Biochemical reference intervals for the Italian Heavy Draft horse

Abstract

Established breed-specific reference intervals are important for monitoring the health status of horses. Serum biochemical breed-specific reference intervals have been evaluated in horses and other animal breeds, but there are no studies for the Italian Heavy Draft horse. The aim of this study was to determine biochemical reference intervals for the Italian Heavy Draft horse living in central Italy. Moreover, the comparison between different physiological status (pregnancy and no pregnancy) and age (foals and adults) has been executed. Inclusion criteria were established before blood collection. Blood samples were collected from 309 apparently healthy horses (mares, stallions and foals). Serum parameters were evaluated in the Clinical Pathology Laboratory at the Teaching Veterinary Hospital of the University of Perugia. Reference intervals were determined by using well-described, modern analytical and statistical methods (Anderson-Darling test, Mann-Withney U test). Serum biochemical RIs for the IHDH are reported. Differences between the IHDH and both sport and other working horses are evident. Significant differences are indicated between pregnant and non-pregnant mares and between foals and adults. This is the first study reporting the serum biochemical RIs in the IHDH. The results suggest that breed-specific RIs should be used for the IHDH. Moreover, significant variations of biochemical analytes have been found between subjects with different physiological status and age.