Relationship between oxytocin and serotonin and the fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses
Oxytocin (OXT) and serotonin (5-HT) are essential neurotransmitters associated with the behavior of animals. Recently, we found that the plasma concentration of OXT is positively correlated with horse docility and friendliness toward humans...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Korean Society of Animal Sciences and Technology
2021-03-01
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| Series: | Journal of Animal Science and Technology |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.ejast.org/archive/view_article?pid=jast-63-2-453 |
| Summary: | Oxytocin (OXT) and serotonin (5-HT) are essential neurotransmitters associated
with the behavior of animals. Recently, we found that the plasma concentration
of OXT is positively correlated with horse docility and friendliness toward
humans. However, the relationships between the neurotransmitters and other
temperaments such as fearfulness, dominance, and trainability are unknown. This
study aimed to identify whether the plasma concentration of OXT or 5-HT is
correlated with fearfulness, dominance, and trainability of horses. Blood
samples of 34 horses were collected at the Horse Industry Complex Center of
Jeonju Kijeon College. The concentration of OXT and 5-HT was measured in the
plasma samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The fearfulness,
dominance, and trainability of horses were scored by three professors who were
very familiar with the horses. One-way analysis of variance with the least
significant difference post-hoc analysis was used to compare the scores for
fearfulness and dominance among groups. The trainability of horses was compared
using the student t-test. The 5-HT was negatively correlated
with dominance, but it had no relation with fearfulness. The OXT appeared to be
negatively correlated with fearfulness and dominance in horses. Furthermore, OXT
was positively correlated with the trainability of horses. Additionally, 5-HT
appeared to enhance trainability. In conclusion, the concentration of OXT or
5-HT in horse blood plasma can be used as a biomarker to monitor the
fearfulness, dominance, or trainability of horses. |
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| ISSN: | 2672-0191 2055-0391 |