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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(3); 396; doi: 10.3390/ani13030396

Cortisol Variations to Estimate the Physiological Stress Response in Horses at a Traditional Equestrian Event.

Abstract: In many countries, horses remain involved in traditional equestrian events such as those celebrated in Menorca (Balearic Islands, Spain) every year since at least the 14th century. The present study aimed to evaluate the variations in salivary cortisol concentrations to estimate the physiological stress response in horses at the Menorca patronal festivals. Two different editions (years 2016 and 2018) of the festivals in honor of the Virgin of Grace in Maó (Menorca, Spain) were studied. Nineteen and seventeen Pure Breed Menorca stallions were included in the study, respectively. The stallions were aged between seven and twelve years. During celebrations, samples were collected before the start of the festivals between 8-9 a.m. and during the festivals at 8-9 p.m. On the second day of celebrations, the samples were collected at 8-9 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. Finally, on the day after the festivals, one sample was collected at 8-9 p.m. Additionally, a control group was sampled at 8-9 a.m., 3-4 p.m., and 8-9 p.m. Salivary cortisol concentrations were assessed by using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit specially validated to quantify salivary cortisol in horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations did not show significant differences between sampling hours in the control group ( > 0.05). All the samples collected during festivals were significantly higher than samples of the control group ( 0.05). Hence, the present study describes that the participation of the horses in these particular acts generate an acute and transitory stress response. Overall, the current work provides a reasonable basis for future research on the stress physiology and well-being of horses participating in traditional celebrations or similar events.
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Publication Date: 2023-01-24 PubMed ID: 36766285PubMed Central: PMC9913708DOI: 10.3390/ani13030396Google 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.

The research article discusses a study that evaluates the stress levels in horses, measured by variations in salivary cortisol levels, during traditional equestrian events in Menorca, Spain. The findings suggest a temporary increase in stress during the events, with cortisol levels returning to normal after the festivities.

Research Study Context

  • The study is conducted within the context of traditional equestrian events held annually in Menorca, Spain, tracking two different editions of the festivals in 2016 and 2018.
  • These events have been part of the local culture since the 14th century, providing a unique environment to study stress responses in horses related to specific activities.
  • Studied horses were Pure Breed Menorca stallions aged between seven and twelve years.

Method of Data Collection

  • The researchers collected salivary samples from the horses before, during, and after the festivals at specified times.
  • To form a baseline for comparison, a control group of horses not involved in the festivities was also sampled at the same times.
  • These samples were analyzed using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit that had been previously validated for use in quantifying cortisol levels in horses.

Key Findings

  • The study found no significant differences in cortisol levels among the control group samples, implying that the sample timings (morning, afternoon, and evening) do not inherently affect those levels.
  • Salivary cortisol concentrations in the horses during the festivals were significantly higher than those in the control group, indicating an increased stress response associated with participation in the events.
  • However, these cortisol levels returned to baseline within twenty-four hours after the end of the festivities, suggesting the induced stress was transitory and acute, rather than chronic.

Significance and Implications of the Study

  • The study’s results provide concrete physiological evidence of an increase and subsequent decrease in stress levels in horses participating in traditional equestrian events.
  • These findings can inform future research on the impact of such events on the well-being and physiologic responses of horses.
  • The study also demonstrates the utility of salivary cortisol measurement as a non-invasive and time-sensitive indicator of stress response in horses, reinforcing its use in research and veterinary practice.

Cite This Article

APA
Olvera-Maneu S, Carbajal A, Serres-Corral P, López-Béjar M. (2023). Cortisol Variations to Estimate the Physiological Stress Response in Horses at a Traditional Equestrian Event. Animals (Basel), 13(3), 396. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13030396

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 3
PII: 396

Researcher Affiliations

Olvera-Maneu, Sergi
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Carbajal, Annaïs
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
Serres-Corral, Paula
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
López-Béjar, Manel
  • Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain.
  • College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None of the authors have any competing interests that could inappropriately influence or bias the content of the paper.

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This article has been cited 3 times.
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