Selenium and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in the serum of thoroughbreds.

The research study examines the role of selenium and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in the serum of thoroughbreds, revealing an association between low selenium concentrations and subclinical hepatic insufficiency in the animals.

Objective of the Research

• The main objective of this research was to measure selenium and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity in the serum of thoroughbreds to identify relations between these levels and the horse’s performance.

Methodology

• The researchers took serum samples from clinically healthy thoroughbreds that were underperforming in their expected tasks.
• The serum samples were critically analyzed to measure concentrations of selenium and gamma-glutamyl transferase activity.
• In addition to these, other biochemical and hematological factors including Vitamin E levels and serum phosphate concentrations were also measured.

Findings

• The findings indicated low concentrations of selenium and high activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase in the serum of thoroughbreds whose performance was reported as unsatisfactory.
• However, Vitamin E levels in the serum did not display such differences between the underperforming and normally performing horses.
• Additionally, these underperforming horses showed lower serum phosphate concentrations, which could be linked to the unsatisfactory performance.

Conclusion and Implications

• Based on these findings, the study suggests that there is a possible association between low selenium concentrations in the serum and subclinical hepatic insufficiency in thoroughbreds. This can potentially explain the unsatisfactory performance of these horses.
• These results could imply a necessity for dietary supplementation of selenium in the thoroughbreds’ diets to improve their performance and overall health condition, but further research would be necessary to confirm this.