Haematological and biochemical blood parameters in horses used for sport and recreation

Abstract

The study was conducted to determine and compare the resting values of haematological and biochemical blood indices in clinically healthy horses competing in show jumping and used for leisure activities. The experiment included twenty adult horses of Polish half-bred and Wielkopolska breed which were subjected to a daily training programme typical of their type of use. Blood samples were collected at rest before feeding from the jugular external vein. Show jumpers had higher (P < 0.05) red blood cell count, haematocrit value and haemoglobin concentration as well as the serum level of total protein, albumin, α2- and γ-globulin, HDL and iron. The level of β-globulin, magnesium and activity of creatine kinase were significantly higher in recreationally used horses. There were no differences in the values of red blood cell parameters (MCV, MCH, MCHC), number of leucocytes and the percentage of their respective kinds, platelets, concentration of urea, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, LDL, activity of AST, ALT, LDH and in the content of Na, K, Cl, P, Ca between the tested groups. The results of the present study indicate that the type of training influences some of the resting haematological and biochemical indices in adult horses. Horses used for show jumping have higher aerobic capacity and show a more beneficial lipid profile compared to horses used for recreation.