Veterinary Medicine and Science, vol.3, pp.1-7, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to examine variations in stress, metabolic, and
physiological parameters of horses used in the traditional equestrian team sport of
Kök-Börü in relation to winning and losing outcomes.
Material and methods: To accomplish this, blood samples were taken from horses
on four different teams who participated in two separate games, both before and
after game. These samples were used to measure levels of cortisol, ACTH, betaendorphin,
adrenaline, noradrenaline, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) via
species-specific commercial ELISA kits. The autoanalyzer tested biochemical and
hematological parameters. The gathered data were then analyzed statistically based
on the teams’ winning or losing status.
Results: The results suggested that winning teams had lowerMID, red blood cell, HGB,
RDW-SD, HCT, platelet distribution width, and creatine kinase values post-game in
comparison to their pre-game state. Conversely, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
(MCHC),mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and CREA values increased
in the winning teams’ post-game. Additionally, horses in the winning teams showed a
decrease in cortisol, beta-endorphin, and ACTH levels post-game but increased levels
of adrenaline and T3. Considering the pre-game values, it was found that GRA and
Cl levels were lower in the winning teams. Before the game, adrenaline and T3 levels
were higher in thewinning teams. No significant difference was observed in post-game
hematological parameters between the teams. However, post-game K, adrenaline, and
noradrenaline levels were higher among the winning teams’ horses, while cortisol and
beta-endorphin levels were heightened in horses from the losing side.
Conclusion: In conclusion, significant differences were not observed in the distribution
of hematological and biochemical parameters of horses following the Kök-Börü games,
regardless of the outcome. However, decreased post-game cortisol, ACTH, and beta-endorphin
levels in winning teams may suggest better stress management abilities
among these horses.
KEYWORDS
horse, Kök-Börü, metabolism, physiology, stress