Ratsuhevosten veren hemoglobiini-, glukoosi- ja seerumin kolesteroli-, kivennäis- ja hivenainepitoisuuksista I. Erot eri ikäisten ja eri talleissa pidettyjen hevosten välillä

Abstract

Jugular blood samples were drawn from 5 colts and 63 horses maintained in three different riding stables in Helsinki. Horses in stable I originated mainly from Poland, those in stable II were born in Finland and those in stable III originated mainly from Denmark. Blood hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hc), glucose and serum total cholesterol (Chol), Ca, Mg, inorganic P, K, Na, Fe, Cu and Zn were determined. Crude fibre, crude protein, ash, mineral and trace element contents of the feeds used in the three stables were also analyzed. Mean daily intake of each nutrient per horse in the three stables was estimated on the basis of previous feed intake studies performed with horses of stable III (KOSSILA et al. 1972c). The highest average blood Hc and serum Ca, Mg, K and Fe but the lowest P and Na levels were found in I. The highest mean levels of glucose but the lowest mean levels of Hc, Cu, and Zn were found in II. The highest mean levels of P, Na, Cu and Zn but the lowest levels of Hb, Chol, Ca, Mg, K and Fe were found in III. The results of the study indicated that the serum levels of Ca, Mg, K, Cu and Zn in mature saddle horses are influenced by the levels of these elements in the diet. Effect of age on blood composition was also studied. It was found that the young animals had higher average glucose, Ca, P and K but the lower Mg, Na, Fe, Cu and Zn levels than the older ones. 7 to 12 years old horses had the highest mean Hb, Hc, Chol, Mg and Zn but the lowest glucose and P levels. Horses over 12 years old had the highest mean Cu but the lowest Ca and K levels.