Seasonal enzyme activity changes in two aminotransferases AspAT and AlAT, acid and alkaline phosphatases and aldolase in the serum of Thoroughbred horses during a racing season.

The research examines how the activity of certain enzymes in the blood serum of racing Thoroughbred horses changes throughout a racing season. The study pays particular attention to two aminotransferases, acid and alkaline phosphatases and aldolase, and reveals that these activities can be seasonally dependent, but also affected by training.

Study Overview

• The researchers sampled blood from 20 Thoroughbred horses on a roughly bi-monthly basis from March to November. The stable of horses included an equal mix of 10 stallions and 10 mares, all of whom were raced at the Warsaw Race-Course during the study period.

Enzyme Activity Observation

• Over the course of the study, the researchers tested the collected blood samples for activities of various enzymes, including aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), alanine transaminase (AlAT), acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and aldolase.
• Their observations indicated that enzymatic activities varied across the racing season. For instance, they found that aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase activities reached their peak in July, while alanine transaminase exhibited maximum activity in May.
• On the contrary, the activities of acid phosphatase and aldolase reached their lowest point in July.

Enzymes and Energy Metabolism

• The researchers also compared the results of their observations with the information available in existing literature. They concluded that the observed changes in enzyme activity are, to a large extent, dependent on the season.
• However, the study also acknowledged the role of training in influencing the activity rates of these enzymes. This is particularly pertinent as these enzymes are key players in the body’s energy metabolism processes.
• This means that both the seasonal variance and the intensity of the horses’ training regimen could have significant effects on their energy metabolism, and subsequently, their racing performance.

Significance of the Study

• Understanding the fluctuations in these enzymes throughout a racing season can provide critical insights for horse trainers and veterinarians, in terms of guiding more effective training schedules and nutritional plans that align with these natural variations.
• This research contributes to a growing body of knowledge about animal physiology and performance, especially in relation to sporting industry such as horse racing.