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Biochemical markers of bone turnover during pregnancy in horses: a longitudinal study
C Greiner1, E Cavalier, B Remy
1Haflingergestut Meura, Meura, Germany.
Abstract:
The effect of pregnancy on bone metabolism was investigated in healthy mares. Venous blood samples were collected 7 times from 19 multiparous mares starting at 20-weeks pre-parturition, continuing 6 times in 4-week intervals, including the week of parturition and one week after parturition. Serum concentrations of osteocalcin (OC) and carboxy-terminal cross-linking telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) were determined. Measurement cycles and age had a significant (p < 0.01) influence on OC and CTX-I values. Pregnancy influenced bone metabolism with peak bone formation and resorption values around the time of parturition.
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