Serum fructosamine concentrations in relation to metabolic changes during late pregnancy and early lactation in mares.

The research examines changes in the blood serum fructosamine (an indicator of long-term blood sugar levels) in pregnant and lactating mares. The findings suggest that higher fructosamine concentrations during late pregnancy are linked to the mare’s adaptation and that they could serve as an indicator of the animal’s energy status during pregnancy and lactation.

Study Overview

• The main objective of the research was to investigate fluctuations in blood serum fructosamine in mares during the late stages of pregnancy and the early stages of lactation. The study also observed these changes in relation to varying concentrations of indicators of their energy status.
• Fructosamine is used as an indicator of blood sugar levels over an extended period; thus, the researchers used this to understand the mares’ glycaemic condition over a longer duration.

Methodology

• The study was conducted on a sample size of eleven mares.
• Blood samples were taken from these mares approximately 60 and 20 days prior to delivering their foals, and 20 and 60 days after they had given birth.
• Concentrations of fructosamine, non-esterified fatty acids, and triglycerides were primarily analyzed, as well as beta-hydroxybutyrate levels.

Findings

• The results showed higher concentrations of fructosamine, non-esterified fatty acids, and triglycerides during the late pregnancy period (less than 60 days before foaling).
• There was also a significant increase in beta-hydroxybutyrate levels during early lactation (just after the mares had given birth).
• A noteworthy correlation was found between these fluctuating concentrations of fructosamine and the metabolic parameters related to the mares’ energy status.

Conclusion

• Overall, the increased fructosamine concentrations during late pregnancy indicate an adaptation process detactable through testing the mares’ blood serum.
• These changes, as observed by the researchers, suggest that the measurement of serum fructosamine could be used as a reliable indicator of a mare’s energy status during late pregnancy and lactation stages.