"Judy Ryder" [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > What is low blood protein? and why / how does it relate to Icelandic Horses?
I suspect others can answer this more professionally, but my understanding is that the usual level of protein in Iceys' blood would be considered dangerously low for a "normal" horse. Over the years, there have been several discussions about these values in the Icey Yahoo lists. [Blood consists not only of the oxygen carrying red blood cells but many additional goodies, including considerable amounts of serum albumen protein. I have heard it suggested that Iceys (possibly like their ice age ancestors) have lower levels of protein so that the blood continues to flow well (and does not become viscous) in the hoof and other body parts that may drop below normal body temperature in the cold; but I have no clue if that is true or not. I will be interested to learn more about this, if anyone knows more. -Barbara
