The Effect of Repeated Blood Harvesting from Pregnant Mares on Haematological Variables.

ABSTRACT: Studies have been carried out on the effect of large-volume blood harvesting from horses, but they were performed on nonpregnant horses of various breeds other than Icelandic horses. This study aimed to investigate the effect on the haematological variables indicating erythropoiesis of repeated blood harvesting from pregnant mares. To account for regional variation, two herds of mares were chosen, both kept under free-range conditions. Sequential EDTA blood samples were collected weekly from 160 mares and analysed for haematological variables in an automated analyser. Serum samples from 115 mares were analysed for total protein. In both herds, after three harvests, mares began to measure below the minimum value for erythrocyte numbers, and mild anaemia was present in up to 37% at one time.

SUBMITTER: Oddsdottir C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10931342 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature