1
|
Barnabé MA, Elliott J, Harris PA, Menzies-Gow NJ. Insulin, but not adiponectin, is detectable in equine saliva using an automated, commercial assay. Equine Vet J 2024; 56:361-367. [PMID: 37872702 DOI: 10.1111/evj.14019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hormones insulin and adiponectin are commonly measured in equids because of their involvement in endocrinopathic laminitis. These are currently measured in serum/plasma, although jugular venipuncture can cause stress in some animals and may be impossible in needle-shy individuals. However, both hormones can be measured in saliva in other species. OBJECTIVES To determine whether [insulin] and [total adiponectin] are detectable in equine saliva using automated assays and whether saliva collection is associated with changes in stress indicators. Additionally, the correlation between serum and salivary [insulin] was investigated. STUDY DESIGN In vivo experiment. METHODS Paired blood and saliva samples were collected from eight adult ponies at multiple time-points (n = 45 paired samples). [Insulin] and [total adiponectin] were measured using automated assays validated for equine serum/plasma. Blink rates and heart rates were determined, using video recordings and a wearable heart rate monitor respectively, to assess the effects of sample collection on stress indicators compared with a control situation without a stressful stimulus. RESULTS [Total adiponectin] was undetectable in saliva. However, salivary [insulin] was measurable with acceptable inter-assay (1.3 ± 0.9%) and intra-assay (1.1 ± 0.6%) variability. Blink and heart rates during saliva collection did not differ significantly from those in the control setting. Serum and salivary [insulin] were not significantly correlated. MAIN LIMITATIONS Small sample size comprising native UK ponies; potential sampling bias as animals were recruited to the study partly based on their behaviour during blood sampling; saliva collected from unfasted animals. CONCLUSIONS Insulin is measurable in equine saliva using an automated assay currently available in the UK, but further validation and the determination of specific diagnostic thresholds are required. Saliva collection was not associated with changes in stress indicators. Further research is therefore needed to determine the potential of equine saliva as a non-invasive alternative to blood for insulin determination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marine A Barnabé
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Jonathan Elliott
- Department of Comparative Biomedical Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| | - Patricia A Harris
- Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Leicestershire, UK
| | - Nicola J Menzies-Gow
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Services, Royal Veterinary College, Hertfordshire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Janicka W, Wilk I, Próchniak T. Does social motivation mitigate fear caused by a sudden sound in horses? Anim Cogn 2023; 26:1649-1660. [PMID: 37450226 PMCID: PMC10442260 DOI: 10.1007/s10071-023-01805-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Living in a herd has multiple advantages for social species and is a primary survival strategy for prey. The presence of conspecifics, identified as a social buffer, may mitigate the individual stress response. Social isolation is, therefore, particularly stressful for horses, which are gregarious animals. However, they are not equally vulnerable to separation from the group. We tested whether more and less socially dependent horses and independent individuals would differ in their responses to novel and sudden sounds occurring in two contexts: non-social and social motivation. Twenty warmblood horses were first exposed to two social tests: to evaluate the level of social dependence (rate of restless behaviour; social isolation) and the quantity and the quality of interactions in which they were involved (stay on a paddock). Two fear audio tests were then performed to compare the responses to sudden sounds while feeding (non-social motivation; control trial) and while moving towards the herd (social motivation; experimental trial). Socially dependent horses showed more pronounced avoidance behaviour and needed much more time to resume feeding during the control trial. Hence, dependent individuals appeared to be more fearful. However, during an experimental trial, horses of both groups tended to ignore the sound or paid only limited attention to the stimulus, continuing to move forward towards their conspecifics. Thus, social motivation may mitigate fear caused by a frightening stimulus and make fearful and dependent horses more prone to face a potentially stressful event. This finding should be taken into account in horse training and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Janicka
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka Street, Lublin, Poland
| | - Izabela Wilk
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka Street, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Próchniak
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 13 Akademicka Street, Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gjøen J, Jean-Joseph H, Kotrschal K, Jensen P. Domestication and social environment modulate fear responses in young chickens. Behav Processes 2023:104906. [PMID: 37311492 DOI: 10.1016/j.beproc.2023.104906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Domesticated species differ from their wild ancestors in a mosaic of traits. Classical domestication theories agree that reactivity to fear and stress is one of the main traits affected. Domesticated species are expected to be less fear and stress prone to than their wild counterparts. To test this hypothesis, we compared the behavioural responses of White Leghorn (WL) chicks to their wild counterparts, Red Junglefowl (RJF) chicks in risk-taking situations. In order to obtain food, the chicks faced an unknown and potentially harmful object at the presence or absence of a social partner. We found that according to our predictions, RJF were more stressed and fearful of the object than the WL. Still, RJF were more explorative than WL. Additionally, the presence of a social partner reduced the fear response in both, but had a stronger effect on RJF. Finally, WL were more food orientated than the RJF. Our results confirmed classical domestication hypotheses of downregulation of the stress system and importance of the social partner in domesticated farm chicken.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Gjøen
- AVIAN Behavior Genetics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Sweden
| | - Hillary Jean-Joseph
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria; Wolf Science Center, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Austria; Domestication Lab, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Medical University of Vienna, University of Vienna, Austria.
