Seasonal changes in the red blood cell indices in Arabian brood mares and their foals.

The research article investigates the fluctuations in several red blood cell indices across different seasons in different groups of pure-bred Arabian horses, including pregnant mares, barren mares, and foals born in different years. The study finds certain patterns of cyclicity in these indices across the seasons, but with variations among different groups.

Research Groups and Studied Parameters

• 34 pure-bred Arabian horses were used for the research and divided into four groups – pregnant mares (Gr. I, 10), barren mares (Gr. II, 7), foals born in 1981 (Gr. III, 10), and foals born in 1982 (Gr. IV, 7).
• The research examined seasonal changes in several red blood cell indices including haemoglobin level, haematocrit value, sedimentation rate, red blood cell number and diameter, percentage of erythroblasts and reticulocytes, and index F (a measure of red blood cells).

Research Findings

• Cyclical patterns corresponding with the seasons were observed in all groups for the haemoglobin level, haematocrit value, and red blood cell (RBC) diameter.
• These cyclic variations were also found in the sedimentation rate (also known as packed cell volume or PCV) and index F, but not for the youngest foals born in 1982 (Gr. IV).
• The number of red blood cells exhibited cyclicity in both groups of foals, while the erythroblast and reticulocyte percentages only exhibited such variations in the older foals born in 1981 (Gr. III).
• Out of 8 indices studied, cyclic patterns were observed in all foals in Gr. III, in 5 of the mares in Groups I and II, and 4 of the youngest foals in Gr. IV.
• There was no observable difference in the cyclicity of the studied indices between pregnant and barren mares.

Implications of the Research

• This research provides new insights into the effects of seasonal changes on red blood cell indices in Arabian horses. The finding might facilitate veterinary practitioners in understanding the normal physiological changes across seasons and could help in diagnosing health issues related to blood parameters.
• The observed cyclicity of these indices in different horse groups might also provide valuable information for horse breeding and management, particularly in terms of identifying any abnormal changes indicative of potential health problems.