Relationship between oxytocin and serotonin and the fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses.
Abstract: Oxytocin (OXT) and serotonin (5-HT) are essential neurotransmitters associated with the behavior of animals. Recently, we found that the plasma concentration of OXT is positively correlated with horse docility and friendliness toward humans. However, the relationships between the neurotransmitters and other temperaments such as fearfulness, dominance, and trainability are unknown. This study aimed to identify whether the plasma concentration of OXT or 5-HT is correlated with fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses. Blood samples of 34 horses were collected at the Horse Industry Complex Center of Jeonju Kijeon College. The concentration of OXT and 5-HT was measured in the plasma samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses were scored by three professors who were very familiar with the horses. One-way analysis of variance with the least significant difference post-hoc analysis was used to compare the scores for fearfulness and dominance among groups. The trainability of horses was compared using the student -test. The 5-HT was negatively correlated with dominance, but it had no relation with fearfulness. The OXT appeared to be negatively correlated with fearfulness and dominance in horses. Furthermore, OXT was positively correlated with the trainability of horses. Additionally, 5-HT appeared to enhance trainability. In conclusion, the concentration of OXT or 5-HT in horse blood plasma can be used as a biomarker to monitor the fearfulness, dominance, or trainability of horses.
© Copyright 2021 Korean Society of Animal Science and Technology.
Publication Date: 2021-03-31 PubMed ID: 33987618PubMed Central: PMC8071747DOI: 10.5187/jast.2021.e29Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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The research article centers on the study of the neurotransmitters oxytocin (OXT) and serotonin (5-HT) and their relationship with horse behavior, specifically in terms of fearfulness, dominance, and trainability. Prior research indicates a positive correlation between the plasma concentration of OXT and horse docility and friendliness. However, the correlation of these neurotransmitters with other behavioral traits is previously unexplored, and this study aims to fill that gap.
Research Methodology
- Blood samples of 34 horses were taken at the Horse Industry Complex Center of Jeonju Kijeon College.
- The plasma concentration of OXT and 5-HT in these samples was measured using a bioanalytical method called enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA).
- Three professors familiar with the horses scored the fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of each sample.
- One-way analysis of variance with the least significant difference post-hoc analysis was applied to compare the scores for fearfulness and dominance among groups.
- The student t-test served to compare the trainability of horses.
Results
- 5-HT displayed a negative correlation with dominance, but had no connection with fearfulness.
- OXT was negatively correlated with fearfulness and dominance of horses.
- Trainability in horses exhibited a positive correlation with OXT.
- 5-HT was observed to enhance trainability.
Conclusion
This study posits that the plasma concentration of OXT or 5-HT in horse blood has the potential to be used as a biomarker for monitoring horse fearfulness, dominance, and trainability. A biomarker is a biological measure that is an indicator of normal biological processes in the body, a pathogenic process, or a response to an exposure or intervention, including therapeutic interventions. The conclusions of this study advance the understanding of horse behavior and could possibly guide horse training techniques.
Cite This Article
APA
Kim J, Park Y, Kim EJ, Jung H, Yoon M.
(2021).
Relationship between oxytocin and serotonin and the fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses.
J Anim Sci Technol, 63(2), 453-460.
https://doi.org/10.5187/jast.2021.e29 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
- Department of Equine Industry and Sports with Therapeutic Riding, Jeonju Kijeon College, Jeonju 54989, Korea.
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Korea.
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
Conflict of Interest Statement
No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported.
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Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Yokomori T, Ohnuma A, Tozaki T, Segawa T, Itou T. Identification of Personality-Related Candidate Genes in Thoroughbred Racehorses Using a Bioinformatics-Based Approach Involving Functionally Annotated Human Genes.. Animals (Basel) 2023 Feb 20;13(4).
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