Changes in the heart rate and plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations of the stallion during copulation.
Abstract: The physiological indexes of the copulatory behavior of the stallion have not been investigated in detail and may differ from those of other species, such as humans and rats. In order to understand the breeding capability of various stallions, their behavior during copulation was observed, and heart rate (HR) and the plasma concentrations of norepinephrine (NA) and epinephrine (Ad) were measured sequentially for a total of 13 copulations carried out during 2 days. The mean HR at rest was 35.3 ± 0.9 beats per minute (b.p.m.) and it peaked during mounting (162.1 ± 5.4 b.p.m.). The HR at ejaculation was 145.7 ± 5.1 b.p.m, which was less than the peak. The plasma concentrations of NA and Ad showed similar changes to the HR; immediately after ejaculation they were, respectively, 4.7-fold and 1.9-fold higher than the resting values and there was a difference in the degree of increase of each catecholamine. The present results show that in the stallion the HR peaks at mounting and there is a greater change in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system because of the short-term, highly intense exercise performed during copulation. It is considered that this, combined with the particular mental stress placed on the stallion during copulation, has the potential to cause sudden cardiac death. (Reprod Med Biol 2005; : 143-148).
Publication Date: 2005-05-03 PubMed ID: 29662391PubMed Central: PMC5891813DOI: 10.1111/j.1447-0578.2005.00093.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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The research article investigates the physiological responses, including heart rate and hormone levels, of stallions during copulation and suggests that the intense stress can potentially lead to sudden cardiac death.
Context and Aim
- The study was conducted to explore in depth the physiological indexes of stallion copulatory behavior. While studies of this kind have been conducted on other species like humans and rats, comprehensive research on equine species is lacking.
- The focus was on examining the changes in heart rate and plasma concentrations of epinephrine (Ad) and norepinephrine (NA) during copulation in stallions.
- Understanding these physiological responses can provide insights into the breeding capability of various stallions, which is currently not well understood.
Methodology
- Observations and measurements were taken during 13 copulations across 2 days.
- The metrics observed include the heart rate and plasma concentrations of Ad and NA.
- All the measures were taken at rest, during mounting, and at ejaculation to capture the full spectrum of changes that occur during copulation.
Key Findings
- The results showed a significant increase in heart rate and plasma concentrations of Ad and NA during mounting, with heart rate peaking at 162.1 ± 5.4 beats per minute (bpm).
- The heart rate during ejaculation was slightly lower, at 145.7 ± 5.1 bpm, but still considerably higher than the resting heart rate of 35.3 ± 0.9 bpm.
- The plasma concentration of NA and Ad was respectively 4.7-fold and 1.9-fold higher after ejaculation than resting levels, indicating a large change in the activity of the sympathetic nervous system.
Conclusion and Implications
- The study concludes that the heart rate in stallions peaks during mounting and this combined with the increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system due to the high intensity exercise can cause significant stress.
- This high level of physiological and mental stress during copulation could potentially lead to sudden cardiac death in stallions.
- These findings can have important implications for breeding practices and preventative health measures in equine species, providing a better understanding of the inherent risks and how they may be mitigated.
Cite This Article
APA
Terada M, Momozawa Y, Komano M, Kusunose R, Sato F, Saito TR.
(2005).
Changes in the heart rate and plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine concentrations of the stallion during copulation.
Reprod Med Biol, 4(2), 143-147.
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1447-0578.2005.00093.x Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo.
- Laboratory of Veterinary Ethology, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo.
- Japan Bloodhouse Breeders' Association, Shiraoi-gun, Hokkaido.
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Utsunomiya-shi, Japan.
- Equine Research Institute, Japan Racing Association, Utsunomiya-shi, Japan.
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Nippon Veterinary and Animal Science University, Musashino-shi, Tokyo.
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, De Santis M, Collacchi B, Tuozzi A, Toson M, Redaelli V, Odore R, Vercelli C, Stefani A, Luzi F, Valle E, Cirulli F. Equine-Assisted Interventions (EAIs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD): Behavioural and Physiological Indices of Stress in Domestic Horses (Equus caballus) during Riding Sessions.. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 27;11(6).
- Terada M, Matsumura A, Kromkhun P, Taniguchi K, Sato F, Sakurai F, Yokosuka M, Nagy GM, Saito TR. Time-dependent changes in cardiovascular function during copulation in male rats.. Reprod Med Biol 2009 Jun;8(2):59-62.
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