Effect of a 130-km Endurance Ride on the Serum Biochemical Profile of Mangalarga Marchador Horses

• We evaluate the serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, several metabolites, electrolytes, and enzymes of horses participating in an endurance ride.
• Significant differences were found in the serum levels of total proteins, globulins, and cholesterol.
• Cholesterol levels decreased significantly.
• The 130-km 5-day endurance ride caused changes in most of the serum biochemical parameters.

Laboratory tests have become essential in the evaluation of horses that participate in equestrian sports. The purpose of this work, therefore, was to evaluate the serum levels of total protein, albumin, globulin, several metabolites, electrolytes, and enzymes of horses participating in an endurance ride. Blood samples were drawn from 31 Mangalarga Marchador horses during a 130-km South Minas Endurance Ride in the municipalities of Lavras and São João del Rey, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Sampling was performed on the first, third, and fifth day of the event to determine the serum levels of proteins, metabolites, minerals, and enzymes in each sample. Significant differences were found in the serum levels of total proteins, globulins, and cholesterol at the three time points. Albumin, creatine kinase, creatinine, uric acid, chloride, total protein, and globulin levels increased from the first time point (TP-1) to the second (TP-2) and decreased in the third (TP-3). Cholesterol levels decreased significantly from TP-1 to TP-3. The 130-km 5-day endurance ride caused changes in most of the serum biochemical parameters of the horses, particularly in total proteins, globulins, and cholesterol.