Effects of foal sex on some perinatal characteristics in the immediate neonatal period in the horse

In equestrian sports, many riders and trainers prefer either male or female horses because of the sex-specific characteristics. Many sex-related differences do not depend on gonadal activity but are suggested to be established much earlier in life. Readiness for birth depends on timely maturation of the fetus which is necessary to adapt to the challenges of extra-uterine life. We hypothesized that horse foals already show sex-related differences during neonatal adaptation. Foaling itself, behavior of the foals after birth, salivary cortisol concentration and heart rate variability (RMSSD) were investigated in healthy Warmblood foals (male n=28, female n=34).
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research