Evaluation of a Modified Bit Device to Obtain Saliva Samples from Horses.
Abstract: (1) Background: Accounting for the well-being of equine partners is a responsibility of those engaged in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). Researchers took heed of this call to action by developing an innovative way to collect data to assess the physiological indicators of stress in equine participants. The collection of saliva is considered to be a minimally invasive method of data collection and is typically performed using a cotton swab; however, in equines, the introduction of a foreign object may induce stress; (2) Methods: Researchers used a modified bit to collect pooled saliva in an effort to further reduce stress during the saliva collection process. Additionally, the collection of pooled saliva, via the bit, increases the opportunity to consider additional analyses, such as oxytocin, which is more reliable in pooled saliva than site-specific saliva captured with a swab; (3) Results: A data analysis demonstrated that ample saliva was captured using the modified bit. Observational data supported that the horses demonstrated fewer physical stress signals to the bit than to the swab. Thus, the modified bit is a feasible and valid method for equine salivary sample collection; (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that the modified bit provides a viable method to collect equine saliva and supports national calls to prioritize animal welfare analysis, specifically for horses used within EAS. Future research should enhance methodological rigor, including in the process and timing, thereby contributing to the bit's validation.
Publication Date: 2021-10-15 PubMed ID: 34679064PubMed Central: PMC8538290DOI: 10.3390/vetsci8100232Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
Summary
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This research paper presents the development and testing of a modified bit to collect saliva samples from horses. This method was chosen as a less intrusive way of collecting data to monitor the stress levels of horses involved in Equine-Assisted Services (EAS). The data obtained suggests that this method was not only more comfortable for the horses, but it also provided ample saliva samples for further analysis.
Background
- Equine-Assisted Services (EAS) are therapeutic services that use horses as a part of their programs. These services take into account the well-being of the horses used in their treatments.
- In order to monitor the stress levels of these horses, saliva samples are collected. Traditionally, this is done using cotton swabs, but this method may cause stress in the horse because it involves introducing a foreign object into the horse’s mouth.
- Hence, the researchers developed a modified bit that not only collects saliva samples but is also intended to cause less stress to the horses.
Methods
- The researchers used a modified bit to collect pooled saliva from the horses. This method was intended to further decrease the stress that would have been caused by the traditional cotton swab method.
- Moreover, the act of pooling the saliva using the bit would allow for additional analysis, such as the measurement of oxytocin levels. This hormone is more reliably detected in pooled saliva compared to site-specific saliva collected with a swab.
Results
- Through data analysis, it was found that the modified bit captured sufficient saliva for testing purposes – further proving the effectiveness of this novel method.
- On an observational level, it was also evident that the horses showed fewer signs of physical stress during the modified bit method compared to the traditional swab method.
- These outcomes suggest that the modified bit technique is both a practical and valid method for obtaining equine saliva samples.
Conclusions
- The study concludes that the modified bit method is an effective and less intrusive way to collect saliva samples from horses used in EAS.
- This method aligns with the increasing concern for animal welfare specifically and demands further to prioritizing these considerations within EAS settings.
- Future research is aimed at improving the methodology, specifically the process and timing, to contribute further to the validation of the modified-bit method.
Cite This Article
APA
Vincent A, Peth-Pierce RM, Morrissey MA, Acri MC, Guo F, Seibel L, Hoagwood KE.
(2021).
Evaluation of a Modified Bit Device to Obtain Saliva Samples from Horses.
Vet Sci, 8(10), 232.
https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci8100232 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, 16497 Snyder Rd, Chagrin Falls, OH 44023, USA.
- Veterinary Social Work Certificate Program, College of Social Work, University of Tennessee (Knoxville), 1618 Cumberland Ave, 401 Henson Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996, USA.
- Public Health Communications Consulting, LLC., 16678 State Rd., North Royalton, OH 44133, USA.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York University (NYU), One Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York University (NYU), One Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
- Division of Biostatistics, NYU Langone Health, New York University (NYU), One Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York University (NYU), One Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, NYU Langone Health, New York University (NYU), One Park Avenue, 8th Floor, New York, NY 10016, USA.
Grant Funding
- P50 MH113662 / NIMH NIH HHS
- 2021 Funds / Unrestricted gift funds to Kimberly Hoagwood
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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Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Hoagwood K, Vincent A, Acri M, Morrissey M, Seibel L, Guo F, Flores C, Seag D, Peth Pierce R, Horwitz S. Reducing Anxiety and Stress among Youth in a CBT-Based Equine-Assisted Adaptive Riding Program.. Animals (Basel) 2022 Sep 20;12(19).
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