Haematology, Biochemistry and Calcium-Phosphorus Balance in Working Equids from Antioquia, Colombia

• Angélica María Zuluaga-Cabrera GISCA Research Group, Vision of the Americas University Institution https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5527-3995
• Viviana Elena Castillo-Vanegas GISCA Research Group, Visión de las Américas University Institution https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2047-7220
• Carolina Jaramillo Arrieros Foundation Colombia
• Sergio Pizarro Arrieros Colombia Foundation
• Tatiana Gaviria GISCA Research Group, Visión de las Américas University Institution

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18210760

Keywords: Animal disease, Animal nutrition, Nutritional disease, Veterinary medicine

Abstract

In recent years, global concern for the health and welfare of working equids has increased, as they play a vital role in supporting low-income rural communities. In Colombia, these animals are used in agriculture, transportation, and tourism, but they are frequently exposed to nutritional deficiencies, oxalate-rich forages, and unbalanced diets that compromise their well-being. The aim of this study was to describe hematological, biochemical, and calcium-phosphorus balance parameters in rural equids from Antioquia, Colombia, to identify potential clinical and metabolic alterations. Sixteen animals (10 horses and 6 mules) from Cocorná and Ciudad Bolívar were evaluated. Clinical examination, hematology, serum biochemistry, urinalysis, urinary biochemistry, serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) measurement, and fractional excretion of calcium and phosphorus were performed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Student’s t-test or Mann-Whitney U test, with a significance level of p < 0.05. Mild clinical signs such as tachypnea, pale mucous membranes, and mild dehydration were observed. Laboratory findings included hypoalbuminemia, elevated alkaline phosphatase, abnormal calcium and phosphorus fractional excretion, and increased PTH concentrations. No statistically significant differences were detected among species, sexes, or municipalities. These results suggest nutritional imbalances leading to a risk of secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism. It is recommended to implement nutritional management strategies, control of hematophagous ectoparasites, and appropriate supplementation to improve animal health and welfare, thereby ensuring the sustainability of family-based production systems that rely on these animals.

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