The stress response of 6 month-old horses to abrupt weaning is influenced by their sex

In this study we investigated differences in the immediate response of male and female foals to weaning. A total of 22 foals (11 male, 11 female) of 6 months of age were weaned abruptly from their dams but remained in their familiar foal groups. Body weight was determined. Behavior of foals was observed from two days before to 7 days after weaning. Saliva samples for determination of cortisol concentration were collected from two days before to 7 days after weaning at 06:00, 12:30 and 19:00h. On the day of weaning, saliva was collected from 1h before until 4h after weaning at 30min intervals.
Source: Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research - Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Source Type: research