Medidas morfométricas e perfil energético de éguas da raça crioula no terço final da gestação

Abstract

The objective was to describe the morphometric measurements and energy profile of the Crioula breed mares in the last third of gestation . There were realized 40 observations derived from 10 Crioula breed mares that were performed at the end of gestation, with normal body condition. The morphometric evaluations of mares occurred on the 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th month of gestation. The variables analyzed were: body weight (PC), heart girth (PT), waist circumference (PA), metabolic weight (PM), percentage body fat (GC), height of the crest of the neck ( AC), thickness subcutaneous fat on the base of the tail (EGBC) and retroperitoneal (EGRP). Beyond these assessments were evaluated serum levels of non -esterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triacylglycerides (TAG). This study demonstrated that the Crioula breed mares showed a linear increase of the morphometric variables, also increasing their energy reserves at the end of gestation. Among the sites analyzed fat deposition, the thickness of subcutaneous fat at the base of the tail was demo nstrated the highest increase (P < 0.01). Through the energy profile, was possible to say that animals of this breed showed no negative energy balance in the evaluated months. In the second article, 80 observations derived from 20 Crioulas mares were performed in order to evaluate the energy profile and morphometric characteristics during the last third of gestation. The animals were divided into two groups according to body condition score (BCS). In GrN were pregnant mares, who had BCS 5 or normal, the GrO were mares that had BCS 9 or obese. The energy profile was a nalyzed by serum level NEFA, TAG, leptin and adiponectin. The morphometric evaluations were performed by measuring body weight, thoracic perimeter, waist circumference, metabolic weight, body fat percentage, height of the crest of the neck, fat thickness at the base of the tail and retroperitoneal. The results of morphometric measurements allow us to conclude that in both groups there was weight gain in the last trimester of pregnancy, but the results were more significant in normal body condition mares (GrN). The mares in the control group (GrN) had greater weight gain in the third trimester of gestation, with a significant increase in heart girth, metabolic weight, abdominal circumference in the 12th intercostal space and regional fat accumulation in the base of the tail. On other hand, the animals of the GRO showed an increase only in PA. In the energy profile can be seen that the mares in both groups showed no negative energy balance in relation to the levels of triglycerides and NEFA. Leptin was the variable that best correlated with BCS (p<0,0001), % BF (p<0,0001), happening in GrO an increase in leptin serum levels during the gestation. By the methods used in this study, it was possible the practical evaluation of morphometry of the Crioula breed mares in the last third of gestation, allowing an objective way to identify obese individuals.