This study analyzed the effect of time of trot on hematology and blood chemistry values of the Jeju Pony crossbreed horses that are commonly used for riding (14.1±1.4 years old, Gelding). A total of 28 parameters including vital signs as well as stress hormones such as cortisol and lactic acid levels were examined as the time of the trot exercise progressed. Vital signs such as heart rate (38.0→81.0 times/min) and respiratory rate (11.7→35.7 times/min) increased significantly within 30 minutes of exercise. However, difference in the body temperature was not observed before and after exercise. The hematology including white blood cell count (8.03→9.52×103 cells/μL), red blood cell count (5.94×103→7.23–7.32×103 cells/μL), hemoglobin levels (11.82→14.65–14.78 g/dL), and hematocrit levels (25.04→30.27%) significantly increased 30 minutes after the start of the exercise (p<0.05). The blood chemistry value of albumin (3.25→3.47 g/dL) (p<0.05) only showed a significant increase after the exercise. However, the other blood chemistry levels such as, Na+, K+, Ca2+, total CO2, creatine kinase, glucose, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate transaminase, total bilirubin, gamma–glutamyl transpeptidase, and total plasma protein did not change. Also, cortisol and lactic acid levels did not show significant difference. The middle-aged Jeju pony crossbreed horses were not stressed by the 30-minute exercise; therefore, it can be concluded that there is no problem regarding the safety of both the rider and the animal.
Horse leg bone has been used as a traditional folk medicine for the sick and weak. Bone primarily contains collagen, a key building block of cells for bones, cartilage, and ligaments. In our previous study, horse leg bone hydrolysates showed anti-oxidation and skin protection effects against UV light. The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of jelly containing Jeju crossbred horse leg bone hydrolysates at 0.3 (HLBH 0.3), 0.5 (HLBH 0.5) and 1.0% (HLBH 1.0). The HLBH 1.0 showed the highest pH and Brix values compare to control. Lightness (L*) and redness (a*) of HLBH 1.0 showed the lowest value compare to other treatments. However, yellowness (b*) of HLBH 0.3 and 0.5% was increased significantly with increasing levels of Jeju crossbred horse leg bone hydrolysates (p<0.05), while HLBH 0.5 and HLBH 1.0 showed no significant difference. Hardness and chewiness of jelly was decreased with increase of HLBH up to 0.5%, whereas no significant difference was found between HLBH 0.5 and 1.0. In sensory evaluation, panels did not tell the difference of jelly with different level of HLBH in all sensory factors likely color, appearance, flavor, chewiness, taste, and overall acceptability. This result suggests that Jeju crossbred horse leg bone hydrolysates can be used up to 1% without any significant bad influence on quality and sensory characteristics of jelly.