113 Cannabidiol Supplementation and Physiological Response in Transported Horses

Abstract

Abstract With traveling between competition use, breeding purposes, relocation to new owners; horses are the most transported animals of domesticated species. Transportation can lead to higher stress levels therefore impairing the immunological response. With an increase in stress, horses can experience illness, dehydration, abnormal feeding behavior, injuries, or negative stereotypic behaviors. Cannabidiol (CBD) supplementation has suggested the possibility in the reduction of anxiety and lessening impairment to immunity. The objective of this study was to determine if oral supplementation of CBD oil mediated physiological response to transportation. Six geldings were used in a switchback experimental design. Horses were housed in 11’x14’ stalls containing cameras to monitor feed and water intake and behavior. A control dose of olive oil (n = 4) or CBD oil (0.6 mg/kg BW; n = 3) was administered for five days. On day 7, horses were transported for three hours in groups of three. Variables measured included plasma cortisol, blood lactate, rectal temperature, and thermography imaging. Measurements were taken prior to transport, immediately following transport, and 24h post transportation. Horses underwent a 3-week washout period before returning to stalls. Control and treatment doses were switched between horses before repeating the experiment. Data were analyzed in R Studio© for analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings were considered significant at P ≤ 0.05. There were no differences shown upon analysis in cortisol levels (P = 0.646), blood lactate levels (P = 0.560) or rectal body temperatures (P = 0.347). While oral supplementation of CBD oil may reduce stressors, further studies are needed to determine if CBD affects physiological response to transportation.