Seasonal influences on quantitative changes in sweat-associated anatomy in native and thoroughbred horses.

The research investigates how seasonal changes affect the skin anatomy related to sweating in native, thoroughbred, and non-thoroughbred horses. It establishes that breed and seasonal variations influence sweat gland volumes, sebaceous gland densities, skin thickness, and hair follicle densities in these horse types.

Research Methodology

• The researchers utilized stereological techniques to examine the changes in hair follicles, sweat the sebaceous glands in the pelts of ponies (PN), thoroughbred (TB) and non-thoroughbred (NTB) horses procured from an abattoir.
• The assessment took into account the possible variations due to seasons, comparing findings from winter to those of summer.

Findings on Sweat glands

• There was a significant increase in the volume density of sweat glands from winter to summer in TB horses, but no change in NTB horses and a positive tendency in PN horses.
• The researchers speculate that there could be a relationship between body surface area to volume effect for sweat gland parameters. This is suggested by the fact that ponies, which have a smaller size, had smaller measurement values than either TB or NTB horses.
• This could possibly be due to strategies for controlling heat loss in winter seasons.

Findings on Sebaceous glands & Skin thickness

• In the summer season, NTB horses had increased volume density of sebaceous glands and thick skin, while the opposite applied to TB horses where both parameters decreased.
• The researchers suggest that the increased sebum in NTB horses might enhance the wicking of sweat through the pelt in the summer season.
• In winter, TB horses had significantly higher volume measurements of sebaceous glands compared to NTB and PN horses. This implies that sebum might play an essential role in providing waterproofing for TB horses in winter.
• Ponies did not show significant seasonal changes in sebaceous glands but had thinner skin in summer.

Findings on Hair follicles

• There was no significant difference in the volume density of hair follicles and skin thickness among the three groups during winter.
• The volume density and the volume of hair follicles per unit area of skin surface decreased significantly in the summer for TB and NTB horses. It decreased but not significantly for PN horses.
• The study shows that the seasonal skin adaptations were most pronounced in TB horses and varied between breeds.

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of understanding the impact of seasonal changes on the physiological parameters of different horse breeds. This knowledge can be utilized to optimize the care and management of horses, particularly in relation to temperature regulation and skin care.