| Records |
| Author |
Young, T.; Creighton, E.; Smith, T.; Hosie, C. |
| Title |
A novel scale of behavioural indicators of stress for use with domestic horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2012 |
Publication  |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
140 |
Issue |
1–2 |
Pages |
33-43 |
| Keywords |
Horse; Behaviour scores; Cortisol; Saliva; Welfare assessment; Non-invasive |
| Abstract |
Behaviour scores (BS) offer non-invasive, objective and easy to use ways of assessing welfare in animals. Their development has, however, largely focused on behavioural reactions to stressful events (often induced), and little use of physiological measures has been made to underpin and validate the behavioural measures. This study aimed to develop a physiologically validated scale of behavioural indicators of stress for the purpose of welfare assessment in stabled domestic horses. To achieve this, behavioural and physiological data were collected from 32 horses that underwent routine husbandry procedures. Principal component analysis (PCA) of the behavioural and physiological data revealed three meaningful components that were used as the basis of the scale. Analysis of video clips of the horses’ responses to the husbandry procedures was undertaken by a panel of equestrian industry professionals using a free choice profiling (FCP) methodology. These results were added to the scale along with key definitions from relevant literature. Salivary cortisol levels were significantly correlated with the BS confirming the scale was meaningful and reflected physiological stress. The scale offers an easy to use ‘tool’ for rapid, reliable non-invasive welfare assessment in horses, and reduces the need for potentially invasive physiological measures. |
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0168-1591 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5637 |
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| Author |
König v. Borstel, U.; Visser, E.K.; Hall, C. |
| Title |
Indicators of stress in equitation |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2017 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
| Volume |
190 |
Issue |
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Pages |
43-56 |
| Keywords |
Stress; Horse; Riding; Heart rate variability; Cortisol; Behaviour |
| Abstract |
Abstract Stress is a generic concept describing the body's reaction to external stimuli, including both physiological and psychological factors. Therefore, by definition, the assessment of psychological stress in the exercising horse encompasses the problem of teasing apart the psychological and physiological factors both of which result in stress responses. The present study reviews the existing literature on various measures of stress taken specifically in the context of equitation science. Particular attention has been paid to short-term effects, and commonly used measurements of short-term stress include heart rate, a number of heart rate variability parameters, blood or saliva cortisol levels, eye temperature, and various behaviour parameters including in particular behaviour patterns presumably indicative of conflict with the rider's/trainer's aids. Inspection of the individual studies' results revealed that disagreement between these different measures of stress is commonplace. For physiological parameters, the largest proportion of agreement (i.e. both parameters simultaneously indicated either higher, insignificant or lower stress compared to a control treatment) was found for heart rate and heart rate variability parameters, while generally limited agreement was found for cortisol. It appears that cortisol levels may not be particularly useful for assessing/assessment of the valence of a situation in the exercising horse as cortisol levels are predominantly linked to activation and exercise levels. Although heart rate variability parameters reflect in theory more closely sympathovagal balance compared to cortisol levels, great care has to be taken regarding the use of appropriate time-frames, appropriate raw data correction methods as well as the use of appropriate equipment. In spite of its wide-spread and apparently successful use, popular equipment may in fact not be accurate enough under field conditions. Eye temperature is another promising parameter for assessment of psychological stress, but the technique is likewise susceptible to application errors. Given the high susceptibility of physiological parameters to errors at various experimental stages, behavioural rather than physiological parameters may in fact provide more accurate measures of valence when conducting experiments in the exercising horse. Behavioural parameters that appear to be particularly practical in assessing stress in ridden horses' behaviour are associated with frequencies of behaviour indicative of conflict. However, while increased frequencies of are a good indicator of stress, the absence of conflict behaviour does not provide proof of the absence of stress due to the possible occurrence of conditions such as Learned Helplessness. In future studies, the above issues should be taken into consideration when designing experiments to assess psychological stress in ridden horses. |
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0168-1591 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6160 |
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| Author |
Schmidt, A.; Biau, S.; Möstl, E.; Becker-Birck, M.; Morillon, B.; Aurich, J.; Faure, J.-M.; Aurich, C. |
| Title |
Changes in cortisol release and heart rate variability in sport horses during long-distance road transport |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2010 |
Publication |
Domestic Animal Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Domest Anim Endocrinol |
| Volume |
38 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
179-189 |
| Keywords |
Horse; Transport; Cortisol; Heart rate variability |