| | - Kurt Kotrschal
- Department of Behavioural and Cognitive Biology, University of Vienna, Austria
| | - Per Jensen
- AVIAN Behavior Genetics and Physiology Group, IFM Biology, Linköping University, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Janicka W, Wilk I, Próchniak T, Janczarek I. Can Sound Alone Act as a Virtual Barrier for Horses? A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12223151. [PMID: 36428379 PMCID: PMC9686701 DOI: 10.3390/ani12223151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Virtual fencing is an innovative alternative to conventional fences. Different systems have been studied, including electric-impulse-free systems. We tested the potential of self-applied acoustic stimulus in deterring the horses from further movement. Thirty warmblood horses were individually introduced to a designated corridor leading toward a food reward (variant F) or a familiar horse (variant S). As the subject reached a distance of 30, 15 or 5 m from a finish line, an acute alarming sound was played. Generally, a sudden and unknown sound was perceived by horses as a threat causing an increase in vigilance and sympathetic activation. Horses' behaviour and barrier effectiveness (80% for F vs. 20% for S) depended on motivator (F/S), while the cardiac response indicating some level of stress was similar. The motivation for social interactions was too strong to stop the horses from crossing a designated boundary. Conversely, the sound exposure distance did not vary the barrier effectiveness, but it differentiated HRV responses, with the strongest sympathetic activation noted at a distance of 5 m. Thus, the moment of a sound playback has important welfare implications. Due to the limited potential of sound as a virtual barrier, auditory cues cannot be used as an alternative for conventional fencing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiktoria Janicka
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Izabela Wilk
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Tomasz Próchniak
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Janczarek
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Sciences and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Doyle SB, Lindner EE, Gingerich KN, Miller-Cushon EK. Development of human-directed behavior in dairy calves reared individually or in pairs. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:8387-8400. [PMID: 35965119 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Although social contact between dairy calves has broad effects on their behavioral development, influences of calf social housing on human-animal relationships are less well understood, despite implications for longer-term calf management and welfare. We characterized human-animal interactions in 3 distinct testing contexts to examine effects of social housing on development of human-directed behavior. At birth, Holstein heifer calves were randomly assigned to individual housing (n = 17 calves) or pair housing (n = 17 calves; 1 focal calf/pair). A human approach test was performed twice in the home pen (wk 3 and 5 of life), within an open testing arena (13 × 7 m; wk 4 of life), and within group-housing pens 6 d after all calves were weaned, mingled between treatments, and moved to groups (4 calves/pen; wk 8 of life). For these tests, a human approached, and then extended their hand, over a 2 min period for home and group pen tests and a 5 min period for the arena test, and behavior was recorded from video. During preweaning human approach tests in the home pen, individually housed calves had shorter latencies to contact the human (22.4 vs. 45.1 s; individual vs. pair housing) and spent more time in contact with the human [80.5 vs. 41.1 s; standard error (SE) = 9.9; individual vs. pair housing], with similar responses between repeated tests. In the arena approach test, individually housed calves spent more time oriented toward the human (134.6 vs. 81.3 s; SE = 16.5; individual vs. pair housing), whereas pair-housed calves were more likely to perform pen-directed non-nutritive oral behavior (60 vs. 40% of calves; pair vs. individual housing), suggesting differences in interest directed toward the human compared with the novel environment. We also found that total duration of human contact was correlated between the first home pen approach test and the novel arena test, but that specific response to human approach varied between testing contexts. Effects of treatment persisted during the postweaning group pen approach test, with previously individually housed calves tending to spend more time looking toward the human (53.0 vs. 30.0 s; SE = 9.4; individual vs. pair housing) and more likely to contact the human (47 vs. 12% of calves; individual vs. pair housing). Overall, these results show persistent effects of early life social housing on human-directed behavior which may have implications for longer-term management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S B Doyle
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - E E Lindner
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - K N Gingerich
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611
| | - E K Miller-Cushon
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wiśniewska A, Janczarek I, Tkaczyk E, Wilk I, Janicka W, Próchniak T, Kaczmarek B, Pokora E, Łuszczyński J. Minimizing the Effects of Social Isolation of Horses by Contact with Animals of a Different Species: The Domestic Goat as an Example. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12172271. [PMID: 36077991 PMCID: PMC9454851 DOI: 10.3390/ani12172271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the horses’ heart rate parameters and locomotor activity in a herd or isolation, with or without the company of goats. Twenty horses were tested in a paddock, accompanied (or not) by three goats. The experiment comprised four tests (a control test of a herd of horses without goats, a horse isolation test without goats, a test of a herd of horses with goats and a test of an isolated horse with goats). The horse’s locomotor behavior, and the HR, RR, rMSSD, LF, HF, and LF/HF were recorded. The data analysis included a 15-min rest, procedural and recovery HR/HRV periods, and a 5-min period at the beginning of the test. The duration of the horses standing in the company of goats increased significantly. The rMSSD parameter was the significantly lowest in the test of a herd of horses with goats. The company of goats in a paddock does not eliminate the emotional effects of the phenomenon. However, the locomotor behavior decreases. Goats in a paddock can provide a positive distraction for horses in a herd as a decrease in emotional excitability can be regarded as having a relaxing impact on a different animal species.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wiśniewska
