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International journal of veterinary science and medicine2018; 6(1); 61-64; doi: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.03.007

Impact of season, age and gender on some clinical, haematological and serum parameters in Shetland ponies in east province, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract: The Shetland ponies, which originate from harshest environments in the world islands in the north of the Atlantic Ocean, are now most popular pony breed distributed in almost every corner of the world. Reference ranges of physiological, biochemical and haematological values, which are widely used in veterinary clinics, may differ according to season, age, sex, type of feeding, and environmental circumstances of the area. Reference ranges of haematological and biochemical values of Shetland ponies are rare. The present study was therefore undertaken to evaluate the impact of season, age and sex on some haematological and biochemical values and cortisol levels in healthy ponies in Saudi Arabia. The study was conducted between December 2016 to June 2017 on ponies in and around Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-three clinically healthy ponies males and females of different ages were included for haematological and biochemical analysis in this study. For each animal, blood samples were collected in summer and winter. Four physiological, fourteen haematological, sixteen biochemical parameters as well as serum cortisol levels were analysed. Heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse and rectal temperature were increased in summer in comparison to winter. Values of heart rate proved significant at  < 0.05. The results of blood haematology and biochemistry of the ponies revealed that there was no significant variation between summer and winter in most of the haematological and biochemical parameters, while there was a slight significant difference in leucocyte counts, monocytes, MCH, MPVK, platelets and AST activity. There were significant differences in serum cortisol concentration regarding season and age but not regarding gender.
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Publication Date: 2018-03-24 PubMed ID: 30255080PubMed Central: PMC6148337DOI: 10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.03.007Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research investigated the impact of different factors—primarily season, age, and sex—on the physiological, biochemical, and haematological values in Shetland ponies in Saudi Arabia, noting variations in heart rate, respiratory rate, and other indicators depending on the time of the year.

Study Objective and Background

  • The goal of this research was to understand how season, age, and gender affect certain haematological and biochemical values, as well as cortisol levels in healthy Shetland ponies in Saudi Arabia.
  • The motivation for the study stems from the fact that Shetland ponies are a popular breed worldwide, and the reference ranges used for their medical evaluation can differ based on a variety of factors, including season, age, sex, feeding habits, and environmental circumstances.
  • Particularly, reference ranges for this breed are scarce. This study addresses this knowledge gap by setting a localized reference range for Shetland ponies in Saudi Arabia.

Methodology of the Study

  • The research was conducted between December 2016 and June 2017 on Shetland ponies in the Al-Hasa region of Saudi Arabia.
  • The study involved twenty-three healthy Shetland ponies of different ages and genders.
  • Blood tests were performed during both summer and winter seasons.
  • The researchers analysed four physiological, fourteen haematological, and sixteen biochemical parameters, along with serum cortisol levels.

Key Findings

  • During summer, heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse, and rectal temperature showed an increase compared to winter, with the heart rate variations being statistically significant.
  • In terms of haematology and biochemistry values, there was no marked variation between summer and winter for most parameters. However, there was a slight but statistically significant difference observed in leucocyte counts, monocytes, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), platelets, and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activity.
  • Season and age were found to influence serum cortisol concentration significantly, while gender was not found to have a significant effect.

Research Implications

  • This study provides valuable data for veterinary clinics to better diagnose and manage health conditions in Shetland ponies, especially in the Middle Eastern context.
  • The findings may lead to more refined treatment strategies considering seasonal fluctuations, age, and gender.
  • Through careful regard for these factors, overall health and welfare can significantly improve for this breed in hot climates.

Cite This Article

APA
Shawaf T, Hussen J, Al-Zoubi M, Hamaash H, Al-Busadah K. (2018). Impact of season, age and gender on some clinical, haematological and serum parameters in Shetland ponies in east province, Saudi Arabia. Int J Vet Sci Med, 6(1), 61-64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijvsm.2018.03.007

Publication

International journal of veterinary science and medicine
ISSN: 2314-4599
NlmUniqueID: 101626221
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 6
Issue: 1
Pages: 61-64

Researcher Affiliations

Shawaf, Turke
  • Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Studies, King Faisal University, Al Hasa Box 400, Saudi Arabia.
Hussen, Jamal
  • Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, 400 Al-Hasa, 31982, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Zoubi, Mohammed
  • Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Studies, King Faisal University, Al Hasa Box 400, Saudi Arabia.
Hamaash, Hassein
  • Department of Clinical Studies, College of Veterinary Studies, King Faisal University, Al Hasa Box 400, Saudi Arabia.
Al-Busadah, Khalid
  • Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Hasa, Saudi Arabia.

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Citations

This article has been cited 8 times.
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