Abstract

Hematology may provide information about health states, performance, and fitness in horses. Hematologic data are available for horses in general, but they are mainly referred to Thoroughbred horses reared in their native English countries. Based on the assumption that age, sex, and management, as well as geographical location of the breeding sites may affect hematologic values, this study focused on the hematology of Standardbred trotters reared in southern Italy. Blood samples were collected from 100 apparently healthy trotters, reared in different horse stables. Hematologic parameters were screened, and microscopic evaluation for parasites in the red cells was performed. Descriptive statistics were estimated for the hematologic data, and variance analysis was performed by the general linear model procedure, including adjustment for gender and age. Standardbred trotters reared in southern Italy showed some peculiarities in their hematology compared with reference values. Young racing trotters (aged 3 and 4 years) reported a mean corpuscular volume value lower than other age categories and reference ranges; therefore, a less intensive training and a balanced nutritional plan were suggested to improve their welfare and performance. In conclusion, this study provides new reference values useful for veterinarians and equine technicians. © 2014 Elsevier Inc.

Autore Pugliese

• Padalino Barbara , Rubino Giuseppe Tomm.rob

Tutti gli autori

• PADALINO B.;RUBINO G.T.R.

Titolo volume/Rivista

Non Disponibile

Anno di pubblicazione

2014

ISSN

0737-0806

ISBN

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Wos

8

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Numero di citazioni Scopus

7

Ultimo Aggiornamento Citazioni

Non Disponibile

Settori ERC

Non Disponibile

Codici ASJC

Non Disponibile