Observations on the hematology of standardbred horses in training and racing in Southern Italy

Hematology may provide information about health states, performance, and fitness in horses. Hematologic data are available for horses in general, but they are mainly referred to Thoroughbred horses reared in their native English countries. Based on the assumption that age, sex, and management, as well as geographical location of the breeding sites may affect hematologic values, this study focused on the hematology of Standardbred trotters reared in southern Italy. Blood samples were collected from 100 apparently healthy trotters, reared in different horse stables. Hematologic parameters were screened, and microscopic evaluation for parasites in the red cells was performed. Descriptive statistics were estimated for the hematologic data, and variance analysis was performed by the general linear model procedure, including adjustment for gender and age. Standardbred trotters reared in southern Italy showed some peculiarities in their hematology compared with reference values. Young racing trotters (aged 3 and 4 years) reported a mean corpuscular volume value lower than other age categories and reference ranges; therefore, a less intensive training and a balanced nutritional plan were suggested to improve their welfare and performance. In conclusion, this study provides new reference values useful for veterinarians and equine technicians.