Ceruloplasmin kinetics and bone metabolism markers in crioulo mares and their foals during the peripartum period

Abstract

Brazil has the fourth-largest equine population globally. [...] This study aimed to evaluate the activity of molecular markers related to energy metabolism (leptin and adiponectin) and acute-phase proteins (ceruloplasmin and serum amyloid A) in mares during the peripartum period. Additionally, the same markers were assessed in their foals, along with bone metabolism markers (osteocalcin and CTX-I), copper levels, and radiological evaluations. [...] The results revealed that ceruloplasmin levels were elevated before parturition and decreased significantly postpartum. The reduction in Cp levels was associated with increased copper concentrations in the foals. CTX-I levels increased with age, while osteocalcin showed a declining trend. Elevated copper levels were correlated with a higher number of skeletal abnormalities in foals. These findings emphasize the importance of appropriate nutritional management and metabolic monitoring during the peripartum and early life stages.