This article deals with the possibilities and ways of using relatively simple hematological methods in evaluation of horse
welfare and health. It provides an extensive account of data concerning this topic, as well as a brief outline of basic, easily appli-
cable hematological methods. Evaluation of Bosnian Pony welfare and health was estimated using hematological status of stal-
lions, mares and foals and different age groups of this breed. Blood samples were collected from clinically normal animals and
analyzed using a hematological analyzer. Red blood cell count (RBC), White Blood Cell Count (WBC), hemoglobin
concentration were measured directly; Packed Cell Volume (PCV), Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean
Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentrations (MCHC) were calculated automatically. Mean values and variation range
were determined for stallions, mares and foals. Average values of hematological parameters of adult Bosnian ponies were:
WBC = 6.204 ·109/l, RBC = 9.110·1012 /l, PCV = 0.422 l/l, Hb = 159.33 g/l, MCV = 46.16 f/l, MCH = 17.58 pg, MCHC = 383.11g/l ery., while foals had values: WBC = 9.353 ·109/l, RBC = 9.860·1012 , PCV = 0.384 l/l, Hb = 148.89 g/l, MCV = 38.94 f/l,MCH = 15.32 pg, MCHC = 392.82 g/l ery.. These values are characteristic for this breed and can be used in health evaluation
