Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
Volume 26, Issue 9 , Pages 401-405, September 2006

Blood lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations in Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds

  • Jenifer A. Nadeau

      Affiliations

    • University of Connecticut, Department of Animal Science, Storrs, CT
    • Corresponding Author InformationReprint requests: Jenifer A. Nadeau, University of Connecticut, Department of Animal Science, Unit 4040, 3636 Horsebarn Hill Rd. Ext., Storrs, CT 06269-4040
    • ,
  • Nicholas Frank

      Affiliations

    • University of Tennessee, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN
    • ,
  • Satyender R. Valipe

      Affiliations

    • University of Connecticut, Department of Animal Science, Storrs, CT
    • ,
  • Sarah B. Elliot

      Affiliations

    • University of Tennessee, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, Knoxville, TN

Abstract 

Insulin resistance has been detected in obese Morgan horses and it has been suggested that horses of this breed are predisposed to this condition. The objective of this study was to determine whether blood lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations differed between Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds housed at the same facility. Fourteen Morgan horses (five mares, nine geldings) ranging in age from 4 to 14 years were compared with 21 Thoroughbreds (11 mares, 10 geldings; age range 7–20 years) from the same herd. A single blood sample was collected from each horse after grain was withheld overnight. Variables were compared between breed groups and breed-specific reference ranges were calculated. Triglyceride, cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acid, glucose, and insulin concentrations did not differ between breeds of horse in this study. This may be because horses included in this study did not suffer from obesity and were regularly exercised.

Key words:  Insulin resistance , equine , Morgan , Thoroughbred , energy metabolism

To access this article, please choose from the options below

Login to an existing account or Register a new account.

  • Purchase this article for 15.00 USD (You must login/register to purchase this article)

    Online access for 24 hours. The PDF version can be downloaded as your permanent record.

  • Subscribe to this title

    Get unlimited online access to this article and all other articles in this title 24/7 for one year.

  • Claim access now

    For current subscribers with Society Membership or Account Number.

  • Visit SciVerse ScienceDirect to see if you have access via your institution.
 

 Refereed

PII: S0737-0806(06)00392-3

doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2006.07.005

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
Volume 26, Issue 9 , Pages 401-405, September 2006

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution