Hormonal, biochemical, and hematological study of horses used in police patrol in an equatorial climate

Authors

  • Suelen Andrade Ricarte Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará
  • Misael Brito de Lima Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará
  • Cleberson Eduardo Santos de Oliveira Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará
  • Osvaldo Gato Nunes Neto Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará
  • Antônio Humberto Hamad Minervino Universidade Federal do Oeste do Pará
  • Rejane Santos Sousa Universidade de São Paulo
  • Luís Fernando Gouvêa Universidade Federal de Jataí
  • Alanna do Socorro Lima da Silva Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia
  • Ana Izabel Passarella Teixeira Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9208-4288
  • Adriana Caroprezo Morini Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31533/pubvet.v19n01e1711

Keywords:

cortisol, patrolling, stress, well-being

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate cortisol secretion and biochemical and hematological parameters in police patrol horses in order to evaluate how patrolling stress could altered these parameters. The sample consisted of ten adults, healthy male horses. Blood collection occurred before and after patrols, as well as 24 and 31 hours after the first patrol. The analyses included cortisol levels and secretion rates, lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, and red and white blood cell counts. Results showed no significant changes in cortisol concentrations but indicated a reduced circadian rhythm rate. Biochemical variables, such as lactate, lactate dehydrogenase, and creatine kinase, were within reference values. Hematological parameters showed an altered neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio during the entire sampling period, with values below the ideal reference. In conclusion, urban patrolling did not cause temporary changes in the evaluated parameters, suggesting that the animals are adapted to this activity and that rest time is adequate. However, alterations in cortisol circadian rhythm rate and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio indicate potential chronic wear on the well-being of these animals

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Published

2024-12-19

Issue

Section

Medicina veterinária

How to Cite

1.
Ricarte SA, Lima MB de, Oliveira CES de, Nunes Neto OG, Minervino AHH, Sousa RS, et al. Hormonal, biochemical, and hematological study of horses used in police patrol in an equatorial climate. Pubvet [Internet]. 2024 Dec. 19 [cited 2024 Dec. 22];19(01). Available from: https://ojs.pubvet.com.br/index.php/revista/article/view/3905