Funzionalità tiroidea nel Cavallo Quarter Horse in corso di sedute di allenamento e gara simulata di barrel racing

In order to study the different responses of thyroid function of Quarter horses utilized in both training and not competitive Barrel Racing sessions, serum total and free iodothyronine (T3, T4, fT3, fT4) levels before and after both the activities were examined. Results showed significant effects of training on fT3 (F=8.70; P=0.014) and fT4 (F=10.54; P=0.001) levels. A significant effect of exercise was recorder at the first week on T3 (F= 5.69; P=0.022) and at the third week on T4 (F= 5.32; P=0.026), fT3 (F=8.36; P=0.006) and fT4 (F= 16.06; P=0.0008) levels. The effect of not competitive session resulted significant only for T4 post-exercise changes (F=11.48; P=0.06). During the not competitive session significant effects of exercise on fT3 (F= 7.76; P=0.009) and fT4 (F=6.41; P=0.016) were shown. Serum total and free iodothyronine changes were different as effects of the two types of activity. It could be presumed a possible differentiated role of total and free iodothyronines in response to sport activity of horses, including Barrel Racing.