The variations of white blood cell count in Lipizzan horses.
Abstract: Total and differential leucocyte counts (lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils) were measured in 140 stallions, 101 mares and 25 foals of Lipizzan breed. The values fell in the normal ranges for warm-blooded horses. Differences between mares and stallions were not significant with the exception of foals, having higher white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and basophil values in females than in males. Foals exhibited an age-related increase of total leucocyte count during the first 4 months of life, accompanied by a decrease in neutrophil and increase in lymphocyte and eosinophil counts. In mares and stallions, the total number of leucocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils significantly decreased but the number of neutrophils and eosinophils remained almost unchanged with age gain.
Publication Date: 2003-10-22 PubMed ID: 14567512DOI: 10.1046/j.1439-0442.2003.00539.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This study investigates the variations in white blood cell count among Lipizzan horses of different sexes and ages. It records variations in leukocyte count but generally within normal range, noting primary differences in foals where females had higher cell counts than males.
Research Background
- The study focuses on the Lipizzan breed, a type of warm-blooded horse known for their strength and intelligence. These horses, classified as a heavy draft breed, are commonly used in shows and for riding given their calm nature and endurance.
- The study sets out to measure the total and differential leucocyte counts, which cover lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils, in different Lipizzan horses. These components of the white blood cells play crucial roles in the immune system of an animal.
White Blood Cell Count Variations Among Lipizzan Horses
- The variations were measured among 140 stallions, 101 mares, and 25 foals of the Lipizzan breed. The white blood cell values recorded generally fell within the standard range for warm-blooded horses.
- Interestingly, the study found no significant white blood cell count difference between male and female Lipizzan horses, except for the case of foals where female foals had higher white blood cell, neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte and basophil values than their male counterparts.
- This indicates a possible early life factor in the development of the immune system of Lipizzan horses, where female foals might have a higher immune response than males.
Age-Related Variations in White Blood Cell Count
- The study also found an age-related increase in total leucocyte count in foals during their first four months of life. This was accompanied by a decrease in neutrophil count and an increase in both lymphocyte and eosinophil counts.
- This signifies that as a foal’s body matures, its immune system undergoes changes that may enhance its ability to fight infections and diseases.
- Contrarily, in older horses – mares and stallions – the total leucocyte count, as well as lymphocyte, monocyte, and basophil counts, significantly decreased with age, while the number of neutrophils and eosinophils remained almost unchanged.
- This occurrence suggest that the immune system of older Lipizzan horses might weaken with age, leaving them more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Conclusion
- The findings of this study provide valuable insights regarding the variations in white blood cell count among Lipizzan horses.
- This knowledge can be useful in the management and care of such horses, especially in knowing the expected variations in their immune system responses according to their sex and age.
Cite This Article
APA
Cebulj-Kadunc N, Kosec M, Cestniki V.
(2003).
The variations of white blood cell count in Lipizzan horses.
J Vet Med A Physiol Pathol Clin Med, 50(5), 251-253.
https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1439-0442.2003.00539.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- University of Ljubljana, Veterinary Faculty, Institute of Physiology, Pharmacology and Toxicology, Slovenia. nina.cebulj@vf.uni-lj.si
MeSH Terms
- Aging / blood
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Female
- Horses / blood
- Leukocyte Count / veterinary
- Leukocytes / cytology
- Male
- Pedigree
- Reference Values
Citations
This article has been cited 3 times.- Čebulj-Kadunc N, Frangež R, Kruljc P. Fluctuations of Physiological Variables during Conditioning of Lipizzan Fillies before Starting under Saddle. Animals (Basel) 2022 Mar 25;12(7).
- Fingerhut L, Dolz G, de Buhr N. What Is the Evolutionary Fingerprint in Neutrophil Granulocytes?. Int J Mol Sci 2020 Jun 25;21(12).
- Zakari FO, Ayo JO, Rekwot PI, Kawu MU. Effects of age and season on haematological parameters of donkeys during the rainy and cold-dry seasons. Int J Biometeorol 2015 Dec;59(12):1813-24.
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