The Level of Prolactin, Serum Amyloid A, and Selected Biochemical Markers in Mares Before and After Parturition and Foal Heat.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the level of prolactin (PRL), serum amyloid A (SAA), and selected biochemical markers (T-Chol, AST, TP, Mg, P, and Ca) in the blood of mares during the perinatal period. The study involved 14 mares of the Polish Coldblood Horse breed, which were in the third trimester of pregnancy. Blood was collected for testing 2 weeks before parturition and then 24 hours after delivery and in the foal heat (9 days) and 9 days after ovulation and breeding. The research revealed significant differences in the level of PRL and SAA before and after delivery. The highest PRL level was found 24 hours after delivery, lowest in foal heat and 9 days after ovulation. Serum amyloid A concentration was within the accepted norms; however, on day 9 after foaling, a significant increase of this protein was observed. All biochemical markers were within physiological limits. However, significant increases in T-Chol, AST, and TP levels was observed 24 hours after the delivery, whereas in foal heat and after ovulation levels of T-Chol and TP significantly decreased and the AST level remained at a similar level. There were no significant changes in electrolyte levels such as Mg, P, and Ca. The pregnancy rate in the foal heat was at 43%. Collectively, the results of this study in conjunction with clinical observations demonstrated that when the perinatal period was normal, no disturbances in health related to pregnancy, parturition, lactation, and reproductive status during the postpartum period were found.
Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2019-11-14 PubMed ID: 31864459DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102854Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research analyzed the levels of certain hormones and biochemical markers in mares in various stages of pregnancy, delivery, and following ovulation. The study found changes in the levels of these markers, though all remained within normal parameters, implying that a normal perinatal period doesn’t disrupt overall health in mares.
Methodology
- The study was conducted on 14 mares of the Polish Coldblood Horse breed, during their third trimester of pregnancy.
- Blood samples were collected at four times: two weeks before parturition, 24 hours after parturition, during the mare’s first estrous cycle following birth or “foal heat” (9 days) and finally, 9 days after ovulation.
Results
- The hormone prolactin (PRL) was found to be at its highest level 24 hours after delivery, lowest during foal heat and 9 days after ovulation.
- The inflammation marker, Serum Amyloid A (SAA), remained within normal limits throughout. However, it increased significantly on the ninth day post-foaling.
- Other biochemical markers such as Total Cholesterol (T-Chol), Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Total Protein (TP) also increased 24 hours after delivery but returned to normal during foal heat and remained so after ovulation.
- Electrolyte levels (Magnesium or Mg, Phosphorus or P, Calcium or Ca) didn’t show significant changes at any stage.
- The foal heat fertility rate was recorded at 43%.
- Based on these results, the study indicated that under normal circumstances, pregnancy, parturition, lactation and the postpartum reproductive status do not cause disturbances in mare’s health.
Significance
- This study contributes valuable information on the hormonal and biochemical changes a mare undergoes during pregnancy, parturition, and the post-partum period.
- The research provides a better understanding of biological and physiological processes that occur during the perinatal period in mares.
- The investigation into foal heat fertility rate could serve as a baseline for further studies aimed at improving equine reproduction success.
Cite This Article
APA
Krakowski L, Brodzki P, Krakowska I, Opielak G, Marczuk J, Piech T.
(2019).
The Level of Prolactin, Serum Amyloid A, and Selected Biochemical Markers in Mares Before and After Parturition and Foal Heat.
J Equine Vet Sci, 84, 102854.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102854 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland. Electronic address: leszek.krakowski@up.lublin.pl.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
- University Center of Veterinary Medicine, Agricultural University of Cracow, Cracow, Poland.
- Department of Human Anatomy, Medical University in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department and Clinic of Animal Reproduction, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomarkers
- Female
- Horses
- Hot Temperature
- Parturition
- Pregnancy
- Prolactin
- Serum Amyloid A Protein
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Bazzano M, Bonfili L, Eleuteri AM, Serri E, Scollo C, Yaosen Y, Tesei B, Laus F. Assessment of serum amyloid A concentrations and biochemical profiles in lactating jennies and newborn Ragusano donkey foals around parturition and one month after foaling in Sicily. Reprod Domest Anim 2022 Mar;57(3):262-268.
- Satué K, Calvo A, Muñoz A, Fazio E, Medica P. Interrelationship between reproductive hormones and acute phase proteins during estrous cycle and pregnancy in Spanish purebred broodmares. Vet Anim Sci 2021 Dec;14:100212.
- Cardona-García M, Jiménez-Escobar C, Ferrer MS, Maldonado-Estrada JG. Follicular Dynamics and Pregnancy Rates during Foal Heat in Colombian Paso Fino Mares Bred under Permanent Grazing. Animals (Basel) 2024 Feb 29;14(5).
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