When the mare's estrous cycle resumes in winter, the β-carotene content of hay is depleted. Sixty Italian trotter mares were randomly assigned to a Control or a Treated Group. Treated Group received 1g/d synthetic β-carotene for 15 days from parturition. Blood samples collected at parturition and on days 5, 10 and 15 after partum were analysed for β-carotene, vitamins A, progesterone, 17 β-estradiol, the energy parameters (glucose, cholesterol, NEFA), the protein profile (total protein, albumin, urea) and LDH. Some changes in these measures were attributable to treatment, which significantly affected β-carotene and 17 β-estradiol concentrations. A significant effect was also found on the resumption of estrous activity (Χ2 test=P<0.052).
CITATION STYLE
Trombetta, M. F., Accorsi, P. A., & Falaschini, A. (2010). Effect of β-carotene supplementation on Italian trotter mare peripartum. Journal of Equine Science, 21(1), 1–6. https://doi.org/10.1294/jes.21.1
Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.