The effect of diet-induced obesity and pasture on blood pressure and serum cortisol in Standardbred mares.

Background: Obesity is associated with insulin resistance, vascular dysfunction and altered cortisol metabolism both in humans and in horses.

Objectives: Evaluate the effect of weight gain induced by a haylage diet low in nonstructural carbohydrates (NSC) on insulin sensitivity, blood pressure and serum cortisol concentrations.

Study Design: In vivo experiment.