Seasonal changes in blood serum protein fractions and in activity of AspAT and AlAT in Arabian brood mares and their foals.

This research examines seasonal changes in blood protein fractions and specific enzyme activities in different groups of Arabian horses, demonstrating cyclical variations between groups.

Overview of the Study

• The study involved 34 pure breed Arabian horses divided into four groups: Gr. I comprised 10 pregnant mares, Gr. II consisted of 7 barren mares, Gr. III included 10 foals born in 1981, and Gr. IV involved 7 foals born in 1982.
• The researchers investigated seasonal changes in total blood serum protein, its electrophoretic fractions (the different types of proteins present), and the activity of two enzymes called AspAT and AlAT.

Major Findings

• Seasonal cyclicity, or regular changes that recur every season, was observed in all groups in terms of total serum proteins, and in alpha 2- and beta 1-globulin fractions, which are specific types of protein.
• Cyclicity was found in the level of albumin (another type of protein) and activity of AspAT in three groups but was not observed in Gr. II (barren mares).
• There was no cyclicity in the level of gamma-globulin, another protein type, in Gr. IV (foals born in 1982).
• The activity of AlAT and the amount of beta 2-globulin showed cyclicity in only two of the four groups of horses, while alpha 1-globulin levels displayed cyclicity solely in Gr. II (barren mares).
• Out of the nine indices, or measures used for analysis, cyclicity was found in eight of them in pregnant mares (Gr. I), in seven in older foals (Gr. III), in six in the young foals (Gr. IV), and in five in barren mares (Gr. II).

Interpretations and Conclusions

• The results suggest that seasonal changes impact the blood biochemical parameters of Arabian horses, including the total serum proteins, protein fractions, and the activities of AspAT and AlAT enzymes.
• The specific pattern of change differs between pregnant mares, barren mares, and foals of different ages, showing a level of complexity in the effects of seasons on these biological parameters.
• Such findings can help in optimizing the management and care of horses in changing seasons, based on their reproductive statuses and age.