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Arrigo F, Aragona F, Faggio C, Giudice E, Giannetto C, Piccione G, Rizzo M, Arfuso F. Monitoring the physiological inflammatory alertness in horse after road transport. Vet Res Commun 2024:10.1007/s11259-024-10459-0. [PMID: 38965174 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-024-10459-0] [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: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to assess the changes of pro-inflammatory interleukins in 10 horses subjected to road transport practices (distance of 150 km) from the training site (Messina, Sicily) to the competition centre in Syracuse (Sicily). Blood sampling and interleukins analysis were performed during a round trip transportation (transport 1 and transport 2). In particular, blood samples were collected before the transport took place (Pre), five minutes later (Post) and one hour later (Post 1 h), for each transport, in order to assess the serum concentration of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6. The results showed that the serum concentration of IL-1α decreased at Post and Post 1 h compared to the values obtained at rest condition (P < 0.05). The other interleukins analysed (i.e. IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6) showed increased levels at Post than Rest and Post 1 h in transport 1 (P < 0.05). In transport 2 the analysed parameters showed no change throughout the analysed time points (P > 0.05); however, higher levels of IL-1α at Pre and higher IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-6 values at Post were found in transport 1 than transport 2 (P < 0.05). The increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines after transport 1 suggests the triggering of the inflammatory event and this may show that, although horses are animals accustomed to transport, this is a stressful event that could activate the well-orchestrated inflammation cascade, albeit physiological and temporary, as highlighted by the lower serum concentrations of the investigated interleukins found in transport 1 than transport 2 and by the lack of significant differences in the serum concentrations of the investigated interleukins among the time points of transport 2. It must be taken into account that enrolled animals are well-trained and healthy athletic horses participating to a jumper competition, thus, such inflammation did not occur thanks to a good balance between pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines which allowed a prompt restoration of homeostasis eventually impaired by the stressful event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Arrigo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, Messina, 98168, Italy
| | - Francesca Aragona
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, Messina, 98168, Italy.
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Messina, 98168, Italy
- Department of Eco-sustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Giudice
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, Messina, 98168, Italy
| | - Claudia Giannetto
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, Messina, 98168, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Piccione
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, Messina, 98168, Italy
| | - Maria Rizzo
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, Messina, 98168, Italy
| | - Francesca Arfuso
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, Messina, 98168, Italy
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Gáspárdy A, Gallagher G, Bartha B, Haaland H, Fekete SG. The Effect of Supplemental Lighting during the Late Gestation Period on Post-Partum Mechanical Properties of Mare and Foal Guard Hair. Vet Sci 2024; 11:49. [PMID: 38275931 PMCID: PMC10819961 DOI: 10.3390/vetsci11010049] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This study investigates Thoroughbred mares exposed or not to supplemental blue light at the end of the gestation. Sixty mares and their 60 foals were selected for the investigation. Guard hair samples were collected from the shoulder just after (within 12 h) the parturition or birth. The foals of the light-treated mares developed significantly (p < 0.05) shorter hair than those of the control mares. A general effect of light treatment on basal hair diameter thinning could be demonstrated (p < 0.005). The maximum force of hair samples of light-treated mares and foals (0.098 and 0.085 N, respectively) was significantly lower than that of the control (0.272 and 0.178 N, respectively). The tensile strength (82.2 N/mm2) of the foal hair samples of the light-treated mares was significantly lower than that of the control foals (121.6 N/mm2). Although no significant difference was found in the elongation (ΔL), the hair of the control animals (mares and foals together) was more elastic than that of the treated animals (335 vs. 262 μm). In conclusion, the supplemental blue light treatment of the pregnant mares has a decreasing effect on both mares and their foals on the mechanical properties of the hair, making it shorter, thinner, and weaker.
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Affiliation(s)
- András Gáspárdy
- Institute for Animal Breeding, Nutrition and Laboratory Animal Science, University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest, István Street 2, 1078 Budapest, Hungary; (G.G.); (B.B.); (S.G.F.)
