Heat stress tolerance and hematological signatures of indigenous horses in Tropical South Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract

Background: Indigenous horses in South Sulawesi are valuable genetic resources with important socioeconomic roles and notable adaptation to tropical heat, which is increasingly relevant under thermal stress induced by climate change. Aim: This study aimed to provide preliminary findings on the hematological profile and heat tolerance of indigenous horses reared in South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Methods: The observed variables included microclimatic conditions, physiological parameters, heat tolerance index (HTI), and hematological profiles. This experiment was conducted using a cross-sectional observational design with 3 regional treatments and 5 replicates per treatment. The hematological parameters were analyzed using an automated hematology analyzer (Prokan PE-6100 Vet). Results: Most hematological parameters did not differ significantly among regions. However, hematocrit (HCT) values were significantly lower (P<0.05) in horses from Jeneponto Regency compared to those from the Makassar City (33.52±6.14% vs 42.62±4.75%), although no significant difference was observed between the Jeneponto and Takalar Regencies (33.52±6.14% vs 39.36±3.88%). Despite variations in microclimatic conditions, all measured hematological values for equines raised in tropical environments remained within the normal physiological range. Conclusion: The hematological profile of indigenous horses from South Sulawesi was generally similar across locations, except for a higher HCT in horses from Makassar compared to Jeneponto, but not in those from Takalar. RBC, MCV, and WBC values were within normal ranges, whereas HGB, MCH, MCHC, and HCT in horses from Jeneponto were lower, indicating the possibility of anemia. Additionally, horses from Jeneponto and Makassar tended to show better heat tolerance than those from Takalar. However, further studies involving a larger population are needed to confirm this.

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