| dc.description.abstract | Tifton-85 grass (Cynodon spp) has been used in equine nutrition in the form of pre-dried (haylage) and hay, however, there are no conclusive studies, especially about the influence of haylage, on blood profile of this species. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the blood profile, ions, proteins and serum enzymes as health indicators of mares Quarter Horse were fed with haylage and Tifton-85 hay. The grass used was cut with 30 days of growth and it remained in the field until it had 70% of dry matter, when it was collected. Twelvy mares Quarter Horse aged 8-12 years, with average weight of 451.58 kg were used. The animals were divided randomly into two groups (n = 6), differing from one another by the supply of forage (hay or haylage). Group 1 (HAY GROUP) had a diet consisting of hay and Tifton-85 concentrated and Group 2 (HAYLAGE GROUP) was fed haylage Tifton-85 and concentrated. The mares were fed with theses diets during 28 days and there blood was collected at intervals of one week each. Three mycotoxins were researched (aflatoxins, fumonisins and zearalenone) in the haylage by enzyme immunoassay. The concentrations of mycotoxins in haylage were: 0.95 mg / kg for aflatoxin; 0.60 mg / kg for fumonisin and 0.71 mg / kg of zearalenone. All these values are below the limit value of the Brazilian law, which is 20 mg/kg for aflatoxin and 5 mg/kg for fumonisin. In the erythrogram, it was detected a decrease in the hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume and mean cell volume after the administration in both groups. The white blood count increased in both groups, nevertheless, the values remained within normal limits without clinical significance. The protein profile revealed a discrete reduction in albumin levels, without any alterations on total protein, fractions, and -globulins and albumin / globulin. In the biochemical profile it was observed a slight increase of glutamyl enzyme and a significance increase (P <0.05) of alkaline phosphatase in the animals fed with hay Tifton -85, probably due to the pregnancy. In conclusion, adult mares Quarter Horse, after the intake of hay and haylage Tifton-85, showed no alterations in blood or biochemical profile. | |
