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Scientific reports2024; 14(1); 31311; doi: 10.1038/s41598-024-82637-8

Impact of musical rhythm on blood, physiological and welfare parameters in stabled horses.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two styles of classical music, based on different tempos (BPM), on the physiological and blood parameters of horses during social isolation and restriction of movements. First experiment was carried out using nine horses of no defined breed, distributed in Control, Slow-tempo music and Moderate-tempo music .For social isolation and restriction of movement, the animals were housed daily in individual stalls for two hours and exposed to the stimuli for 60 min, and eye temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were assessed. The second experiment was carried out using ten horses of no defined breed, distributed in a randomized design in treatments: Slow-tempo Music and Moderate-tempo Music. Blood samples were taken at the start and end of the experimental period to assess hematological and biochemical parameters and serum serotonin levels. Horses exposed to moderate-tempo music showed an increase in serum calcium levels, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and total hemoglobin concentration, as well as a reduction in lymphocytes. Both types of music led to a significant increase in serotonin levels after one week of stimulation. Both musical rhythms are appropriate for promoting the well-being and health of stabled horses.
© 2024. The Author(s).
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Publication Date: 2024-12-28 PubMed ID: 39732892PubMed Central: PMC11682261DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-82637-8Google 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 analyzed how different tempos of classical music can affect horses’ physical and physiological parameters during social isolation and limited movement. It revealed that both slow and moderate-tempo music increased serotonin levels in horses. Also, certain blood parameters were positively influenced by moderate-tempo music.

Participants and Methodology

  • The research was conducted in two distinct experiments, each utilizing horses of no specific breed.
  • In the first experiment, nine horses were divided into three groups: Control, Slow-tempo music, and Moderate-tempo music. These animals were individually stabled for two hours every day and subjected to the music stimuli for 60 minutes. Parameters such as eye temperature, heart rate, and respiratory rate were assessed during this experiment.
  • The second experiment involved ten different horses, which were exposed to either Slow-tempo or Moderate-tempo music in a randomized design. Blood samples were taken from the horses at the start and end of the research period to evaluate hematological and biochemical parameters, along with serum serotonin levels.

Findings

  • When exposed to moderate-tempo music, horses displayed increased levels of serum calcium, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and total hemoglobin concentration. On the other hand, their lymphocyte levels saw a reduction.
  • Both slow and moderate-tempo classical music led to a significant increase in the horses’ serotonin levels after one week of exposure.
  • No specific impacts of slow-tempo music were mentioned apart from its shared effect on serotonin levels with moderate-tempo music.

Conclusions

  • Both musical rhythms; slow and moderate, were deemed appropriate for promoting the well-being and health of horses in stable conditions.
  • The study is indicative of the influence of music tempo on horses’ biochemical parameters, presenting the opportunity to use music as a tool for managing stable conditions and potentially reducing stress levels in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
(2024). Impact of musical rhythm on blood, physiological and welfare parameters in stabled horses. Sci Rep, 14(1), 31311. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-82637-8

Publication

Scientific reports
ISSN: 2045-2322
NlmUniqueID: 101563288
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 14
Issue: 1
Pages: 31311
PII: 31311

Researcher Affiliations

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Horses / blood
  • Horses / physiology
  • Music
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Animal Welfare
  • Serotonin / blood
  • Respiratory Rate / physiology
  • Male
  • Female

Conflict of Interest Statement

Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests.

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Citations

This article has been cited 2 times.
  1. Klinck M, Lovett A, Sykes B. Incorporating a Behavioral Medicine Approach in the Multi-Modal Management of Chronic Equine Gastric Ulcer Syndrome (EGUS): A Clinical Commentary. Animals (Basel) 2025 Oct 17;15(20).
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  2. Janczarek I, Gazda I, Barłowska J, Kurnik J, Łuszczyński J. Social Isolation of Horses vs. Support Provided by a Human. Animals (Basel) 2025 Jun 3;15(11).
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