Association between the plasma concentration of melatonin and behavior

Association between the plasma concentration of melatonin and behavioral temperament in horses
J Anim Sci Technol. 2023 Sep;65(5):1094-1104. doi: 10.5187/jast.2023.e12. Epub 2023 Sep 30.
Authors
Yubin Song 1 , Junyoung Kim 1 , Youngjae Park 2 , Minjung Yoon 1 3 4
Affiliations

1 Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
2 Department of Equine Industry and Sports with Therapeutic Riding, Jeonju Kijeon College, Jeonju 54989, Korea.
3 Department of Horse, Companion and Wild Animal Science, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.
4 Research Center for Horse Industry, Kyungpook National University, Sangju 37224, Korea.

PMID: 37969346
PMCID: PMC10640934
DOI: 10.5187/jast.2023.e12

Abstract

Aggression in horses may cause serious accidents during riding and non-riding activities. Hence, predicting the temperament of horses is essential for selecting suitable horses and ensuring safety during the activity. In certain animals, such as hamsters, plasma melatonin concentrations have been correlated with aggressive behavior. However, whether this relationship applies to horses remains unclear. To address this research gap, this study aimed to evaluate differences in the plasma melatonin concentrations among horses of different breeds, ages, and sexes and examine the correlation between plasma melatonin concentrations and the temperament of the horses, including docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. Blood samples from 32 horses were collected from the Horse Industry Complex Center of Jeonju Kijeon College. The docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability of the horses were assessed by three professional trainers who were well-acquainted with the horses. Plasma melatonin concentrations were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The consequent values were compared between the horses of different breeds, ages, and sexes using a three-way analysis of variance and least significant difference post hoc test. Linear regression analysis was employed to identify the relationship between plasma melatonin concentrations and docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability. The results showed that the plasma melatonin concentrations significantly differed with breeds in Thoroughbred and cold-blooded horses. However, there were no differences in the plasma melatonin concentrations between the horse ages and sexes. Furthermore, plasma melatonin concentrations did not exhibit a significant correlation with the ranking of docility, affinity, dominance, and trainability.

Keywords: Behavioral temperament; Horse; Melatonin.