The effect of psyllium on some haematological and biochemical variables in the plasma of horses during an endurance ride: Preliminary results

Eight horses were subjected to a 120 kilometer endurance rids. The eight horses were divided into two groups of four horses each. Eight days prior to competition the diet of the experimental group was supplemented daily with Plantago Psyllium at a dose of 0.3 g/kg body weight/day. Blood samples were drawn for measuring haematocrit, total serum protein, sodium, potassium and chloride immediately before the start of the race and at the 40, 80 and 120 kilometre veterinary check points, In addition, the heart rate of the horses was recorded throughout the whole ride. All horses completed the ride at an average speed of 13.5 km/h. The heart rate during the ride varied between 80 and 160 beats/min without showing a distinct pattern between the horses of the two groups. The haematocrit increased in both groups during the ride, but to a higher extent in the control group. The concentration of the blood serum variables measured in both groups did not change significantly during the ride. The lower increase oi haematocrit in the horses supplemented with Plantago Psyllium may be attributable to a higher water content in their intestine due to its water holding capacity.