Responses of hematological parameters, beta-endorphin, cortisol, reactive oxygen metabolites, and biological antioxidant potential in horses participating in a traditional tournament.

The study investigates the physiological stress response and health status of horses participating in a traditional horse tournament, to better understand the effects of physical and emotional stressors. The findings show that competitions can lead to significant, but recoverable, changes in a horse’s physiological state, including increases in stress hormones and oxidative markers.

Objective and Approach

• The researchers aimed to understand the physiological effects and stress response in horses participating in a traditional tournament. Particularly, they were interested in changes in hematological parameters, levels of beta-endorphin (a stress hormone), cortisol (another stress hormone), reactive oxygen metabolites (indicators of oxidative stress), and biological antioxidant potential (the body’s ability to counteract oxidative stress).
• To conduct the study, blood samples were collected from 21 horses the day before, during, and the day after the tournament. These samples were then analyzed for a complete blood count along with biochemical, hormonal, and oxidative stress assays.

Findings

• Findings showed that prior to the tournament (D0), the blood parameters indicated the horses were in an optimal health status.
• During the tournament (D1), significant dehydration and increases in circulating glucose, enzymes, cortisol, and beta-endorphin were observed.
• Additionally, reactive oxygen metabolites, indicative of prooxidant activity, showed an increase from D0 to D1 and D2. However, the concentration of biological antioxidant potential, indicating antioxidant capacity, was at its highest during the tournament, counteracting the concurrent increase in reactive oxygen metabolites.
• The study found that most parameters returned to baseline conditions the day after the tournament. This suggests that while the tournament induced significant stress responses, the horses were able to recover within a day.

Conclusion and Implications

• The overall conclusion was that while the tournament causes significant physiological changes including increased stress hormones and oxidative markers, these effects are mostly short-term, and the horses can recover quickly.
• The authors suggest that the study’s findings can help in enhancing understanding around changes in blood parameters and health status in horses participating in similar tournaments. More specifically, they propose that these data can contribute to the implementation of tests in equine medicine that can better monitor and manage the wellness of horses involved in such events.