Single housing but not changes in group composition causes stress-related immunomodulations in horses

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272445
• Publication Date: 2022-08-17T17:24:57Z
• Authors: Sonja Schmucker; Vanessa Preisler; Isabell Marr; Konstanze Krüger; Volker Stefanski
• Keywords: Stressor; Relocation; Immunocompetence

Domestic horses are currently often subject to management practices that can entail social stressors, which in turn negatively influence immunocompetence and disease susceptibility. The present study therefore aimed characterize the number of various blood leukocyte subsets horses, focusing on two potentially stressful housing environments: changes group composition relocation individual stabling. Immune measurements were conducted before as well one eight days after made. They complemented by an assessment plasma cortisol concentrations behavioral observations. One single housing, mean numbers eosinophils, T helper cells cytotoxic decreased up 31%, 20% 22% respectively, whereas neutrophils increased 25%. In contrast, not only neutrophils, but also monocytes, 24%, 17%, 9%, 15% respectively. consequence, increase neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio indicating stress-induced immune modulation was found composition. accompanied a transient day occurrence disturbed behavior patterns week change condition. did result or aggressive interactions. results strongly indicate stabling is intense stressor leading acute lasting alterations counts types. highlights probable negative impact welfare health advantage systems view immunocompetence.