Comparison of cortisol and rectal temperature circadian rhythms in horses: the role of light/dark cycle and constant darkness

Giannetto, Claudia; Fazio, Francesco; Vazzana, Irene; Panzera, Michele; Piccione, Giuseppe

doi:10.1080/09291016.2011.632231

Cited by 17 publications

(11 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…Horses that live in undisturbed natural habitats and trained horses, which have adapted to their environment, show a normal oscillation in CORT blood concentrations. These concentrations are generally higher in the morning and decrease throughout the day [45,46]. These same authors have reported maximum levels between 6:00 and 10:00 am and minimum between 6:00 and 9:00 pm.…”

Section: Circadian and Ultradian Rhythmsmentioning

confidence: 74%

Action Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Characteristics of Cortisol in Horses

Ambrojo¹,

Corzano²,

Poggi³

2018

Corticosteroids

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Cortisol (CORT), also known as stress hormone, plays a vital role in physiological processes such as electrolyte and fluid balance, cardiovascular homeostasis, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism, immune and inflammatory responses, and sexual development and reproduction. Cortisol levels are influenced by various physiological factors such as race, age, circadian rhythm, seasonality, exercise and pregnancy. Also, some stressful conditions including isolation or transport, among others, modify levels of this hormone in the body. Excesses or deficiencies of cortisol cause important clinical problems such as Cushing's and Addison's syndromes, which contribute substantially to morbidity in equine medicine. Thus, in this review, we will develop the mechanisms of synthesis and regulation, as well as the physiological factors involved and the most important diseases related to the alteration of cortisol secretion in horses and foals.

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Section: Circadian and Ultradian Rhythmsmentioning

confidence: 74%

Action Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Characteristics of Cortisol in Horses

Ambrojo¹,

Corzano²,

Poggi³

2018

Corticosteroids

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“…The post-workday samples were collected around 11:30 to 12:30 or 16:30 to 17:30h, to be compared with the samples before exercise, which were taken at 17:30 to 18:30h the previous day. Thus, all blood samples were collected out of the period of plasma cortisol concentration peak, which occurs early in the morning [28].…”

Section: Data Collectionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Effect of work on body language of ranch horses in Brazil

et al. 2020

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The horses' responses to exercise are commonly monitored using physiological variables, nonetheless physical and mental states can also be expressed through body language. The aims of this study were: (i) to identify how facial expressions and other behavioural variables change in ranch horses after a routine workday, and (ii) to investigate if these changes can be used as indicators of physical tiredness by relating them to known variables of physical fitness and workload. Fourteen crossbred ranch horses were assessed pre-and post-workday on two farms, recording the body language, physiological and workload variables. Statistical analysis consisted of four stages: (i) comparisons between the sampling times (pre-vs postworkday) using linear mixed-effects models with repeated measures and a paired Wilcoxon test; (ii) selection of the most powerful variables by applying Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test and principal components analyses (PCA); (iii) evaluations of the relationships within these selected variables utilizing PCA and Spearman rank coefficients; and (iv) identifying a critical level of the most robust behavioural indicators using a non-hierarchical cluster analysis. Results showed that after a workday the horses increased the frequency/duration of body language indicative of resting. They also decreased the frequency/duration of body language indicative of attention and movements to avoid flies. However, some of these behaviours are also shown when horses are in pain, leading us to suggest that some ranch horses were probably experiencing a combination of of tiredness and slight soreness. Of particular interest, because of the ease with which it can be assessed on the farm and generalized to other situations, we suggest that the frequency of shifting weight between the forelegs has potential to be used as an indicator of physical tiredness in horses. The results can also be used in the development of tools to improve the welfare of ranch horses as well as horses used in other activities, although more research is needed to validate this assumption.

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“…Daily rhythmicity of body temperature, cortisol and locomotor activity has been widely studied and described in many domestic animals, using different approaches, including diurnal index, conisor analysis and analysis of variance (Becker et al, 1985; Bohák et al, 2013; De Jong et al, 2000; Fulkerson, Sawyer & Gow, 1980; Giannetto et al, 2012; Martin et al, 2010; Piccione et al, 2010; Piccione et al, 2011; Piccione, Caola & Refinetti, 2002; Piccione et al, 2008b; Refinetti & Piccione, 2005; Thun et al, 1981). Disruption of daily rhythmicity can be associated with health problems, reduced life expectancy and altered well-being of the organism (Froy, 2011; Vitaterna, Takahashi & Turek, 2001).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Daily rhythms of behavioral and hormonal patterns in male dromedary camels housed in boxes

Aubé

Fatnassi

Monaco

et al. 2017

PeerJ

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BackgroundDaily rhythmicity has been observed for a number of hormonal and behavioral variables in mammals. It can be entrained by several external factors, such as light-dark cycle and scheduled feeding. In dromedary camels, daily rhythmicity has been documented only for melatonin secretion and body temperature. In this study, the daily rhythmicity of behavioral repertoire, cortisol and testosterone levels was investigated in captive male camels.MethodsSix clinically healthy male dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) were used. The animals were housed in single boxes for 24 h daily and fed twice a day. Over a period of 48 h, behavioral observations were made and blood samples taken every two hours. The data were analyzed using diurnality index, conisor analysis and PROC mixed procedure.ResultsThe diurnality index for rumination and lying down was close to 0 (respectively, 0.09 and 0.19), while the indices for stereotypy, standing, feeding and walking were close to 1 (respectively, 0.74, 0.84, 0.92 and 0.85). Cosinor analysis revealed daily rhythmicity for all behaviors and for cortisol levels (acrophase at 12:57) but not for testosterone. Rumination and lying down (inactive behaviors) reached a peak during the scotophase, whereas feeding, walking and stereotypy (active behaviors) reached a peak during the photophase around midday. Cortisol level and expression of stereotypies peaked before and after food distribution and were negatively correlated (r = − 0.287, P = 0.005). Testosterone levels and expression of sexual behaviors were stimulated by the visual and olfactory contacts with the females and were positively correlated (r = 0.164, P = 0.040). Testosterone was also negatively correlated with cortisol (r = − 0.297; P = 0.003).DiscussionThese preliminary results provided new knowledge about the daily rhythm of behaviors in camels housed in boxes, suggesting that camels exhibit diurnal behavior pattern in the maintenance conditions outlined in the study. Daily rhythmicity seemed to be entrained not only by the light-dark cycle but also by scheduled feeding. The rise in stereotypy after food distribution could be due to the persistence of feeding motivation and frustration after the ingestion of food. Therefore, feeding practices should be improved to satisfy the foraging and feeding motivation of these camels. Behavioral and hormonal daily patterns in camels should be taken in consideration to adapt the management system, giving the animals more freedom during the light period and a diet richer in fiber, so as to improve reproductive performance, health and welfare.

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Comparison of cortisol and rectal temperature circadian rhythms in horses: the role of light/dark cycle and constant darkness

Cited by 17 publications

References 22 publications

Action Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Characteristics of Cortisol in Horses

Action Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Characteristics of Cortisol in Horses

Effect of work on body language of ranch horses in Brazil

Daily rhythms of behavioral and hormonal patterns in male dromedary camels housed in boxes

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