Indicators of metabolism and biochemical status of blood in horses of Yakut breed in winter and spring seasons

Abstract

The results of researches on the peculiarities of metabolism in the body of horses of Yakut breed in the winter and spring periods under the environments of Central Yakutia have been presented in the article. Physiological experiments on the digestibility of the main nutrients of the feed have been carried out in the winter (February) and spring (April) periods under the environments of the physiological yard in the Yakutsk Scientific and Research Institute of Agriculture named after M. G. Safronov with using the classical method. Five mares and five geldings of Yakut breed have been selected for researches. The average live weight of mares was 378–410 kg, geldings 394–403 kg. The experimental animals had average fatness. It has been found a higher intake of energy and the main nutrients of hay as a mono feed in winter compared to the spring period. At the same time pregnant mares in winter have been consumed 103,8±3,12 MJ of metabolic energy per head/day, which was 27,3 % significantly higher than in the spring period – 75,4±2,18 MJ (P ≥ 0,999). Geldings have been consumed in the experiment 67,70±2,85 MJ, which was by 43,7 % higher than in the spring period – 38,05 ± 4,40 MJ of metabolic energy per head/day (P ≥ 0,999). Experimental animals have been housed in stalls; there was no energy expenditure for movement, so the amount of energy consumed in winter indicates the production of heat in the animal’s body. Pregnant mares per 100 kg of live weight have consumed 31,5±4,11 MJ of metabolic energy or 33,3 % more than in the spring period – 21,0±1,98 MJ; geldings have consumed 27,69±1,12, which was 41,78 % significantly higher than in the spring – 16,12 ± 0,75 MJ (P ≥ 0,999). The high intake of metabolic energy into the body of Yakut horses in winter is explained by the manifestation of adaptive mechanisms that affect the effective metabolism for survival, adapted to frequent changes in weather conditions and sharp temperature changes. The established differences in the biochemical parameters of blood serum of horses of Yakut breed are associated with changes in the consumption and digestibility of basic nutrients and energy, depending on the ambient temperature.