Perfil bioquímico de cavalos de cavalgada no Recôncavo da Bahia

Abstract

Equine production and its importance an the economy is growing in Brazil and other countries in the last few years. Many research are currently focused in the study of exercise physiology on different types of equestrian sport. The cavalcade, a horseback riding conducted by groups of people, is considered a widespread sport in some regions of the country. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical profile of cavalcade horses in the Reconcavo of Bahia with the journey of approximately 14.5 km. Thirty-six male and female horses, over 20 months of age, with varied race and weight were evaluated for the enzymatic activity of AST and CK and serum total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose and creatinine before and after the rides. The results were: AST (208.5 ± 105.9 U/L before and 227.7 ± 82.7 U/L after; p>0,1489), CK (244.9 ± 158.6 U/L before and 413 ± 1157 U/L after; p<0.001), indicating possible muscle damage after exercise, probably due to lack of adequate training of animals. The average values of total serum protein were (6.97 ± 0.63 g/dL before and 7.66 ± 0.69 g/dL after; p>0.6255); albumin (3.31 ± 0.32 g/dL before and 3.68 ± 0.35 g/dL after; p>0.6482); globulin (3.66 ± 0.64 g/dL before and 3.98 ± 0.70 g/dL after; p>0.5973); glucose (53.31 ± 12.28 mg/dL before and 80.11 ± 18.59 mg/dL after p<0.0163) and creatinine (1.21 ± 0.25 mg/dL before and 1.57 ± 0.35 mg/dL after; p<0.0423). Therefore, all significant metabolic changes (p<0.05) found in riding horses are related to the increase of muscle CK enzyme and/or increased muscle permeability after the ride. The elevated serum glucose after exercise was a response to hypoglycemia before exercise and serum creatinine increased by the influence of pre-renal changes induced by mild dehydration of horses after horseback riding exercise.