Pregnancy-associated changes of serum biochemical values in Lipizzaner broodmares.

The research aimed at observing physiological changes in blood biochemical parameters within pregnant Lipizzaner horses throughout their gestation period. A distinctive difference was noted in serum triglyceride levels between pregnant and non-pregnant horses.

Blood Biochemical Parameters

• The study sought to detect physiological changes in blood biochemical parameters throughout a horse’s gestation period. This specifically included mares from a certain breed known as the Lipizzaner.
• The researchers were interested in comparing these findings between pregnant and non-pregnant Lipizzaner mares to determine any significant changes during early-mid and late pregnancy.
• By doing so, they aimed to provide reference values for clinical chemistry parameters specifically for this horse breed.

Study Process and Findings

• To carry out the study, a total of 136 venous blood samples were collected from 20 pregnant and 10 non-pregnant Lipizzaner broodmares. These horses were asymptomatic, meaning they showed no signs of disease or illness.
• A range of parameters was measured within the blood samples, including levels of albumin, total protein, urea, triglycerides, glucose, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate transaminase, glutamate dehydrogenase, gammaglutamyltransferase, creatine kinase and lactate dehydrogenase.
• A variety of statistical tests were used to analyze the data, exploring any possible associations between these parameters.
• Through their analysis, the researchers found that serum triglyceride levels were significantly different in pregnant mares compared to the control, non-pregnant group.

Changes in Biochemical Parameters During Pregnancy

• The blood biochemistry of the horses showed specific changes as the gestation period progressed. The levels of total protein and urea significantly decreased during pregnancy, while the levels of glucose, triglyceride and glutamate dehydrogenase increased from around the fifth month of gestation until parturition (giving birth).
• During late-term pregnancy, the researchers found that four biochemical parameters (albumin, aspartate transaminase, total protein and urea) were lower and three other variables (glucose, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine) were significantly higher than in mares in early or mid-gestation.

Conclusion

• The researchers concluded that reference values for clinical chemistry parameters should take into account not only the species, breed, and sex of the animal, but also the reproductive status. This is because there are significant changes in a number of biochemical parameters during pregnancy in Lipizzaner horses.