| Abstract |
It is widely accepted that transport is stressful for horses, but only a few studies are available involving horses that are transported regularly and are accustomed to transport. We determined salivary cortisol immunoreactivity (IR), fecal cortisol metabolites, beat-to-beat (RR) interval, and heart rate variability (HRV) in transport-experienced horses (N = 7) in response to a 2-d outbound road transport over 1370 km and 2-d return transport 8 d later. Salivary cortisol IR was low until 60 min before transport but had increased (P < 0.05) 30 min before loading. Transport caused a further marked increase (P < 0.001), but the response tended to decrease with each day of transport. Concentrations of fecal cortisol metabolites increased on the second day of both outbound and return transports and reached a maximum the following day (P < 0.001). During the first 90 min on Day 1 of outbound transport, mean RR interval decreased (P < 0.001). Standard deviations of RR interval (SDRR) decreased transiently (P < 0.01). The root mean square of successive RR differences (RMSSD) decreased at the beginning of the outbound and return transports (P < 0.01), reflecting reduced parasympathetic tone. On the first day of both outbound and return transports, a transient rise in geometric HRV variable standard deviation 2 (SD2) occurred (P < 0.01), indicating increased sympathetic activity. In conclusion, transport of experienced horses leads to increased cortisol release and changes in heart rate and HRV, which is indicative of stress. The degree of these changes tended to be most pronounced on the first day of both outbound and return transport. |
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0739-7240 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5386 |
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| Author |
Aurich, J.; Wulf, M.; Ille, N.; Erber, R.; von Lewinski, M.; Palme, R.; Aurich, C. |
| Title |
Effects of season, age, sex and housing on salivary cortisol concentrations in horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Domestic Animal Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
Domest. Anim. Endocrinol. |
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Issue |
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Pages |
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| Keywords |
horse; cortisol; diurnal rhythm; reproduction; housing |
| Abstract |
Abstract Analysis of salivary cortisol is increasingly used to assess stress responses in horses. Since spontaneous or experimentally induced increases in cortisol concentrations are often relatively small for stress studies proper controls are needed. This requires an understanding of factors affecting salivary cortisol over longer times. In this study, we have analysed salivary cortisol concentration over 6 mo in horses (n = 94) differing in age, sex, reproductive state and housing. Salivary cortisol followed a diurnal rhythm with highest concentrations in the morning and a decrease throughout the day (P < 0.001). This rhythm was disrupted in individual groups on individual days; however, alterations remained within the range of diurnal changes. Comparison between months showed highest cortisol concentrations in December (P < 0.001). Cortisol concentrations increased in breeding stallions during the breeding season (P < 0.001). No differences in salivary cortisol concentrations between non-pregnant mares with and without a corpus luteum existed. In stallions, mean daily salivary cortisol and plasma testosterone concentration were weakly correlated (r = 0.251, P < 0.01). No differences in salivary cortisol between female and male young horses and no consistent differences between horses of different age existed. Group housing and individual stabling did not affect salivary cortisol. In conclusion, salivary cortisol concentrations in horses follow a diurnal rhythm and are increased in active breeding sires. Time of the day and reproductive state of the horses are thus important for experiments that include analysis of cortisol in saliva. |
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0739-7240 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5847 |
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| Author |
Peeters, M.; Sulon, J.; Beckers, J.-F.; Ledoux, D.; Vandenheede, M. |
| Title |
Comparison between blood serum and salivary cortisol concentrations in horses using an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2011 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
43 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
487-493 |
| Keywords |
horse; cortisol; ACTH challenge; saliva; stress |
| Abstract |
Reasons for performing study: In horses, serum cortisol concentration is considered to provide an indirect measurement of stress. However, it includes both free and bound fractions. The sampling method is also invasive and often stressful. This is not the case for salivary cortisol, which is collected using a more welfare-friendly method and represents a part of the free cortisol fraction, which is the biologically active form. Objectives: To compare salivary and serum cortisol assays in horses, in a wide range of concentrations, using an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, in order to validate salivary cortisol for stress assessment in horse. Methods: In 5 horses, blood samples were drawn using an i.v. catheter. Saliva samples were taken using swabs. Cortisol was assayed by radioimmunoassay. All data were treated with a regression method, which pools and analyses data from multiple subjects for linear analysis. Results: Mean ± s.d. cortisol concentrations measured at rest were 188.81 ± 51.46 nmol/l in serum and 1.19 ± 0.54 nmol/l in saliva. They started increasing immediately after ACTH injection and peaks were reached after 96 ± 16.7 min in serum (356.98 ± 55.29 nmol/l) and after 124 ± 8.9 min in saliva (21.79 ± 7.74 nmol/l, P<0.05). Discharge percentages were also different (225% in serum and 2150% in saliva, P<0.05). Correlation between serum and salivary cortisol concentrations showed an adjusted r2= 0.80 (P<0.001). The strong link between serum and salivary cortisol concentrations was also estimated by a regression analysis. Conclusions: The reliability of both RIAs and regression found between serum and salivary cortisol concentrations permits the validation of saliva-sampling as a noninvasive technique for cortisol level assessment in horses. |
