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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Analysis of Electrocardiograms and Behavior in Mice from Pregnancy to Lactation Period
Published on: April 5, 2024
The influence of late pregnancy and lactation on bone metabolism in mares
Natalija Filipović1, Zvonko Stojević, Nikica Prvanović
1Department of Physiology and Radiobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Heinzelova 55, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia. nfilipovic@vef.hr
Abstract:
Pregnancy and lactation are periods of significant influence on bone metabolism that has not been investigated in equines. To examine the influence of late pregnancy and lactation on bone metabolism in mares, the changes in the blood serum/plasma total calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphates (Pi), pyridinoline (Pyd) and 17beta-estradiol (E2) concentration and the bone alkaline phosphatase (BAP) activity were investigated. The samples were taken from 11 mares on 60+/-10 and 20+/-10 days before foaling, and 20+/-10 and 60+/-10 days after foaling. The concentration/activity of Ca, Pi, Pyd and BAP increased significantly in early lactation, but the Pyd than decreased in the 4th period. A significant correlation was observed between the E2 and bone metabolism parameters. The results indicate low maintenance of normocalcaemia with reduced bone synthesis in late pregnancy and prove the role of estradiol in bone metabolism in mares during pregnancy and lactation.
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