Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin and haptoglobin concentration variations during repeated show jumping competition in horse

Modifications of the iron profile in athlete horses during two international three star (***) show jumping competitions performed in two consecutive weekends were evaluated. Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and haptoglobin were assessed in 12 well-trained Italian Saddle horses. Blood samplings were performed before the first day of competition (R1), within 10 min from the end of each competition (J1, J2) and on the day after competition (R2). The same plan was followed during the second weekend (J3, J4 and R3). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied on obtained data, and a significant effect of exercise (P < 0.05) on all studied indices was found. These results suggest that serum iron, transferrin, ferritin and haptoglobin are responsive to intense exercise and could be considered important indicators that may give important information about the horse's performance

serum lipid profile modification related to polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation in thoroughbred horses

ABSTRACTThe importance of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) within the biological functions of animals has been widely recognized. In this study, exercise and PUFAs' supplementation effects on serum triglycerides (Try), total cholesterol (Chol), and nonesterified fatty acids (NEFAs) concentration were evaluated in athletic horses. Ten regularly trained thoroughbred horses were randomly divided in two groups, control group (CG; n = 5) and experimental group (EG; n = 5). EG received a 4-week PUFA supplementation; CG received no dietary supplement. Blood samples were collected from the animals every 10 days before (PreD10, PreD20, PreD30) and after (PostD10, PostD20, PostD30) 1700 metres of race and were tested for selected parameters. Two-way analysis of variance for repeated measures showed lower Chol levels at PreD10, PreD20, and PreD30 in EG with respect to control CG (P < .05). EG showed lower NEFA levels than CG at PreD20 and PostD30 (P < .05). Increase of Try levels was found in EG at PreD20 and Pos..

influence of omega 3 in standardbred horse haematological parameters

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of omega-3 supplementation on some haematological parameters like red blood cells (RBC), haemoglobin (Hgb), haematocrit (Hct), white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (Neu) and lymphocytes (Lym) that may have a direct effect on the performance of athletic horses. Ten regularly trained Standardbred horses (6 geldings and 4 females, 4-5 years old, mean body weight 500 ± 25 kg) were used for the study. They were randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group received an omega-3 dietary supplementation every day for 30 days. The control group received no supplementation. Every 10 days, horses took part in a 1660 metre harness race and blood samples were collected from each horse: one in the morning before race (pre) and one after race (post). The application of one-way analysis of variance for repeated mesures (ANOVA) showed a statistically significant difference due to the race in the two different groups. The results obtained in the present study show a discordant effect of supplementation with omega-3 on RBC, HCT and Hgb, while omega-3 supplementation has been shown to have a better effect on WBC, Neu and Lym, but further studies should be performed to better evaluate the benefits of these on the performance of the athletic horse

Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin and haptoglobin concentration variations during repeated show jumping competition in horse

Modifications of the iron profile in athlete horses during two international three star (***) show jumping competitions performed in two consecutive weekends were evaluated. Serum iron, ferritin, transferrin, and haptoglobin were assessed in 12 well-trained Italian Saddle horses. Blood samplings were performed before the first day of competition (R1), within 10 min from the end of each competition (J1, J2) and on the day after competition (R2). The same plan was followed during the second weekend (J3, J4 and R3). One-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied on obtained data, and a significant effect of exercise (P &lt; 0.05) on all studied indices was found. These results suggest that serum iron, transferrin, ferritin and haptoglobin are responsive to intense exercise and could be considered important indicators that may give important information about the horse’s performance

Vacuum ultraviolet photoabsorption spectroscopy of space-related ices: 1 keV electron irradiation of nitrogen- and oxygen-rich ices

