a horse is excited or working, the volume percentage of red blood cells increases. This suggests that the body produces more red blood cells to supply oxygen to tissues when horses are exercising or under stress.
• However, the researchers found that the concentration of red blood cells in the jugular vein of resting horses was relatively low compared to other animals.

Correlation of Haemoglobin Concentration and Red Blood Cell Volume

• The research also showed a significant correlation between the ratio of haemoglobin concentration to red blood cell volume and the total volume of red blood cells. When the volume of red blood cells increased, so too did the ratio of haemoglobin per red blood cell. This suggests that an increase in red blood cells is accompanied by an increase in haemoglobin concentration, enabling more oxygen to be carried in the blood.

Comparison with Other Animals

• The relative viscosity of horse blood was found to be higher at a greater volume of red blood cells, compared to the blood of oxen or sheep. This implies that horse blood is thicker and slower-flowing than that of these other animals when the red blood cell count is high.
• The rate at which red blood cells in Horse’s blood sedimented was studied. This sedimentation rate varied depending on the red blood cell concentration. The sedimentation rate of horse red blood cells was found to be higher in plasma from sheep and oxen. In contrast, the red blood cells from oxen and sheep sedimented as slowly in horse plasma as they did in their respective plasma.

Physiological Significance of High Sedimentation Rate

• The researchers also discussed the physiological implications of a high sedimentation rate in horse red blood cells, although they do not specify these implications in the abstract. Further reading would be required to understand their findings and inferences in this regard.