[The content of Hb and the hematocrit value in blood and the total proteins, urea, glucose, free fatty acids, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Pa, Fe, Fe-binding capacity, Cu and Zn in the blood plasma of Warmblood horses during feeding with oat-hay or barley-hay rations over a period of 9 months].

The research compares the blood content and health metrics of Warmblood horses fed on an oat-hay diet (Group A) against those fed on a barley-hay diet (Group B) for a 9-month period. While certain values remained constant across both groups, significant differences were observed in levels of urea, free fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, and plasma iron.

Study Design and Methods

• The study was conducted over a nine-month period on a total of seven Warmblood horses divided into two groups.
• Group A consisted of four horses who were given an oat-hay diet, while Group B consisted of three horses who were fed a barley-hay diet.
• Blood samples were taken at four-week intervals consistently throughout the study to monitor changes in various health metrics.

Consistent Observations Across Groups

• No differences were observed in the levels of hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit in the blood of horses from both groups.
• Levels of protein, glucose, sodium, potassium, magnesium, iron fixation capacity, copper, and zinc in the blood plasma were also similar for both groups of horses.

Varied Observations Between Groups

• There were marked differences in the levels of urea, free fatty acids, calcium, phosphorus, and plasma iron between the groups.
• The research found that Group A, on the oat-hay diet, had higher levels of plasma urea and free fatty acids than Group B on the barley-hay diet.
• The level of calcium was higher in Group A than in Group B.
• The inverse was true for inorganic phosphorus, with a higher concentration found in the blood of Group B horses.
• Notably, plasma iron was lower in Group A than Group B, indicating the potential for nutritional deficiencies in horses fed on oat-hay.

Implications and Discussions

• The research suggests that the type of hay a horse is fed can have a significant impact on its nutritional profile and health.
• Though the paper does not provide exhaustive details, there seem to be implications for the care and feeding of Warmblood horses and possibly other equine breeds.
• The findings also drive the need for further study into the underlying causes of these discrepancies and their potential impacts on equine health.