Changes in Saliva Analytes Correlate with Horses’ Behavioural Reactions to An Acute Stressor: A Pilot Study.
Abstract: Acute stress induces an array of behavioural reactions in horses that vary between individuals. Attempts to relate behavioural patterns and physiological responses have not always given clear-cut results. Here, we measured the changes in a panel of salivary components: salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), lipase, total esterase (TEA), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and cortisol, and their potential link with horses' behaviours after acute stress. Saliva samples were collected in nine riding horses subjected to a test consisting of opening an umbrella. Saliva sampling was obtained at a basal time point in the stall (T1), in the test indoor arena (T2), at a time of stress (T3), and 30 min (T4) and 60 min (T5) later. The horses' behaviour was recorded at T3 for 1 minute. sAA, lipase, TEA, and BChE showed significant changes along time, increasing at T3 for BChE, and decreasing at T4 for sAA and BChE. Butyrylcholinesterase appeared to be the most reliable predictor of behavioural responses, as it correlated with the index of emotionality, of laterality, and the occurrence of alarm signals, while sAA decreased when horses expressed quieter behaviours. These first results bring promising lines for novel, more precise physiological markers of acute stress in horses that can bridge the gap between behaviour and physiology.
Publication Date: 2019-11-18 PubMed ID: 31752194PubMed Central: PMC6912570DOI: 10.3390/ani9110993Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study investigates the correlation between changes in saliva analytes and behavioural reactions of horses under acute stress. The researchers found that certain salivary components are linked with specific behaviours exhibited by horses when subjected to sudden stress, providing potential new physiological markers for stress in horses which can help reconcile observed behaviour with physiological responses.
Study Design and Implementation
- The researchers examined changes in a selection of salivary components: salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), lipase, total esterase (TEA), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), adenosine deaminase (ADA), and cortisol. These factors were selected due to previous research demonstrating their sensitivity to stress in different species.
- The experiment deployed an umbrella-opening scenario to induce acute stress in nine riding horses. The umbrella test is a standardised test used for equine emotionality that involves suddenly opening an umbrella in the horse’s field of vision.
Data Collection and Behavioural Analysis
- Saliva samples were collected from the horses at five different intervals – a base point in a stall (T1), in an indoor test arena (T2), during the umbrella-induced stress event (T3) and at 30 min (T4) and 60 min (T5) post-stress.
- Recordings of the horses’ behaviour were taken during the one minute when the umbrella was opened to induce acute stress (T3).
Results and Interpretation
- Results showed significant temporal changes in sAA, lipase, TEA, and BChE. Specifically, the levels of BChE increased during the stress event, while sAA and BChE levels decreased 30 minutes after.
- A key finding was that BChE strongly correlated with distinct behavioural responses. It was linked with the emotionality index, lateralisation (the preference for one side of the body over the other), and the emission of alarm signals.
- Conversely, horses that exhibited calmer behaviours had a reduction in sAA levels.
Implications of the Findings
- The initial findings of this study provide valuable insight and promising directions for future research in identifying physiological markers for acute stress in horses.
- The correlation between salivary components, particularly BChE and sAA, and stress-related behaviours can potentially bridge the gap between physiological and observable behavioural responses in horses under stress. This can guide more precise and effective stress management and care for horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Contreras-Aguilar MD, Henry S, Coste C, Tecles F, Escribano D, Cerón JJ, Hausberger M.
(2019).
Changes in Saliva Analytes Correlate with Horses’ Behavioural Reactions to An Acute Stressor: A Pilot Study.
Animals (Basel), 9(11), 993.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9110993 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
- Université de Rennes, Université de Normandie, CNRS, Laboratoire Ethologie et humaine-UMR CNRS 6552, Station Biologique, 35380 Paimpont, France.
- Université de Rennes, Université de Normandie, CNRS, Laboratoire Ethologie et humaine-UMR CNRS 6552, Station Biologique, 35380 Paimpont, France.
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
- Department of Animal Production, Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, 30100 Espinardo, Murcia, Spain.
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Campus of Excellence Mare Nostrum, 30100 Murcia, Spain.
- Université de Rennes, Université de Normandie, CNRS, Laboratoire Ethologie et humaine - UMR CNRS 6552, Campus de Beaulieu, Bat.25, 263 avenue du général Leclerc, 35042 Rennes CEDEX, France.
Grant Funding
- 19894/GERM/15 / Fundaciu00f3n Su00e9neca
- R-605/2016 / Universidad de Murcia
Conflict of Interest Statement
The authors declare no conflict of interest. The funders had no role in the design of the study; in the collection, analyses, or interpretation of data; in the writing of the manuscript, or in the decision to publish the results.
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