Physiological and metabolic responses in Kök-Börü horses: Correlations with game outcomes

Veterinary Medicine and Science, vol.3, pp.1-7, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

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