Effects of season, age, sex, and housing on salivary cortisol concentrations in horses

In this study, we have analyzed salivary cortisol concentration for more than 6 mo in horses (n = 94) differing in age, sex, reproductive state, and housing. Salivary cortisol followed a diurnal rhythm with the highest concentrations in the morning and a decrease throughout the day (P < 0.001).

Source: Domestic Animal Endocrinology - January 21, 2015 Category: Endocrinology Authors: J. Aurich, M. Wulf, N. Ille, R. Erber, M. von Lewinski, R. Palme, C. Aurich Source Type: research