Influence of Rank Stress on Behavior and Blood Indicators of A Young Horse

Abstract

The hierarchical structure in the community of young horses of the Hanoverian breed was studied, the social ranks of individuals were determined, the analysis of the behavioral repertoire of animals and the blood composition of horses occupying different hierarchical positions in the group was carried out. The influence of the hierarchical rank of animals on the ratio of different forms of behavior, as well as the effect of rank stress on the biochemical and hematological parameters of the blood of horses, was established. In the dominant individual, the proportion of such forms of behavior as exploratory activity, play activity and inactive forms of behavior is higher than in horses with a lower social status. The concentration of total protein, albumin and globulin fractions, as well as glucose, urea and creatinine, the activity of a number of enzymes (AST, ALT, and alkaline phosphatase) in the blood, as well as the red and white blood counts of low-ranking horses indicate an increased activity of the sympatho-adrenal system due to stress, experienced in competitive relationships in a group.