Circadian rhythm of calciotropic hormones, serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium during the shortest and longest days of the year in horses in New Zealand

A study was conducted to determine the circadian rhythms and trends of vitamin D metabolites including 25-hydroxyvitamin D₃ , 25-hydroxyvitamin D₂ , 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone, in addition to serum calcium, phosphorus and magnesium concentrations in horses over 48 h on the shortest and longest days of the year in 2013. Five healthy adult horses (Equus caballus) were on a constant pasture feeding regimen, and blood samples were collected from each horse every 3 h over a 48-h period, starting at 07:00 PM on day one and finishing at 07:00 PM on day three, for the measurement of calciotropic hormones and electrolytes. There was a significant difference between the serum concentration of calciotropic hormones, iCa, tCa, P and tMg between the shortest (winter) and longest (summer) days of the year in horses. Serum concentration of 25OHD₃ was very low and mostly undetectable. Serum iCa, 1,25(OH)₂ D and PTH concentrations clearly showed a circadian rhythm on the longest days of the year and serum tCa, P and tMg concentrations showed a diurnal pattern on the longest days (summer) of the year. None of the analytes showed any circadian rhythm on the shortest days (winter) of the year. The result of this study could have significant relevance to equine athletes travelling to international equestrian competitions and facing a huge time and seasonal differences that might affect their ability to adjust their circadian rhythms to new time zones.