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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2024; 14(5); doi: 10.3390/ani14050745

The Effect of Repeated Blood Harvesting from Pregnant Mares on Haematological Variables.

Abstract: Studies have been carried out on the effect of large-volume blood harvesting from horses, but they were performed on nonpregnant horses of various breeds other than Icelandic horses. This study aimed to investigate the effect on the haematological variables indicating erythropoiesis of repeated blood harvesting from pregnant mares. To account for regional variation, two herds of mares were chosen, both kept under free-range conditions. Sequential EDTA blood samples were collected weekly from 160 mares and analysed for haematological variables in an automated analyser. Serum samples from 115 mares were analysed for total protein. In both herds, after three harvests, mares began to measure below the minimum value for erythrocyte numbers, and mild anaemia was present in up to 37% at one time. Mares in only one herd had moderate or marked anaemia, 14.3% of the herd. Both herds showed evidence of increased erythropoiesis, but there was a difference between the herds in the intensity of the response. In both herds, however, all mares had reached the minimum normal haematocrit value three weeks after the last harvest. It is important to investigate the causes for the differences between these herds, which might be addressed to reduce the risk of anaemia.
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Publication Date: 2024-02-28 PubMed ID: 38473131PubMed Central: PMC10931342DOI: 10.3390/ani14050745Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research explored how repeated blood collection affects blood parameters indicating new red blood cell production in pregnant horses. Findings showed that, after three blood collections, some horses displayed a drop in red blood cells leading to mild anemia, with indications of increased red blood cell production.

Research Objective and Methodology

  • The study’s primary aim was to understand the impact of repeated blood drawing on the hematological parameters signaling erythropoiesis (the production of red blood cells) in pregnant horses. Previous studies have focused on non-pregnant horses of various breeds; hence, this study provides new insights into the effects on pregnant mares, specifically of the Icelandic breed.
  • The researchers took into consideration the potential differences due to the living conditions of the horses by selecting two herds of mares maintained under free-range conditions.
  • The methodologies incorporated taking weekly sequential EDTA blood samples from a total of 160 mares. The samples were then analyzed using an automated device to measure various haematological variables.
  • The investigators also evaluated serum samples from 115 of these mares for total protein levels.

Major Findings

  • The data collected revealed that, after three instances of blood collection, some mares started to record erythrocyte (red blood cell) counts below the minimum value, indicating mild anemia in up to 37% at a time.
  • One of the studied herds showed a more severe issue, with 14.3% of the mares displaying moderate or severe anemia.
  • Both groups showed signs of increased erythropoiesis. However, there was a significant difference between the herds in the intensity of this response.
  • Three weeks after their last blood extraction, all mares’ hematocrit value (measurement of the ratio of the volume of red cells to the total volume of blood) reached the minimum normal range.

Research Implications

  • The differences observed between the herds suggest that there may be mitigating factors that could be studied further to prevent the risk of anemia in mares, thus enhancing their healthcare and managing their physiological responses to such scientific procedures.
  • This research demonstrates the need for careful monitoring and possibly limitation of repeated blood harvesting from pregnant mares to avoid potential health risks.
  • The study provides a better understanding of the impact of repeated large-volume blood extraction, particularly on pregnant mares, providing breeders, veterinary practitioners, and researchers with valuable insights for future care and procedures.

Cite This Article

APA
Oddsdóttir C, Jónsdóttir HK, Sturludóttir E, Vilanova XM. (2024). The Effect of Repeated Blood Harvesting from Pregnant Mares on Haematological Variables. Animals (Basel), 14(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14050745

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 5

Researcher Affiliations

Oddsdóttir, Charlotta
  • Division of Bacteriology and Pathology, Department of Pathology, Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, Keldnavegi 3, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland.
Jónsdóttir, Hanna Kristrún
  • Division of Bacteriology and Pathology, Department of Pathology, Institute for Experimental Pathology at Keldur, Keldnavegi 3, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland.
Sturludóttir, Erla
  • Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Agricultural University of Iceland, Árleyni 22, 112 Reykjavík, Iceland.
Vilanova, Xavier Manteca
  • School of Veterinary Science, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Barcelona, Spain.

Grant Funding

  • 710812-0120 / Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Fisheries

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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