Oxidative stress in horses after a 12-hours transport period

ONMAZ A. C., Van Den Hoven R., GÜNEŞ V., Cinar M., KÜÇÜK O.

REVUE DE MEDECINE VETERINAIRE, vol.162, no.4, pp.213-217, 2011 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 162 Issue: 4
  • Publication Date: 2011
  • Journal Name: REVUE DE MEDECINE VETERINAIRE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.213-217
  • Keywords: Horse, transportation, oxidative stress, clinical signs, haematology, blood biochemistry, malonedialdehyde, superoxide dismutase
  • Erciyes University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate some oxidative stress indicators of horses exposed to transport stress. The study was carried out on 10 healthy mixed breed adult horses, transported by road on 538 km. Physical (rectal temperature, respiratory and heart rates), haematological, biochemical and oxidative stress (Malonedialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) parameters were determined before and after transportation. The transportation has induced significant (P < 0.05) increases in respiratory and heart rates, in haematocrit and in glycaemia, the other clinical, haematological and biochemical parameters remaining unchanged. The occurrence of an oxidative stress induced by a 12 hour transport period was evidenced by a marked and significant increase of the plasma MDA concentrations coupled to a significant reduction in the plasma SOD activity compared to baseline values. In conclusion, the long-distance transport has negatively affected the oxidant/antioxidant status in horses.