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3
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Maurício LS, Leme DP, Hötzel MJ. How to Understand Them? A Review of Emotional Indicators in Horses. J Equine Vet Sci 2023; 126:104249. [PMID: 36806715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023]
Abstract
Stabled horses often experience negative emotions due to the inappropriate living conditions imposed by humans. However, identifying what emotions horses experience and what can trigger positive and negative emotions in stabled horses can be challenging. In this article we present a brief history of the study of emotions and models that explain emotions from a scientific point of view and the physiological bases and functions of emotions. We then review and discuss physiological and behavioral indicators and cognitive bias tests developed to assess emotions in horses. Hormone concentrations, body temperature, the position of the ears, facial expressions and behaviors, such as approach and avoidance behaviors, can provide valuable information about emotional states in horses. The cognitive bias paradigm is a recent and robust tool to assess emotions in horses. Knowing how to evaluate the intensity and frequency of an individual's emotions can guide horse owners and caretakers to identify practices and activities that should be stimulated, avoided or even banned from the individual's life, in favor of a life worth living. The development and validation of novel indicators of emotions considering positive and negative contexts can help in these actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letícia Santos Maurício
- Laboratory of Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Denise Pereira Leme
- Laboratory of Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Maria José Hötzel
- Laboratory of Applied Ethology and Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Science and Rural Development, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
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Thomson-Parker TL, Fikes KK, Anderson MJ, Wagner AL, Girard ID, Suagee-Bedore JK. Impact of oral Phytozen® EQ supplementation on plasma cortisol and behavior responses of young horses exposed to stressful stimuli. J Equine Vet Sci 2023:104828. [PMID: 37245655 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2023.104828] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Calming supplements are common in the equine industry. This study tested the hypothesis that Phytozen® EQ, a blend of citrus botanical oils, magnesium, and yeast would reduce startle response as well as reduce behavioral and physiological signs of stress in young (1.5-6 years of age) horses (n = 14) when tied in isolation and when trailered in isolation. During the 59-day (d) trial, horses were assigned to either the control (CON; n=7) or treatment (PZEN; n=7) group that received 56 g of Phytozen® EQ daily. Horses underwent a 10 min isolation test on d 30 and a 15 min individual trailering test on day 52 or 55. For both tests, blood samples were obtained pre, immediately after, and 1-hour (h) post for analysis of plasma cortisol concentrations, which were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. On d 59, horses underwent a startle test, for which time to travel 3 m and total distance traveled were recorded. These data were analyzed using a T-test. During trailering, PZEN horses tended to have lower overall geometric mean (lower, upper 95% confidence interval) cortisol concentrations than CON (81 [67, 98] vs. 61 [48, 78] ng/mL; P = 0.071). For the startle test, PZEN horses tended to have longer geometric mean times to travel 3 m than CON horses (1.35 [0.39, 4.70] vs. 0.26 [0.07, 0.91 seconds [s], P = 0.064). Other data points were not different between treatments (P > 0.1). It is possible that this dietary supplement could have beneficial calming effects on horses undergoing trailering or in novel situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- T L Thomson-Parker
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77320
| | - K K Fikes
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77320
| | - M J Anderson
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77320
| | - A L Wagner
- Probiotech International, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - I D Girard
- Probiotech International, St. Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada
| | - J K Suagee-Bedore
- School of Agricultural Sciences, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX 77320.
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Kranenburg LC, van der Poel SH, Warmelink TS, van Doorn DA, van den Boom R. Changes in Management Lead to Improvement and Healing of Equine Squamous Gastric Disease. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13091498. [PMID: 37174535 PMCID: PMC10177505 DOI: 10.3390/ani13091498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine squamous gastric disease (ESGD) is common in horses and poses a serious welfare problem. Several risk factors have been identified and ESGD is routinely treated with omeprazole. Fourteen mares, previously used as embryo recipients and diagnosed with ESGD, were selected. Horses were confined to individual stalls, exercised once daily, and fed ad libitum hay, 1 kg of a low starch compound complementary feed and a mineral supplement. Half of the horses received a compound containing hydrolysed collagen (supplement) and the other half did not (control). At the start of the study, ESGD scores were 3.57 and 3.36 for the supplement and control group, respectively. After 4 weeks, the ESGD grades were significantly reduced in both groups (1.89 and 1.43, respectively, p < 0.01), and healing (ESGD < 2) occurred in 7 out of 14 horses. No treatment effect was observed (p = 0.75), and it was concluded that the change in husbandry overshadowed any potential effect of the compound. Severe ESGD can improve, and even heal, with the provision of a diet of ad libitum forage and a small amount of a compound complementary feed, without the use of omeprazole. A predictable daily routine, with a limited number of dedicated caretakers, may have contributed to the improvement of gastric health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lieuwke C Kranenburg
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Simone Henriëtte van der Poel
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim Sebastiaan Warmelink
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - David Anthonie van Doorn
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Robin van den Boom
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 112, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Jolivald A, Ijichi C, Hall C, Yarnell K. The mane factor: compliance is associated with increased hair cortisol in the horse. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2022.105819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Saluti G, Ricci M, Castellani F, Colagrande MN, Di Bari G, Vulpiani MP, Cerasoli F, Savini G, Scortichini G, D'Alterio N. Determination of hair cortisol in horses: comparison of immunoassay vs LC-HRMS/MS. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:8093-8105. [PMID: 36136115 PMCID: PMC9613578 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04343-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The measure of hair cortisol concentration (HCC) is becoming an emerging approach to monitor mid-/long-term stress in animals, so it is more and more important to develop accurate and reliable methods. In the light of this, the aim of the present study was to compare mane HCCs of 47 horses with different managements, by means of an immunoassay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography coupled to hybrid high-resolution mass spectrometry (LC-HRMS/MS). After the washing step, the ground hair was extracted with methanol. The extract was evaporated and redissolved in two different aqueous solutions, depending on the detection technique. The methods were validated according to EMA guideline for bioanalytical method validation, in the range 2–50 pg mg−1 (ELISA) and 1–100 pg mg−1 (LC-HRMS/MS). Satisfactory quantitative performances were obtained for both of the approaches, but this latter demonstrated better precision. The detected concentrations in real samples were encompassing the range 1.3–8.8 pg mg−1 and 2.0–17.9 pg mg−1 by means of LC-HRMS/MS and ELISA, respectively. Overall, HCCs measured with ELISA technique were 1.6 times higher. The overestimation of immunoassay results might be caused by cross-reactivity phenomena of laboratory reagents and other structurally similar hormones present in the mane.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Saluti
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy.
