Serum bone metabolism biomarkers in healthy filies and colts from weaning until one year of age.

This research investigates the bone growth in foals (baby horses) by examining the concentration of various bone metabolism biomarkers in their blood from 8 months of age to 1 year. The study finds significant development in bone turnover and shows potential variations in bone metabolism based on the sex of the foals, which may be influenced by sex hormones.

Objective of the Research

• This study was conducted with the aim of understanding the bone growth in healthy weaned foals by observing the concentration of select bone metabolism markers in their blood from 8 months to 1 year of age.
• It also sought to examine the correlation between these markers and foals’ age, and the relationship between parathyroid hormone (PTH) serum values and the other bone remodeling markers.

Methodology of the Research

• Blood samples were taken monthly from 20 healthy foals (10 female foals, or fillies, and 10 male foals, or colts) from the age of 8 months to 1 year.
• The concentration of osteocalcin (OC), parathyroid hormone (PTH), calcitonin (CT), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and acid phosphatase (AP) were examined in each sample through two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Findings of the Study

• The study found age-related differences in the concentration of OC in both fillies and colts, with a higher concentration of OC found at 12 months compared to 8 and 9 months.
• A sex-related difference was also observed with a higher concentration of OC found in colts as compared to fillies.
• A significant positive correlation was found between the values of OC, PTH, CT, and ALP, and the foal’s age in both fillies and colts. In addition, the levels of PTH were positively correlated with the values of OC in both fillies and colts.

Conclusion and Implications of the Study

• The results demonstrated dynamic bone turnover during the foals’ growth, showing substantial changes in the bone metabolism markers as the foals aged.
• The alteration of PTH and OC underscores their potential role as indicators of bone growth and metabolism.
• The observed sex-related variances in OC concentration suggests possible involvement of sex hormones in the regulation of bone metabolism in prepubertal foals, providing new insights into the subject for future research.