Abstract
BackgroundSince transport evokes physiological adjustments that include endocrine responses, the objective of this study was to examine the responses of circulating β-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels to transport stress in stallions.MethodsForty-two healthy Thoroughbred and crossbred stallions were studied before and after road transport over distances of 100, 200 and 300 km. Blood samples were collected from the jugular vein: first in a single box immediately before loading (pre-samples), then immediately after transport and unloading on arrival at the breeding stations (post-samples).ResultsAn increase in circulating β-endorphin levels after transport of 100 km (P < 0.01), compared to basal values was observed. Circulating ACTH levels showed significant increases after transport of 100 km (P < 0.001) and 200 km (P < 0.001). Circulating cortisol levels showed significant increases after road transport over distances of 100, 200 and 300 km (P < 0.001). An effect of transport on β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol variations was therefore evident for the different distances studied. No significant differences (P > 0.05) between horses of different ages and different breeds were observed for β-endorphin, ACTH and cortisol levels.ConclusionThe results obtained for short term transportation of stallions showed a very strong reaction of the adrenocortical system. The lack of response of β-endorphin after transport of 200–300 km and of ACTH after transport of 300 km seems to suggest a soothing effect of negative feedback of ACTH and cortisol levels.
Highlights
Since transport evokes physiological adjustments that include endocrine responses, the objective of this study was to examine the responses of circulating β-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels to transport stress in stallions
The aim of this study was to evaluate the response of β-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol before and after short road transport to breeding stations, with distances ranging between 100–300 km
Our findings suggest that the animals' responses to transport stress are influenced by the different distances and/or duration
Summary
Since transport evokes physiological adjustments that include endocrine responses, the objective of this study was to examine the responses of circulating β-endorphin, adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol levels to transport stress in stallions. The effects of long distance transport stress have been widely reported and considered in relation to behavioural [3,4,5], functional [6,7,8,9,10], endocrine and biochemical variables [11,12], and in terms of the impact on the immune system [13,14,15]. Horses are forced to maintain unnatural body postures for long periods. If this is combined with the additional stress of being placed in an unfamiliar environment, it is likely to have a detrimental effect on the welfare, and even the performance, of some horses [5]
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