| Abstract: | In the present study the concentrations of L-carnitine (total carnitine, free carnitine, and acyl carnitine) and several parameters of the lipid metabolism were measured during the estrus in 10 broodmares. The carnitine concentrations varied in a wide range between the mares. The differences of the mean carnitine concentrations during the estrus did not reach the level of significance (P < 0.05). There was no relationship between the concentrations of total and free carnitine to the follicle size; however, the concentration of acyl carnitine was significantly correlated (r = -0.42). Because of the individual variations of carnitine concentrations, the non-significant differences of carnitine concentrations between the estrus days, and the weak relationship between the carnitine concentrations and the follicle size, it seems impossible to estimate the time of ovulation based on the carnitine concentration, as it was suggested in a previous study. The parameters of lipid metabolism did not show any significant changes during the estrus period. |
