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Background: Mares are very different from other species during pregnancy, and studies on the physiological changes of this period are important. During late pregnancy, the distribution of weight and body fat are often used as indicators of adequate nutrition. This is a physiological period that results in an increase in metabolic demand. There is a tendency for the Criollo breed to have a higher body condition score that becomes more evident during pregnancy, a period when mares tend to gain more weight. The current study monitored serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in pregnant mares during late gestation to determine a possible correlation with the distribution of fat or body weight.Materials, Methods & Results: Four body parameters of thirty-four Criollo-type mares in late gestation were evaluated: body weight measured with a weight scale, body weight using a commercial weight tape, total body fat and fat thickness and the serum levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides. The fat thickness was measured in an ultrasound device and the prediction of total body fat was calculated using an equation. According to the days prior foaling, biometric monitoring and blood collection were carried out in five periods: F-90 (± 90 days prior to foaling) n = 33; F-60 (± 60 days prior to foaling) n = 33; F-30 (± 30 days prior to foaling) n = 31; F-15 (± 15 days prior to foaling) n = 29 and Foaling (at day of foaling) n = 14. Mares were monitored daily and accompanied foaling was also performed, ensuring collection at the right time. Comparisons of means were performed between variables in addition to the Pearson correlation test. Statistical significance was established at P < 0.05. There was no difference in relation to the period in body composition measurements (P > 0.05). A strong positive correlation was observed between the average weights (P < 0.001). The fat thickness showed a correlation between the weights (P < 0.01). There was no correlation with body composition (P > 0.068). There was a strong positive correlation between weights (P < 0.001). In addition, differences in total cholesterol levels (P = 0.0016) were observed, with higher levels found in the Foaling period. The same was not observed for triglyceride levels (P = 0.443). There was no correlation between blood variables in this period (P > 0.191). There was also no correlation with the body composition (P > 0.068).Discussion: The absence of difference between the periods in relation to the weight measures and the correlations existing in these measures is related to the period in which they were collected, since the maximum relative weight of the foal is reached in ten months, causing the mare's weight stability. Interestingly, an unexplained increase in total cholesterol levels was found on the day of foaling. As the same change in triglycerides was not observed and there was no change in the diet or feeding behavior of the mares, the effects of the diet can be excluded in this case, which requires further studies to explain this result. Our hypothesis is that this increase is linked to hormones that tend to change in this pre-delivery period and that have their metabolism strongly linked to cholesterol levels. Levels of body fat and mare weight can therefore be correlated in the late gestation, allowing for their use as indicators of adequate nutritional and energy reserves.

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MAZZO, H.C. Glycerin supplementation in equine diet. [Suplementação de glicerina na dieta de equinos.] 2018. 65f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Ciências)

O tempo de gestação (TG) na espécie equina é uma variável fisiológica de grande importância econômica e clínica uma vez que o manejo desses animais nos criatórios demanda um conhecimento preciso quanto ao momento do parto. Esta variável apresenta uma ampla variação em relação as outras espécies de produção, sendo considerado fisiológico o intervalo entre 320 e 390 dias de período gestacional na égua. Descreve-se que o tempo de gestação pode ser influenciado por diversos fatores maternos (idade materna, número de partos, nutrição materna), fetal (sexo do potro) e ambientais (local, ano do parto, mês do parto, clima. Dessa forma, este estudo tem o objetivo de apresentar uma revisão dos fatores que podem influenciar o tempo de gestação na espécie equina, sendo estes os fatores maternos, fetais, paternos e ambientais. Conclui-se os fatores maternos e fetal já são bem elucidados quanto a sua relação com o tempo de gestação, porém a influência do garanhão, os fatores ambientais e climáticos ainda necessitam de mais estudos na espécie equina.

Essential oils (EO) such as carvacrol represent a wide range of mainly volatile aromatic plant compounds which hold antioxidant, antibacterial and antifungal potential, in addition to other properties of interest to animal health, such as the ability to modulate the microbiome. Current horse care commonly involves an intensive management system with an excessive use of concentrated feed, which can lead to severe digestive and metabolic disorders. Studies with EO in horses are limited, but the use of carvacrol essential oil (CEO) can promote benefits in microbial fermentation. The objective was to investigate the effect of different quantities of CEO on the apparent total digestibility of nutrients, microbial profile in the feces and postprandial blood glucose and insulin response when added to the equine diet. Eight Mini-Horse geldings were used (42±6 months; 135±15 kg BW) and fed with a proportion of 60% concentrate and 40% grass hay. The treatments were: 0, 100, 200 and 300 ppm of CEO. The addition of CEO up to 300 ppm did not influence the apparent digestibility of nutrients or the postprandial plasma glucose and insulin response. The use of CEO maintained the fermentative digestive health of horses fed with concentrate diets.

Visando proporcionar atividades integradas, interdisciplinares e oportunizar aos alunos a participação de ações de promoção técnico-científicas junto a sociedade, o projeto “Ação de capacitação e formação profissional junto ao Centro de Ensino e Experimentação em Equinocultura da Palma (CEEEP)” está em atividade desde o ano de 2012. O presente trabalho apresenta a experiência da capacitação e treinamento desenvolvido com os colaboradores da concessionária de rodovias ECOSUL, em relação ao bem-estar e comportamento de equinos, com objetivo de diminuir o risco de acidente na apreensão tanto por parte dos animais, quanto por parte dos manipuladores. Esse treinamento foi realizado no CEEEP, contando com a participação de cinquenta colaboradores da ECOSUL. O programa da atividade incluiu a abordagem de teorias sobre etologia e técnicas de apreensão para equinos. Foram realizadas várias demonstrações práticas de captura, utilização do reboque, e discussões onde os colaboradores puderam expor e sanar dúvidas. Observou-se que durante o treinamento prático os participantes passaram a ter mais confiança e demonstrar mais preparo pra executar os procedimentos demonstrados. O treinamento como forma de ação e capacitação profissional foi satisfatório e pode desenvolver nos participantes uma consciência de bem-estar animal, proporcionando qualidade técnica à equipe de colaboradores para atuar durante as atividades de captura dos equinos soltos em via pública.