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Home / Equine Research Bank / J Anim Sci Technol / Association between the plasma concentration of melatonin an...
Journal of animal science and technology2023; 65(5); 1094-1104; doi: 10.5187/jast.2023.e12

Association between the plasma concentration of melatonin and behavioral temperament in horses.

Abstract: Aggression in horses may cause serious accidents during riding and non-riding activities. Hence, predicting the temperament of horses is essential for selecting suitable horses and ensuring safety during the activity. In certain animals, such as hamsters, plasma melatonin concentrations have been correlated with aggressive behavior. However, whether this relationship applies to horses remains unclear. To address this research gap, this study aimed to evaluate differences in the plasma melatonin concentrations among horses of different breeds, ages, and sexes and examine the correlation between plasma melatonin concentrations and the temperament of the horses, including docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. Blood samples from 32 horses were collected from the Horse Industry Complex Center of Jeonju Kijeon College. The docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability of the horses were assessed by three professional trainers who were well-acquainted with the horses. Plasma melatonin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The consequent values were compared between the horses of different breeds, ages, and sexes using a three-way analysis of variance and least significant difference post hoc test. Linear regression analysis was employed to identify the relationship between plasma melatonin concentrations and docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. The results showed that the plasma melatonin concentrations significantly differed with breeds in Thoroughbred and cold-blooded horses. However, there were no differences in the plasma melatonin concentrations between the horse ages and sexes. Furthermore, plasma melatonin concentrations did not exhibit a significant correlation with the ranking of docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability.
© Copyright 2023 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology.
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Publication Date: 2023-09-30 PubMed ID: 37969346PubMed Central: PMC10640934DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e12Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study explores the potential link between plasma melatonin concentrations and horse temperament, including aspects such as docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. The results showed that while plasma melatonin concentrations varied with horse breeds, there was no notable correlation between these concentrations and the different aspects of horse temperament assessed.

Methodology

  • The study involved 32 horses from the Horse Industry Complex Center of Jeonju Kijeon College. The selection comprised different breeds, ages, and sexes of horses to ensure a diverse sample.
  • Three professional horse trainers who were familiar with the horses conducted assessments of the horses’ docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. This was done to establish a baseline understanding of each horse’s temperament.
  • The researchers also collected blood samples from the animals to measure plasma melatonin concentrations. This was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, a standard laboratory technique used for measuring substances in biological fluids.
  • The team then compared plasma melatonin concentrations between different horses using variance analysis and post hoc tests. The goal was to observe whether melatonin levels differed by breed, age, or sex.
  • Finally, a linear regression analysis was carried out to investigate any potential correlation between plasma melatonin concentrations and the temperament factors.

Findings

  • The researchers found significant differences in plasma melatonin concentrations related to breed, especially between Thoroughbred and cold-blooded horses. This suggests that breed-specific genetic factors might influence melatonin levels in horses.
  • Interestingly, the study found no differences in melatonin concentrations concerning the ages and sexes of the horses. This implies that age and sex may not play significant roles in influencing this hormone’s level.
  • The study also found no substantial correlation between plasma melatonin concentrations and the temperament of the horses. Irrespective of the levels of melatonin in their plasma, the horses did not show notable differences in docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. This counters the hypothesis that higher melatonin levels might be connected with certain temperament traits.

Implications

  • Even though the research did not establish a connection between plasma melatonin levels and horse temperament, it provided important insights into how melatonin levels could be influenced by breed.
  • This opens up new areas of research to examine the reasons behind such breed-specific differences in melatonin concentrations.
  • The findings also underscore the complexity of equine behavior, suggesting that it might be influenced by a multitude of factors beyond melatonin levels, including genetic factors, environmental conditions, and individual experience.

Cite This Article

APA
Song Y, Kim J, Park Y, Yoon M. (2023). Association between the plasma concentration of melatonin and behavioral temperament in horses. J Anim Sci Technol, 65(5), 1094-1104. https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2023.e12

Publication

Journal of animal science and technology
ISSN: 2055-0391
NlmUniqueID: 101661694
Country: Korea (South)
Language: English
Volume: 65
Issue: 5
Pages: 1094-1104

Researcher Affiliations

Song, Yubin
  • Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
Kim, Junyoung
  • Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
Park, Youngjae
  • Department of Equine Industry and Sports with Therapeutic Riding, Jeonju Kijeon College, Jeonju 54989, Korea.
Yoon, Minjung
  • Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
  • Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
  • Research Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.

Conflict of Interest Statement

No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.

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