| | - Matteo Ricci
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Federica Castellani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Maria Novella Colagrande
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Di Bari
- Department of Veterinary Medical Sciences, University of Bologna, via Tolara di Sopra, 50, 40064, Ozzano dell'Emilia, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Podaliri Vulpiani
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Francesco Cerasoli
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giovanni Savini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Giampiero Scortichini
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
| | - Nicola D'Alterio
- Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale Dell'Abruzzo E del Molise "G. Caporale", Via Campo Boario, 64100, Teramo, Italy
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Basal Reactivity Evaluated by Infrared Thermography in the "Caballo de Deporte Español" Horse Breed According to Its Coat Color. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12192515. [PMID: 36230256 PMCID: PMC9559532 DOI: 10.3390/ani12192515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Horses have been valued for their diversity of coat color since prehistoric times. In particular, the pleiotropic effect that coat color genes have on behavior determines the way the horse perceives and reacts to its environment. The primary aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of coat color on basal reactivity assessed with infrared thermography as eye temperature at rest (ETR), determine their relation with the results obtained by these horses in Show Jumping competitions and to estimate the genetic parameters for this variable to test its suitability for genetic selection. A General Linear Model (GLM) and Duncan post-hoc analysis indicated differences in ETR due to coat color, sex, age, location, and breed-group factors. A Spearman’s rank correlation of 0.11 (p < 0.05) was found with ranking, indicating that less reactive horses were more likely to achieve better rankings. Heritability values ranged from 0.17 to 0.22 and were computed with a model with genetic groups and a model with residual variance heterogeneity. Breeding values were higher with the last genetic model, thus demonstrating the pleiotropic effect of coat color. These results indicate that ETR has a suitable genetic basis to be used in the breeding program to select for basal reactivity due to coat color.
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Hair Cortisol and DHEA-S in Foals and Mares as a Retrospective Picture of Feto-Maternal Relationship under Physiological and Pathological Conditions. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101266. [PMID: 35625111 PMCID: PMC9138058 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Equine fetal hair starts to grow at around 270 days of pregnancy, and hair collected at birth reflects hormones of the last third of pregnancy. The study aimed to evaluate cortisol (CORT) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S) concentrations and their ratio in the trichological matrix of foals and mares in relation to their clinical parameters; the clinical condition of the neonate (study 1); the housing place at parturition (study 2). In study 1, 107 mare-foal pairs were divided into healthy (group H; n = 56) and sick (group S; n = 51) foals, whereas in study 2, group H was divided into hospital (n = 30) and breeding farm (n = 26) parturition. Steroids from hair were measured using a solid-phase microtiter radioimmunoassay. In study 1, hair CORT concentrations measured in foals did not differ between groups and did not appear to be influenced by clinical parameters. A correlation between foal and mare hair CORT concentrations (p = 0.019; r = 0.312, group H; p = 0.006; r = 0.349, group S) and between CORT and DHEA-S concentrations in foals (p = 0.018; r = 0.282, group H; p < 0.001; r = 0.44, group S) and mares (p = 0.006; r = 0.361, group H; p = 0.027; r = 0.271, group S) exists in both groups. Increased hair DHEA-S concentrations (p = 0.033) and decreased CORT/DHEA-S ratio (p < 0.001) appear to be potential biomarkers of chronic stress in the final third of pregnancy, as well as a potential sign of resilience and allostatic load in sick foals, and deserve further attention in the evaluation of prenatal hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity in the equine species. In study 2, hormone concentrations in the hair of mares hospitalized for attended parturition did not differ from those that were foaled at the breeding farm. This result could be related to a too brief period of hospitalization to cause significant changes in steroid deposition in the mare’s hair.
