Biochemical profile of polo horses in training phase and those players of official competition

Training is essential to prepare the body for intense changes occurring in athletic performance. The effect of training depends on the duration, type, frequency, and intensity of athletic training. The aim of this study was to evaluate the profile of proteins, metabolites, minerals, and enzymes of polo horses in training and those that participate regularly in official competitions. Blood samples were collected from 82 thoroughbred horses. A single collection was performed in the morning, before training the horses. They were divided into two groups: group 1 consisted of training horses, which have not yet participated in polo, whereas group 2 consisted of professional horses that regularly participated in the sport. Each sample was analyzed for levels of albumin, calcium, total cholesterol, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, phosphorus, gamma glutamyl transferase, total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglycerides, HDL, urea, and magnesium. Every element analyzed was within the normal physiological limits. By comparison of the two groups, it was statistically significant for lactate, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyl transferase, urea, creatinine, phosphorus, and potassium. Biochemical variation was observed between groups 1 and 2, it was concluded that this was relative to the physical condition of each animal.