Status of metabolic processes in horses during spring period

Abstract

The purpose of these studies was to determine status of metabolic processes in clinically healthy horses of sport breeds in spring period. Blood samples for biochemical studies were collected from 12 clinically healthy 7–9 month-old stallions of Ukrainian horse breed at Dnipropetrovsk region equestrian club. Protein (albumin, globulin, urea and creatinine) and mineral (common calcium and inorganic phosphorus) metabolic statuses, level of glucose, vitamins A and E and acid, as well as activity of hepatospecific enzymes (ALT, AST and AP) were determined using common techniques. It has been found that common protein level was within the limits of physiologic norm, although the level of albumins was decreased at the average rate of 12.0%, and the level of β- and γ-globulins was increased at the average rates of 5.2 and 11.3% respectively. AST activity was decreased at the rate of 38.0% regarding to physiological norm. Thereby, urea and creatinine concentrations were within the referent levels. Hyperglycaemia was observed in 50.0% of tested animals with maximal excess at the rate of 44.0%. Also, decreasing of common calcium and inorganic phosphorus levels was determined at the rate of 16.0 and 58.6%, vitamins А and Е — at the rate of 64.0 and 48,6% respectively, in comparison to lower level of physiological norm. The average index of acid capacity reached maximal referent levels. At the same time, it was increased in 33.3% of animals. Therefore, detected changes in biochemical indices in horse blood evidence that various metabolic disorders progress in clinically healthy stallions at spring and may furtherly lead to the appearance of metabolic syndrome