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The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in some biochemical indices [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, lactate concentration] of horses involved in recreational riding before and after exercise. Fourteen healthy adult horses from the Central Pomeranian region of Poland, aged 8.7 ± 1.1 years, including 7 Hucul ponies, 2 thoroughbreds, 1 Anglo-Arabian and 4 horses of unknown breed, were used in this study. All horses were involved in recreational riding. Blood samples were taken from the animals’ jugular veins in the morning, 90 minutes after feeding, while the horses were in the stable (between 8.30 am and 10 am) and immediately after the exercise test (between 11 am and 2 pm). The training started at 10:00 and lasted 1 hour, consisting of a cross-country ride consisting of walking (5 min), trotting (15 min), walking (10 min), trotting (10 min), walking (5 min), galloping (5 min) and walking (10 min). Blood alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase activities and lactate levels were analysed in horses before and after exercise. The results of the current study showed a statistically non-significant increase in ALT, AST and LDH activity. There was also a statistically significant increase in lactate concentration post-exercise compared to pre-exercise. A non-significant change in serum LDH activity was observed in horses during exercise. This may indicate a normal course of aerobic-anaerobic glycolysis in recreational horses before and after exercise. The concentration of lactic acid in the blood of horses increases after exercise with small changes in LDH activity. The significant post-exercise increase in lactic acid concentration that we recorded demonstrates the dynamics of aerobic-anaerobic reactions and emphasises the influence of anaerobic glycolysis in the overall energy supply for muscle activity.

 

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