Influence of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) Seed Cakes on Biochemical Values of Equine Plasma Subjected to Physical Exertion

Abstract

Veterinarians can recommend milk thistle for the treatment of equine liver disease and laminitis. Milk thistle seed cakes were fed in the range of normal feed doses in this study. The milk thistle seed cakes were fed (twice a day) to the experimental group of the horses (n = 5) and biochemical blood markers (TP, Albumin, ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase), Bilirubin, Cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), TAG (triacylglycerol), BHB (beta-hydroxybutyric acid), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids), creatine kinase, creatinine, Urea, GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), TAS (total antioxidant status), lactate, glucose, cortisol, Ca, Pi) were monitored. The control group of horses (n = 5), bred and trained in the same conditions, was used for comparison. The control group received the entire feed dose as accepted by the horses in the experimental group before the beginning of the experiment. The aim was to find out whether the preparation of milk thistle seed cakes could have positive effects on the health of the horses. All ten horses received one feeding form before the beginning of the experimental monitoring. All horses were exposed to heavy physical exercise (regular combined driving training) after 56 days of milk thistle seed cakes feeding (up to 400 g/day). Three blood samples were taken (before physical exercise; about 15 min and 60 min after physical exercise). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected in the values of AST, NEFA, cortisol and Pi in the experimental group. The exercise effect was detected in the values of albumin, lactate, cortisol, NEFA, and calcium. Our results suggest that the feeding of milk thistle seed cakes could have a positive effect on the health of the horses.

Keywords: biochemical parameters; horse nutrition; physical exercise; phytogenics; silymarin.

Figure 1

The difference of the monitored parameters (the total protein, albumin, urea) between the first and the second sampling in individual horses.

Figure 2

The difference between the monitored parameters (TAG, the total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL cholesterol) between the first and second sampling in individual horses.

Figure 3

The difference of the monitored parameters (GGT and AST) between the first and the second sampling in the individual horses.

Figure 4

The AST values (µkat/L) in the control and experimental groups. Day zero values before the beginning of the experimental monitoring (day zero)—sample one; (a) the values before the start of the training (day 56)—sample two; (b) the values about 15 min after the end of the training (day 56)—sample three; (c) the values about 60 min after the end of the training (day 56)—sample four. * symbol indicates a significant difference between the control and experimental groups at the level of p < 0.05.

Figure 5

The NEFA values (mmol/L) in the control and experimental groups: (a) the values before the start of the training—sample two; (b) the values about 15 min after the end of the training—sample three; (c) the values about 60 min after the end of the training—sample four. * symbol indicates a significant difference between the control and experimental groups at the level of p < 0.05.

Figure 6

The phosphorus values (µkat/L) in the control and experimental groups: (a) the values before the start of the training—sample two; (b) the values about 15 min after the end of the training—sample three; (c) the values about 60 min after the end of training—sample four. * the symbol indicates a significant difference between the control and experimental groups at the level of p < 0.05.