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Blackwell Publishing Ltd |
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Edition |
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| ISSN |
2042-3306 |
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Approved |
no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5428 |
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Stull, C.L.; Spier, S.J.; Aldridge, B.M.; Blanchard, M.; Stott, J.L. |
| Title |
Immunological response to long-term transport stress in mature horses and effects of adaptogenic dietary supplementation as an immunomodulator |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
36 |
Issue |
7 |
Pages |
583-589 |
| Keywords |
horse; transportation; Cd+; lymphocytes; stress; cortisol; adaptogens |
| Abstract |
Reasons for performing study: Little information exists on the immunological effects of transport or the use of supplements to minimise transport stress. Objectives: To establish baseline ranges and evaluate immunophenotypic and functional changes associated with transport and a nutritional ‘adaptogen’ supplement. Methods: Horses received either supplement (n = 10) or placebos (n = 9) during the 30 day study. After 28 days in stalls, 12 horses (6 supplement; 6 placebo) were transported for 24 h, then unloaded and recovered. Venous blood samples were collected on Days 1, 14 and 28 to establish baselines, and on Days 28, 29 and 30 to examine changes during transport and recovery. Results: Transport prompted elevations (P<0.05) in cortisol concentration, neutrophil count and white blood cell counts, while lymphocyte subpopulation counts (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD21+) decreased (P<0.05). Normal phenotypic lymphocyte profiles returned within 24 h of recovery. Supplement effects on immunophenotype (CD21+ and CD8+) were observed in stabled horses (P<0.05), but not in transported horses. Conclusions: These results provide insights into the immunological mechanisms associated with long-term transport. Potential relevance: The existence of a small window of immunological uncertainty follows long-term transportation, enhancing the potential risk of infectious disease in susceptible individuals. |
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Blackwell Publishing Ltd |
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2042-3306 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5845 |
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Nuñez, C.M.V.; Adelman, J.S.; Smith, J.; Gesquiere, L.R.; Rubenstein, D.I. |
| Title |
Linking social environment and stress physiology in feral mares (Equus caballus): Group transfers elevate fecal cortisol levels |
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Journal Article |
| Year |
2014 |
Publication |
General and Comparative Endocrinology |
Abbreviated Journal |
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| Volume |
196 |
Issue |
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Pages |
26-33 |
| Keywords |
Equus caballus; Fecal cortisol; Feral mare; Group transfer; Stress; Social instability |
| Abstract |
Abstract Feral horses (Equus caballus) have a complex social structure, the stability of which is important to their overall health. Behavioral and demographic research has shown that decreases in group (or band) stability reduce female fitness, but the potential effects on the physiological stress response have not been demonstrated. To fully understand how band stability affects group-member fitness, we need to understand not only behavioral and demographic, but also physiological consequences of decreases to that stability. We studied group changes in feral mares (an activity that induces instability, including both male and female aggression) on Shackleford Banks, NC. We found that mares in the midst of changing groups exhibit increased fecal cortisol levels. In addition, mares making more group transfers show higher levels of cortisol two weeks post-behavior. These results offer insights into how social instability is integrated into an animal’s physiological phenotype. In addition, our results have important implications for feral horse management. On Shackleford Banks, mares contracepted with porcine zona pellucida (PZP) make approximately 10 times as many group changes as do untreated mares. Such animals may therefore be at higher risk of chronic stress. These results support the growing consensus that links between behavior and physiological stress must be taken into account when managing for healthy, functional populations. |
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0016-6480 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5743 |
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Schmidt, A.; Aurich, J.; Möstl, E.; Müller, J.; Aurich, C. |
| Title |
Changes in cortisol release and heart rate and heart rate variability during the initial training of 3-year-old sport horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2010 |
Publication |
Hormones and Behavior |
Abbreviated Journal |
Horm Behav |
| Volume |
58 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
628-636 |
| Keywords |
Horse; Initial training; Cortisol; Heart rate variability |
| Abstract |
