Circulating endocrine, metabolic, and haematologic indices during the peripartum period of Darehshori mares

Abstract

The characteristics associated with equine peripartum period are different from those of other periods. Information concerning the values and dynamic changes of circulating peripartum endocrine, metabolic, and haematologic indices may improve the understanding of the whole body haemostatic patterns which lead to parturition, lactogenesis, and estrus in the horse. The present study aimed to evaluate these changes around parturition in Darehshori breed. For this purpose, blood sampling was performed on six clinically healthy Darehshori mares (10 years old) about one week prior to parturition, three days following parturition, at the beginning of estrus, and one week after estrus. Circula­ting values ​​of glucose, estrogen, progesterone, cortisol, T3, T4, TG, cholesterol, HDL, LDL, VLDL, RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH, MCHC, WBC, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and PLT were assessed in all samples. Progesterone concentrations were minimum before parturition and increased significantly one week after foaling heat (P=0.035). Cortisol level was significantly higher during foaling heat compared with other periods (P=0.029). T4 levels significantly increased from pre- to post-partum periods (P=0.001), but T3 showed increased and decreased values during the study period. All serum lipid profile parameters were significantly reduced from pre to postpartum period (P<0.05). Haematological parameters in mares significantly changed during the peripartum period (P<0.05). Based on the results, the metabolic, haematological, endocrinological, and stress indices in Darehshori mares were found to change around parturition and the first estrus. These changes were largely dependent on hormonal mechanisms related to pregnancy and parturition occurring in normal mares.