Physiological correlates associated with cribbing behaviour in horses: changes in thermal threshold, heart rate, plasma β‐endorphin and serotonin

• DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1998.tb05140.x
• Publication Date: 2010-06-10T16:33:49Z
• Authors: D. LEBELT; A. J. ZANELLA; J. UNSHELM
• Keywords: Basal (medicine)

Summary The aim of the present study was to obtain information on possible mechanisms underlying cribbing behaviour in horses. To investigate horse's responsiveness an external stimulus, a device for telemetric measurement thermal threshold, using forelimb withdrawal reflex, developed and validated. Measurements threshold took place horses (n = 11) before during periods. Heart rate monitored continuously same Blood samples were collected periods as well age‐ sex‐matched control 11). β‐endorphin Cortisol determined plasma radioimmunoassay techniques, serotonin analysed by high performance liquid chromatography. Compared with basal values, significantly (P 0.003) lower mean difference 4.9°C. decreased 0.026) showed reduction 2.4 beats/min cribbing. Given fact that arousal usually is associated increase nociceptive heart rate, decrease both provide evidence may reduce stress. Cribbers 3 times higher levels than controls (mean 49.5 vs. 16.2 pmol/l, P 0.006) there trend 201.5 414.3 nmol/l, 0.07). These data indicate differences cribber's endogenous opioid serotonergic systems.