Changes in Hematological Parameters and Erythrocyte Osmotic Fragility in Aged Lame Horses Administered with Resveratrol Supplement

Abstract

The study was aimed at evaluating the changes in haematological parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility in aged lame 
horses administered with resveratrol supplement (Equithrive joint®). A total of 16 horses of both sexes, aged 18 ± 0.65 and 
showing lameness grade 3 were used for the study. The horses weighed 350-450 kg and comprised 8 horses which were 
administered with resveratrol supplement for 4 weeks and 8 others, which served as controls and given only Saccharomyces 
cerevisiae yeast strain used as carrier in the supplement. Blood samples were collected from each horse before supplementation 
and at weekly intervals for 4 weeks of the experiment. Haematological parameters and erythrocyte osmotic fragility were 
determined by standard methods. Equithrive joint® increased (P ˂ 0.05) packed cell volume, haemoglobin concentration and 
erythrocyte counts in the treated horses while total leucocyte, neutrophil and eosinophil counts decreased significantly (P ˂ 0.05) 
in the treated horses compared with the untreated horses. Erythrocyte osmotic fragility test showed decreased haemolysis in the 
treated horses. The result indicated that equithrive joint®, a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent maintained the 
membrane integrity of red blood cells and may be of value in aiding horses move with ease during ageing.