The influence of age on bone metabolism in mares during late pregnancy and lactation.

This study explores how the age of mares affects bone metabolism during late pregnancy and lactation by measuring various hormones and proteins in the blood.

Objective of the Research

• The objective of the research was to investigate the effect of age on bone metabolism and adaptation during late pregnancy and lactation in mares. This was done by comparing levels of certain proteins and hormones in the blood of younger and older mares during different stages of pregnancy and lactation.

Methodology of the Study

• The study involved two groups of mares categorized by age. The younger group consisted of animals approximately 3.5-4 years old, while the older group contained mares between 8-19 years old.
• The researchers measured the concentrations of carboxyterminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTx), osteocalcin (OCN), parathyroid hormone (PTH), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) in the blood serum of these mares at different stages: late pregnancy, early lactation, and peak lactation.

Findings of the Research

• The findings indicated that PTH levels were significantly higher in the older group compared to the younger mares during late pregnancy.
• During the same period, OCN was found to be higher in the younger group.
• IGF-I, however, was found to be elevated in the younger group during early lactation, compared to the time of late pregnancy and peak lactation. Among the two age groups, no significant difference in IGF-I levels was observed.

Conclusion of the Research

• The results of the research suggest differences in how older and younger mares adapt their bone metabolism to the stages of late pregnancy and lactation. More specifically, older animals displayed elevated PTH secretion, indicating an adaptational change in bone metabolism as they age.