Abstract
A survey of standardbred horses was conducted to build up a normal population profile for insulin like growth factor-I (IGF-I) concentrations in racing standardbreds and to ascertain how age, sex and geographic location affect IGF-I. Blood samples were drawn by jugular venepuncture from 202 racing standardbred horses aged one to eight years located in five different geographic regions of New Zealand. IGF-I concentrations were determined by insulin like growth factor-I binding protein (IGFBP)-blocked radioimmunoassay validated for the horse. As described in other species, age played a significant (P<0.05) role in IGF-I concentrations with the highest concentrations occurring in the younger horses. There was a significant (P<0.05) sex effect, intact males having significantly higher IGF-I concentrations compared of mares and/or geldings. Geographic location had a significant (P <0.05) influence on IGF-I. A significant (P<0.05) trainer effect also was noted both within and between geographic locations. We concluded that IGF-I concentrations in racing standardbred horses are affected by age, sex, trainer and geographic location.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 45-50 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Journal | Veterinary Journal |
| Volume | 163 |
| Issue number | 1 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Jan 2002 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:This work was funded by the Research Centre in Reproductive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Science, The University of Auckland.
Keywords
- Insulin-like growth factor-I
- Population and horse
- Standardbred horses
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Animal Science and Zoology
- General Veterinary