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Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)2011; 191(2); 171-175; doi: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.08.008

Physiological and behavioural responses of young horses to hot iron branding and microchip implantation.

Abstract: Branding is the traditional and well-established method used to mark horses, but recently microchip transponders for implantation have become available. In this study, behaviour, physiological stress variables and skin temperature in foals were determined in response to hot-iron branding (n=7) and microchip implantation (n=7). Salivary cortisol concentrations increased in response to branding (1.8 ± 0.2 ng/mL) and microchip implantation (1.4 ± 0.1ng/mL), but cortisol release over time did not differ. In response to both manipulations there was a transient increase in heart rate (P<0.001) and heart rate variability (P<0.01). Branding and microchip implantation induced a comparable aversive behaviour (branding, score 3.86 ± 0.85; microchip, score 4.00 ± 0.82). Both techniques thus caused similar physiological and behavioural changes indicative of stress. Acutely, implantation of a microchip was as stressful as branding in foals. Branding caused a necrotising skin burn lasting at least 7 days. Moreover branding, but not microchip implantation (P<0.001), was accompanied by a generalized increase in skin temperature which was comparable to low degree post-burn hypermetabolism in humans.
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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Publication Date: 2011-09-13 PubMed ID: 21917490DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.08.008Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article

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 paper studies the physical and behavioural reactions of young horses to traditional hot iron branding versus microchip implantation. The findings reveal that both methods induce similar stress responses in horses. However, branding induces a skin burn that persist for at least a week, along with a generalized increase in skin temperature.

Research Methodology

  • The study involved monitoring behavioral responses, skin temperature, and physiological stress indicators in foals subjected to hot-iron branding or microchip implantation.
  • Both methods were applied to seven young horses each.
  • The researchers measured salivary cortisol concentrations in these foals as an indicator of stress.

Analysis and Findings

  • Both branding and microchip implantation treatments triggered an increase in salivary cortisol. However, the degree of cortisol release over time was comparable between the two procedures.
  • Both techniques caused a temporary increase in heart rate and fluctuation in heart rate, suggesting physiological stress.
  • The observed behavioral responses to both procedures were comparable, indicating that they were both similarly distressing for the animals.

Implications of the Study

  • The study raises significant concerns about the stressful nature of both branding and microchip implantation techniques used in horses.
  • While both techniques are equally distressing for the animals, the research highlighted that branding also causes a skin burn which could last for at least seven days, coupled with a generalized increase in skin temperature akin to low degree post-burn hypermetabolism in humans.
  • This could question the humane aspects of traditional branding methods, and provided a scientific basis for considering alternate, less stressful identification techniques for horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Erber R, Wulf M, Becker-Birck M, Kaps S, Aurich JE, Möstl E, Aurich C. (2011). Physiological and behavioural responses of young horses to hot iron branding and microchip implantation. Vet J, 191(2), 171-175. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2011.08.008

Publication

Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)
ISSN: 1532-2971
NlmUniqueID: 9706281
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 191
Issue: 2
Pages: 171-175

Researcher Affiliations

Erber, R
  • Graf Lehndorff Institute for Equine Science, 16845 Neustadt (Dosse), Germany.
Wulf, M
    Becker-Birck, M
      Kaps, S
        Aurich, J E
          Möstl, E
            Aurich, C

              MeSH Terms

              • Animal Identification Systems / veterinary
              • Animals
              • Behavior, Animal / physiology
              • Burns / physiopathology
              • Burns / veterinary
              • Female
              • Heart Rate
              • Horses / injuries
              • Horses / physiology
              • Hydrocortisone / metabolism
              • Male
              • Pain / veterinary
              • Saliva / metabolism
              • Stress, Physiological

              Citations

              This article has been cited 13 times.
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