Based on cortisol release, a variety of situations to which domestic horses are exposed have been classified as stressors but studies on the stress during equestrian training are limited. In the present study, Warmblood stallions (n = 9) and mares (n = 7) were followed through a 9 respective 12-week initial training program in order to determine potentially stressful training steps. Salivary cortisol concentrations, beat-to-beat (RR) interval and heart rate variability (HRV) were determined. The HRV variables standard deviation of the RR interval (SDRR), RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR differences) and the geometric means standard deviation 1 (SD1) and 2 (SD2) were calculated. Nearly each training unit was associated with an increase in salivary cortisol concentrations (p < 0.01). Cortisol release varied between training units and occasionally was more pronounced in mares than in stallions (p < 0.05). The RR interval decreased slightly in response to lunging before mounting of the rider. A pronounced decrease occurred when the rider was mounting, but before the horse showed physical activity (p < 0.001). The HRV variables SDRR, RMSSD and SD1 decreased in response to training and lowest values were reached during mounting of a rider (p < 0.001). Thereafter RR interval and HRV variables increased again. In contrast, SD2 increased with the beginning of lunging (p < 0.05) and no changes in response to mounting were detectable. In conclusion, initial training is a stressor for horses. The most pronounced reaction occurred in response to mounting by a rider, a situation resembling a potentially lethal threat under natural conditions. |
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0018-506x |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5223 |
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| Author |
Schmidt, A.; Möstl, E.; Wehnert, C.; Aurich, J.; Müller, J.; Aurich, C. |
| Title |
Cortisol release and heart rate variability in horses during road transport |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2010 |
Publication |
Hormones and Behavior |
Abbreviated Journal |
Horm. Behav. |
| Volume |
57 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
209-215 |
| Keywords |
Horse; Transport; Cortisol; Heart rate variability |
| Abstract |
Based on plasma cortisol concentrations it is widely accepted that transport is stressful to horses. So far, cortisol release during transport has not been evaluated in depth by non-invasive techniques such as analysis of salivary cortisol and faecal cortisol metabolites. Transport also causes changes in heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV). In this study, salivary cortisol, faecal cortisol metabolites, heart rate and HRV in horses transported by road for short (one and 3.5 h) and medium duration (8 h) were determined. With the onset of transport, salivary cortisol increased immediately but highest concentrations were measured towards the end of transport (4.1 ± 1.6, 4.5 ± 2.6, 6.5 ± 1.8 ng/ml in horses transported for one, 3.5 and 8 h, respectively). Faecal cortisol metabolite concentrations did not change during transport, but 1 day after transport for 3.5 and 8 h had increased significantly (p < 0.01), reflecting intestinal passage time. Compared to salivary cortisol, changes in faecal cortisol metabolites were less pronounced. Heart rate increased and beat-to-beat (RR) interval decreased (p < 0.05) with the onset of transport. Standard deviation of heart rate increased while root mean square of successive RR differences (RMSSD) decreased in horses transported for 3.5 (from 74 ± 5 to 45 ± 6 ms) and 8 h (from 89.7 ± 7 to 59 ± 7 ms), indicating a reduction in vagal tone. In conclusion, transport of horses over short and medium distances leads to increased cortisol release and changes in heart rate and HRV indicative of stress. The degree of these changes is related to the duration of transport. Salivary cortisol is a sensitive parameter to detect transient changes in cortisol release. |
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0018-506x |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
5387 |
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| Author |
Dreschel, N.A.; Granger, D.A. |
| Title |
Methods of collection for salivary cortisol measurement in dogs |
Type |
Journal Article |
| Year |
2009 |
Publication |
Hormones and Behavior |
Abbreviated Journal |
Horm. Behav. |
| Volume |
55 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
163-168 |
| Keywords |
Dog; Canine; Salivary cortisol; Methods; Measurement; Stress |
| Abstract |
Salivary cortisol has been increasingly used as a measure of stress response in studies of welfare, reaction to stress and human–animal interactions in dogs and other species. While it can be a very useful measure, there are a number of saliva collection issues made evident through studies in the human and animal fields which have not been investigated in the canine species. Collection materials and the volume of saliva that is collected; the use of salivary stimulants; and the effect of food contamination can all dramatically impact cortisol measurement, leading to spurious results. In order to further examine the limitations of the collection method and the effects of collection material and salivary stimulant on salivary cortisol levels, a series of clinical, in vitro and in vivo studies were performed. It was found that there is a large amount of inter- and intra-individual variation in salivary cortisol measurement. Beef flavoring of collection materials leads to unpredictable variability in salivary cortisol concentration. Using salivary stimulants such as citric acid also has the potential to affect cortisol concentration measurement in saliva. Hydrocellulose appears to be a useful collection material for salivary cortisol determination. Recommendations for collection materials and use of salivary stimulants are presented. |
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0018-506x |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5560 |
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