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- Title
A szérum kortizolkoncentrációjának elemzése a rendorlovak harci kiképzése során.
- Authors
Pavlak, Alexander; Bujok, Jolanta; Zigo, František; Korim, Peter; Walski, Tomasz; Golach, Paulina; Wincewicz, Edyta; Korimová, Jana
- Abstract
Background: Police horses work in an environment rich in various stressors unusual for these animals. 10 horses of the Police Force of the Slovak Republic were examined (4 horses in training and 6 experienced animals). They were subjected to combat training, consisting of medium-intensity physical activity (walking, trotting, 2 jumps, short-distance gallop) in the presence of other stressors (sirens, combat vehicles, pistol shooting, jumping over fire barriers, water cannons, aggressive group of people and barking police dogs). Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the release of cortisol in police horses in response to combat training. Materials and Methods: 10 horses were used (three mares and seven geldings, Slovak Warmblood breeds, aged 9.6 ± 4.19 years, four horses in training and six experienced animals). Blood morphology was assessed using an automated hematology analyzer (Mindray BC-2800 Vet Auto Hematology Analyzer, Mindray, China). Serum cortisol was determined by the chemiluminescent method (Immulite 2000, Siemens GmbH, Germany). Statistical analysis was performed using OriginPro 8.0 software. Results and Discussion: Blood morphology, venous blood gases and serum cortisol were measured immediately after training and after recovery. No significant changes in blood, lactate, pH and HCO3 values were observed after training, indicating low intensity of exercise performed during training. Serum cortisol was higher in training horses than in experienced post-training horses. Cortisol concentration in horses in regular operation was lower after training than the morning of the following day, indicating that there was no significant activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. Combat training is not a stressful event for experienced police horses, while unusual environmental incentives can trigger a stress response in inexperienced animals. Furthermore, we can also conclude that the police horses used in this study were in good physical condition and suitable for this type of duty.
- Subjects
SLOVAKIA; HORSE training; HYPOTHALAMIC-pituitary-adrenal axis; POLICE horses; HYDROCORTISONE
- Publication
Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja, 2021, Vol 143, Issue 4, p195
- ISSN
0025-004X
- Publication type
Article