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Olvera-Maneu S, Carbajal A, Gardela J, Lopez-Bejar M. Hair Cortisol, Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Their Ratios in Stallions as a Retrospective Measure of Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axes Activity: Exploring the Influence of Seasonality. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11082202. [PMID: 34438659 PMCID: PMC8388521 DOI: 10.3390/ani11082202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The monitoring of a horse’s endocrine status can provide valuable information of its welfare and sexual and health conditions. The use of non-invasive matrixes for hormonal monitoring, as alternatives to blood samples, are being increasingly used. Among them, the measurement of hormones deposited in the hair shaft has been widely used as a retrospective hormonal biomarker. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the seasonal variations in hair C, T and DHEA-S in horses for a whole year, as well as to assess the variations between seasons of C/DHEA-S and T/C ratios as a retrospective measure of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis activity. The results showed how cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and their ratios were significantly affected by season. Therefore, as shown in this study, season should be considered when analysing sexual and stress hormones in stallion hair. Abstract The monitoring of stress physiology includes studying a wide range of endocrinological mechanisms, which can be assessed using multiple tissue samples. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal variations of hair C, T and DHEA-S in horses for a whole year, as well as to assess the variations between seasons of C/DHEA-S and T/C ratios as a retrospective measure of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis activity. Ten pure-breed Menorca stallions were included in the study. The hair samples were collected approximately every two months following the shave-reshave method caudally to the sternum. After a methanol-based extraction, samples were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay for cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Following our findings, we detected that cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were significantly affected by seasonality, with the highest values of cortisol during summer and the lowest values of testosterone during spring. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations were increased in autumn compared to the other studied periods. Additionally, the studied hormone ratios showed variations between seasons. To conclude, season should, therefore, be considered when assessing sexual and stress hormones in stallion hair, since this variable can be a potential influencing factor and led to misinterpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Olvera-Maneu
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (J.G.)
- Correspondence: (S.O.-M.); (M.L.-B.)
| | - Anaïs Carbajal
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Jaume Gardela
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Manel Lopez-Bejar
- Department of Animal Health and Anatomy, Veterinary Faculty, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), 08193 Barcelona, Spain; (A.C.); (J.G.)
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, 309 East Second Street, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Correspondence: (S.O.-M.); (M.L.-B.)
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Bartolomé E, Perdomo-González DI, Sánchez-Guerrero MJ, Valera M. Genetic Parameters of Effort and Recovery in Sport Horses Assessed with Infrared Thermography. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030832. [PMID: 33809482 PMCID: PMC8001494 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The way a horse activates (effort phase-EP) and recovers (recovery phase-RP) during a sport event can affect its sport performance. The aim of this manuscript was to test horses’ adaptation to sport performance and its genetic basis, using eye temperature assessed with infrared thermography. EP and RP were measured in 495 Spanish Sport Horses, during a performance test, considering sex (2) and genetic lines (5) as fixed effects. The ranking position obtained on the official sport competition celebrated the day after the performance test was also collected. Differences in variables due to genetic line and sex effects were found, showing that, regardless of the genetic line, stallions tended to recover better than mares after the sport test developed. High positive correlations were found between EP and RP for both fixed effects, so that, the higher the EP, the higher the RP. However, for the ranking position, a low negative correlation was found, so that the higher the eye temperature increase, the better the position. Heritabilities showed medium–high values with a medium positive genetic correlation between them. Thus, breed origins and sex influence horses’ effort and recovery during sport performance, showing a genetic basis adequate for selection. Abstract The way a horse activates (effort phase-EP) and recovers (recovery phase-RP) during a sport event can affect its sport performance. The aim of this manuscript was to test horses’ adaptation to sport performance and its genetic basis, using eye temperature assessed with infrared thermography. EP and RP were measured in 495 Spanish Sport Horses, during a performance test, considering sex (2) and genetic lines (5) as fixed effects. The ranking position obtained on an official sport competition was also collected. Differences in variables due to genetic line and sex effects were found, showing that, regardless of the genetic line, stallions tended to recover better than mares after the sport test developed. High positive intra-class correlations (p < 0.001) were found between EP and RP for both fixed effects, so that the higher the EP, the higher the RP. However, for the ranking position, a low negative correlation (p < 0.01) was found, so that the higher the eye temperature increase, the better the position. Heritabilities showed medium–high values with a medium positive genetic correlation between them. Thus, breed origins and sex influence horses’ effort and recovery during sport performance, showing a genetic basis adequate for selection.
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