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Iwona Janczarek
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
- Correspondence:
| | - Ewelina Tkaczyk
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Izabela Wilk
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Janicka
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Tomasz Próchniak
- Institute of Biological Basis of Animal Production, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Beata Kaczmarek
- Department and Clinic of Animal Internal Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Pokora
- Department of Horse Breeding and Use, Faculty of Animal Breeding and Bioeconomy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13 Str, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Jarosław Łuszczyński
- Department of Genetics, Animal Breeding and Ethology, Faculty of Animal Science, University of Agriculture in Cracow, 30-059 Cracow, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Stenfelt J, Yngvesson J, Rørvang MV. A calm companion lowers fear in groups of dairy cows. J Dairy Sci 2022; 105:6923-6935. [PMID: 35691746 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2022-21796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Dairy cows are generally calm and compliant, but some management procedures can make cows fearful or stressed. Not only are fearful cattle a threat to human safety, but fear is also detrimental to animal welfare and productivity. This study aimed to test whether fear in small groups of dairy cattle could be attenuated by the presence of a calm and experienced companion. Twenty-seven dairy cows from a Swedish agricultural school participated in the study. The study included a standardized fear-eliciting stimulus, which was 3 sudden, repetitive openings of a red and white umbrella. Demonstrator cows (n = 9) were selected based on age to ensure that all demonstrators were older than the naïve test cows (n = 18). Of these 9 demonstrator cows, 6 were selected as untrained (i.e., habituated to the presence of the test person) and 3 were selected as trained demonstrators (i.e., additionally habituated to the fear-eliciting stimulus). The remaining 18 test cows comprised 6 test-cow groups of 3 cows each, which were their own controls, resulting in a crossover design; 3 groups were tested with a trained demonstrator first and then with an untrained demonstrator, and vice versa for the other 3 groups, resulting in a total of 12 trials (4 sub-treatments). Response variables were heart rate increase from baseline, behavioral reaction indicative of fear, and latency to resume feeding after exposure to the fear-eliciting stimulus. The study found a calming effect of a trained demonstrator on test cows' heart rate but not on latency to resume feeding or behavioral reaction. Post hoc analyses revealed a carryover effect on latency, indicating that test cows who were accompanied by an untrained demonstrator first had longer latencies than cows in all other sub-treatments. Adding a calm, experienced cow to groups of dairy cattle may mitigate fear and thereby improve welfare and safety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Stenfelt
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 190, 234 44 Lomma, Sweden
| | - J Yngvesson
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 190, 234 44 Lomma, Sweden; Department of Animal Health and Welfare, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 234, 532 23 Skara, Sweden
| | - M V Rørvang
- Department of Biosystems and Technology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Box 190, 234 44 Lomma, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Casuriaga D, Ungerfeld R, Ciappesoni G, Freitas-de-Melo A. Lambs are more stressed at early weaning when housed with their twin. Trop Anim Health Prod 2022; 54:123. [PMID: 35235062 DOI: 10.1007/s11250-022-03121-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the behavioural and immunological responses of twin lambs housed together with their siblings or not after weaning. The study was performed with seven multiparous Milchschaf ewes and their twin lambs (n = 14), which were weaned abruptly at 63 days of age and assigned to two experimental groups: (1) lambs that were housed together with their sibling after weaning (group GT, n = 6) and (2) lambs that were separated from their siblings and remained with other lambs from the same flock (group GS, n = 8). Before and after weaning, the distance between twins, the number of times in which the sibling was the closest lamb, the lambs' behaviours, and the average daily gain were recorded. The lambs' immune response was assessed with the phytohemagglutinin skin test after weaning. The closest lamb before weaning was the sibling in all cases (P < 0.0001 for all). The frequency in which GT lambs were observed closest from its twin increased on the day of weaning (P = 0.002). During the day of weaning, GT lambs vocalised and paced more than GS lambs (P = 0.001 and P = 0.01, respectively). Twenty-four h after the phytohemagglutinin injection, the skinfold thickness was greater in GS than GT lambs (P = 0.03). In conclusion, twin lambs housed together with their siblings were more stressed at weaning, displaying more intensive behavioural changes and a poorer immunological status than twin lambs housed separated from their siblings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Casuriaga
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Ruta 8, km 18, 13000, Montevideo, Uruguay.
| | - Rodolfo Ungerfeld
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Ruta 8, km 18, 13000, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Gabriel Ciappesoni
- Instituto Nacional Investigación Agropecuaria, INIA Las Brujas, Canelones, Uruguay
| | - Aline Freitas-de-Melo
- Departamento de Biociencias Veterinarias, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad de La República, Ruta 8, km 18, 13000, Montevideo, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|