Horse Hair Cortisol Concentration in University Owned Horses as a Potential Influence on Management Strategies
Project Abstract
Cortisol is a hormone that is related to stress in animals. Serum cortisol is the gold standard for evaluating stress in horses. However, serum cortisol can be affected by circadian rhythms, environmental factors, and other excitatory factors. Cortisol in hair is less subject to these variables and is also less invasive to collect. The objective of this study is to examine the impact of sample storage (room temperature or frozen) on hair cortisol concentrations. It is hypothesized that frozen samples will have better retention of cortisol and will yield higher concentrations than samples kept at room temperature. Tail hair samples will be collected from 40 University-owned horses in the spring and fall of 2024. Samples will be split, with half being maintained at room temperature (20 to 22° C) and the other half being frozen (-28.89° C). Samples will be analyzed at the Breathitt Veterinary Center using a corticosterone ELISA kit. Results will hopefully confirm that tail hair can be used to assess cortisol concentration in horses, and that frozen samples will retain cortisol better than samples kept at room temperature.
Funding Type
Research Grant
Academic College
Hutson School of Agriculture
Area/Major/Minor
Equine Science
Degree
B.S. Agriculture
Classification
Senior
Name
Dr. Shea Porr
Academic College
Hutson School of Agriculture
Recommended Citation
Robertson, Grace, "Horse Hair Cortisol Concentration in University Owned Horses as a Potential Influence on Management Strategies" (2024). ORCA Travel & Research Grants. 176.
https://digitalcommons.murraystate.edu/orcagrants/176