The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that Thoroughbred (TB) ancestors blood percentage in a pedigree is a potential factor differentiating the level of fearfulness (based on behavior and heart rate (HR)) and performance scores in warmblood stallions. A total of 267 three-year-old warmblood stallions were subjected to the novel-object based test during their participation in the performance tests’ program. The effect of ancestors percentage contribution in the pedigree was analyzed by taking into account horses of four TB (<25.01, 25.01-50.00, 50.01-75.00, >75.00%) ancestor groups. It was found that the stallions with a higher proportion (>75.00%) of TB blood revealed higher values of HR measured at the riding hall just before the start of the fearfulness test. The results showed that the higher proportions of TB ancestors blood in the stallions’ pedigree were correlated with the higher values for total time to pass novel objects when led by a handler during the fearfulness test. Negative correlations were found between the TB percentage and the scores for character and trot evaluated by the trainer as well as rideability evaluated by the test rider. The fi ndings imply that a high proportion of Thoroughbreds in the pedigree may negatively infl uence some performance traits and increase fear reactivity in warmblood stallions.
Wpływ systemu utrzymania trzody chlewnej na poziom wskaźników biochemicznych krwiSummary. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different pig housing systems on the level of chosen biochemical indicators in pig's blood. The level of ACTH along with haptoglobin, lysozyme and IgG were determined in 20 sows and 150 piglets of crossed breeds: Polish Large White × Polish Landrace. The animals were kept in two different housing conditions: two facilities contained straw bedding (sows n = 10, piglets n = 75) in other two slatted floor without straw bedding access (sows n = 10, piglets n = 75). Biochemical indicators in sows and piglets were determined by taking blood samples after weaning (at the piglets' age of ca. 30 days). Statistically significant influence of the housing system on the value of the determined indicators was showed. The level of both ACTH and immunity indicators was statistically significantly higher in animals housed without bedding. In sows the values of all indicators were higher than in piglets. The housing system on straw bedding turned out to be more favourable for pigs. Animals housed on slatted floor were more stressful.
In many countries completing the performance test requirements is obligatory only for stallions, but some breeders also decide for the assessment of their mares' performance under standardized conditions. This study is aimed the evaluation of sex related effects on behavioral and physiological reactivity in fearfulness test and performance test scores in Polish warmblood horses of Małopolska breed (22 mares and 34 stallions) assessed at the training station. Equine reactivity to potentially frightening stimuli was assessed in the fearfulness test by behavior scoring and heart rate monitoring. Horses of both sexes were assessed in standardized performance tests accordingly to the rules of performance tests given in the Breeding Program for the Małopolski Horse Breed by the Polish Horse Breeders Association. The mares showed a signifi cantly more quiet response in the fearfulness test in comparison to stallions. A relation among some reactivity and performance traits in both sexes was found. The behavior scores of the fearfulness test were positively correlated with character and temperament only in mares. However, the better the scores for temperament and character the stallions received, the lower the heart rate before testing. The present study demonstrates that temperament and character assessment, as a part of the standardized performance test, should involve not only a subjective trainer's evaluation, but also a horse reactivity assessment based on objective behavioral tests and heart rate monitoring. The results showed that sex has an effect on behavioral reactivity of horses. Thus, it is important to consider the horses' sex during selection for a particular type of riding, and performance assessment should be obligatory for both sexes. The assessment of the same performance traits in both, stallions and mares, signifi cantly improves good breeding practice.
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