The aim of this study was to evaluate the biochemical and the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) on polo horses, and the effect of selenium (Se) and vitamin E (vit-E) on these parameters. Sixteen horses were randomly divided into two groups, GE/Se (supplemented with vit-E and Se) and GC (control group) participated in a game of polo with four periods (chukkas) of 7min. Each horse has competed in two chukkas, with an interval of 7 min. Blood samples were collected 15min. before the game (baseline), at the end of the 1st and 2nd chukkas and 24h, 48h and 72h after the competition. Were analyzed the serum activity of aspartate aminotrasferase (AST), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood glucose and blood lactate concentration and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). There was no significant difference between GE/Se and GC to AST, CK and LDH. The activity of AST and LDH increased significantly compared to the baseline value, (P=0.097) and (P=0.0002), respectively, and remain elevated for more time in GC. CK didn't change significantly in relation to baseline in both groups. The blood lactate was significantly higger after each chukka than in baseline, but don't heve significant difference between GE/Se and CG. The CAT decreased significantly (P=2.90-25) after the first chukka, returning to baseline in 24 hours, but there was no difference between groups. It is concluded that supplementation with vit-E and Se had no influence on the parameters evaluated. The exercise changed the biochemical profile and the TAC without causing injuries, suggesting a good conditioning and adequate antioxidant protection.
antioxidants; equine; polo