Context. Molecular oxygen, nitrogen, and ozone have been detected on some satellites of Saturn and Jupiter, as well as on comets. They are also expected to be present in ice-grain mantles within star-forming regions. The continuous energetic processing of icy objects in the Solar System induces physical and chemical changes within the ice. Laboratory experiments that simulate energetic processing (ions, photons, and electrons) of ices are therefore essential for interpreting and directing future astronomical observations. Aims. We provide vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) photoabsorption spectroscopic data of energetically processed nitrogen- and oxygen-rich ices that will help to identify absorption bands and/or spectral slopes observed on icy objects in the Solar System and on ice-grain mantles of the interstellar medium. Methods. We present VUV photoabsorption spectra of frozen O2 and N2, a 1:1 mixture of both, and a new systematic set of pure and mixed nitrogen oxide ices. Spectra were obtained at 22 K before and after 1 keV electron bombardment of the ice sample. Ices were then annealed to higher temperatures to study their thermal evolution. In addition, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy was used as a secondary probe of molecular synthesis to better identify the physical and chemical processes at play. Results. Our VUV data show that ozone and the azide radical (N3) are observed in our experiments after electron irradiation of pure O2 and N2 ices, respectively. Energetic processing of an O2:N2 = 1:1 ice mixture leads to the formation of ozone along with a series of nitrogen oxides. The electron irradiation of solid nitrogen oxides, pure and in mixtures, induces the formation of new species such as O2, N2, and other nitrogen oxides not present in the initial ice. Results are discussed here in light of their relevance to various astrophysical environments. Finally, we show that VUV spectra of solid NO2 and water can reproduce the observational VUV profile of the cold surface of Enceladus, Dione, and Rhea, strongly suggesting the presence of nitrogen oxides on the surface of the icy Saturn moons

Correlation between \u3b3-globulins and Encephalitozoon cuniculi immunoglobulins in suspected infected rabbits

Abstract Encephalitozoon cuniculi is a parasite that can infect a variety of animals, including immune-compromised humans. Rabbits are prone to encephalitozoonosis but the subclinical course and high serum prevalence make it difficult to diagnose with certainty in live animals. Different approaches have been used to support the presence of an active infection in symptomatic rabbits: antibodies titers, IgM and IgG serum evaluation, electrophoresis, PCR in urine, and cerebrospinal fluid analysis. In this study, 76 symptomatic rabbits were divided in three groups based on their Ig results: IgM+ IgG+, IgM-IgG+ and IgM-IgG-. By statistical analysis total serum protein was proved not to be effective in predicting an antibody response, in contrast the ?-globulin ranges from serum electrophoresis can predict whether the patient is positive for IgM and/or IgG. In fact, a significant quantitative correlation between percentage of ?-globulins and positive IgM and IgG serum for E. cuniculi was established in symptomatic rabbit. These values can be useful to perform a screening both for symptomatic and asymptomatic rabbits

Serum muscle-derived enzymes response during show jumping competition in horse

Aim: The effect of two jumping competitions, performed in two consecutive weekends, on serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), urea, creatinine (CREA) concentrations were evaluated in 12 healthy jumper horses. Materials and Methods: Blood sampling was performed before the 1st day of competition (T0), at the end of each show (J1, J2), on the day after the competition (T1); the same sampling plan was followed during the second weekend (J3, J4 and T2). Results: One-way repeated measures analysis of variance showed an increase in CPK at J1 and J2 respect to T0 and at J3 and J4 respect to all other time points (p<0.05). LDH activity showed an increase at J2 respect to T0, at J3 respect to T0, J1, J2 and at J4 respect to all other time points (p<0.05). AST values increased at J1 and J2 respect to T0 (p<0.05). A significant increase of CREA was found at J3 respect to T0, T1 and J1 and at J4 respect to all other time points (p<0.05). A decrease in serum urea levels was found at J1 respect to T0, at J2 and J4 respect to T0 and T1; at T2 respect to T0 (p<0.05). A positive correlation between urea/CPK (p=0.0042, r2=0.030), LDH/CPK (p<0.0001, r2=0.535), CREA/LDH (p<0.0001, r2=0.263), CREA/CPK (p<0.0001, r2=0.496) was observed. Conclusion: Our results suggest that 5 days recovery period between the two consecutive competition weekends is insufficient to allow muscle recovery and avoid potential additional stress. The findings obtained in this study improve the knowledge about metabolic changes occurring in athlete horse during the competition to identify muscle alterations following show jumping competitions

Dexmedetomidine and Tear Production: Evaluation in Dogs as Spontaneous Model for Ocular Surface Disorders

Tear film provides lubrication and protection to the ocular surface. The sedation reduces tear production, often leading to perioperative exposure keratopathy. The aim of the present study was to report the effects of intramuscular dexmedetomidine on canine tear production, measured by STT-1, for an experimental period of 8 h after sedation. Ten dogs who underwent sedation for routine radiologic assessment were recruited for the study. In all animals, tear production in right and left eyes was measured 15 min before sedation (T0: basal values) and 20 min (T20), 1 h (T1), 2 h (T2), 4 h (T4) and 8 h (T8) after drug administration. Analysis of variance and post hoc Bonferroni test (p &lt; 0.05) were performed. A significant effect of time on canine tear production was found. The tear production returned to basal values at T8. So, it is recommended to treat the canine eyes with tear substitutes during and up to 12 h after sedation