The Effect of Different Management Systems and Racing on the Stress Level of Arabian Horses

Abstract

Considering the stud farms and hippodromes, there are differences between them both in terms of management systems. The study population consisted of 40 Arabian mares. The breeding systems of horses at the stud farm and hippodrome, the physical dimensions of their boxes, agonistic behaviors, stereotypic behaviors, and intra/inter-species interactions were examined and evaluated comparatively by considering their physiological stress and behavioral responses. The salivary cortisol analysis was performed at rest on the horses at the stud farm and pre-post race on the horses at the Hippodrome. Statistical difference was not found between the stereotypic and agonistic behaviors of the horses but the longer-term effects of the absence of intraspecies interaction should be investigated. There was no statistical difference in the resting horse's saliva cortisol value housed at the stud farm (0,84 ng/ml) and hippodrome (0,52 ng/ml). It was determined that the pre-race cortisol value (0,52 ng/ml) was significantly lower than the post-race (3,82 ng/ml) value. In order for the horses to have a long and healthy sports life, the welfare of the horses should be structured by considering the training, behavior, and management systems with a holistic approach, and intra-species interactions should not be overlooked.