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Modeling climate change effects on some biochemical parameters in horse
Ömer Deniz1, Francesca Aragona2, Gaetana Pezzino3
1Kastamonu University, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Clinical Science and Internal Medicine, 37200, Merkez, Kastamonu, Turkey.
Research in Veterinary Science
|April 1, 2025
Summary
Climate change impacts horse health. This study monitored retired mares, correlating environmental factors like temperature and humidity with biochemical markers, revealing significant physiological changes during different seasons.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Environmental Science
- Animal Physiology
Background:
- Global climate change poses significant risks to animal welfare and productivity.
- Understanding the physiological responses of horses to environmental variations is crucial for their health management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between environmental parameters (ambient temperature, relative humidity, Temperature-Humidity Index) and the biochemical profiles of retired Thoroughbred mares.
- To assess the impact of seasonal climate variations on key blood parameters in horses.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study over three years (2021-2023) involving 16 retired Thoroughbred mares.
- Monthly blood sample collection for analysis of Total Proteins, Globulins, Albumin, ALP, CK, LDH, AST, BUN, GGT, and Creatinine.
- Correlation analysis between measured environmental parameters and biochemical markers using Two-way Repeated Measure ANOVA.
Main Results:
- Significant monthly variations were observed in ambient temperature, relative humidity, and THI, impacting all measured biochemical parameters.
- Alkaline phosphatase, Creatine Kinase, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, and Blood Urea Nitrogen levels increased during hotter periods.
- Creatinine showed a positive correlation with ambient temperature, while LDH and Creatinine exhibited a negative correlation with relative humidity.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal climate variations significantly affect the physiological and biochemical status of retired Thoroughbred mares.
- The findings provide valuable insights for monitoring horse health in response to climate change.
- This research can inform management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of environmental shifts on equine well-being.
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