Temporary Relocation During Rest Periods: Relocation Stress and Other Factors Influence Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Horses
April 2020
in “
Animals
”
Studysummary This study reported that relocation in police horses was associated with elevated hair cortisol concentrations, possibly suggesting altered welfare due to changed surroundings, and that seasonal variations affected both cortisol levels and hair growth. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
The study examined the effects of temporary relocation during rest periods on hair cortisol concentrations (HCCs) in 13 Pure Spanish stallions, finding that relocation increased HCCs, indicating heightened stress. Seasonal variations also influenced HCCs, with higher levels in summer compared to autumn and winter, and hair growth rates were fastest in winter. The research suggested that HCCs could be used to monitor horses' adaptation to environmental changes, though the small sample size required cautious interpretation. Factors like age, hair color, and health status did not significantly affect HCCs, emphasizing the need for larger studies to confirm these findings and improve horse welfare management.
