Hematological and biochemical parameters of Norwegian Fjord equine of Brazil

Abstract

The objective was to determine the baseline values of erythrogram and biochemical parameters of Fjord horses. Blood samples from 51 horses were collected in the morning, with the animals at rest, by jugular puncture. The analysis was performed according to sex (males and females). The animals were classified according to age into GI (animals < 12 months), GII (animals 12-36 months), GIII (animals 36-180 months) and GIV (animals > 180 months). The experiment was entirely randomized in a 4*2 factorial scheme (4 age groups by 2 sexes). The means were compared by SNK test at 5% probability. Sex and age influenced (p < 0.05) some hematological and biochemical variables of the Fjords. Of the biochemical variables evaluated, in females, only creatinine suffered influence of the age groups. It is concluded that Fjord horses raised in Brazil present hematological and/or biochemical alterations, when evaluated according to sex and age. The values of hematological and biochemical parameters observed are similar to those established in the literature for traction animals and the changes observed do not compromise the performance of the animals and their health. The results presented can serve as reference values for Fjord horses, helping in the clinical-laboratory evaluation of these animals.