Abstract
We evaluated the hematological and biochemical parameters of apparently healthy horses in Ibadan polo Ibadan, Nigeria. A total of 20 apparently healthy Polo horses were used for this study. Breeds were established by their morphological features, Age was grouped based on the birth record and sexes morphologically established. Hematological and Biochemical analysis were established by adopting standard procedures and the use of specific kits respectively. Breed demography showed 14 (70%) Sudanese breed and 6 (30%) Cross breeds. Sex demography represents 18 (90%) female and 2 (10%) male. Age group demography reveals as follows; young horses (4-6yrs) were 4 (20%), middle age horses (7-9yrs) were 8 (40%) and older horses (10-13yrs) category were 8 (40%). All hematological and biochemical indices were within the normal ref range. Except for total bilirubin and Cholesterol with relatively higher Mean ± SD values of 0.58 ± 0.23 and 146.20 ± 12.98 respectively. Statistical significance (P<0.05) was observed in the values of High density lipoprotein (HDL) among breeds. HDL was significantly higher in Sudanese breed with higher Mean ± SD values of (45.43±4.65) compared to Cross bred with Mean ± SD values of (39.67±6.62). Hematological and biochemical parameters of male (Stallion) appeared better to female (Mare) when compared to normal reference range. Statistical difference of (P<0.05) existed in the value of Mean ± SD values of glucose (mg/dL) within age groups with significant lower value of 79.38±2.92b in 7-9yrs age group compared to the value of 84.5±2.56ain 10-13yrs age group. We observed no significant variation in hematology and most biochemical parameters among breeds, sexes and age groups. There may be need for further investigation to unravel the cause of higher HDL in Sudanese breed and hypoglyceamia observed in 7-9yrs age group of horses as seen in this present study.

Key words: Hematological values; biochemistry; apparently healthy horses; Ibadan; Nigeria