Matches in UGent Biblio for { ?s ?p Early-life events can modify the HPA-axis’ responsiveness to stressors. In rodents shortterm separations and handling lead to intensified mother-pup interactions which in turn lead to a reduced stress response later in life. We investigated the impact of shortterm separations on the response of foals to weaning. We hypothesized that separations would aid foals in regaining homeostasis post-weaning. Beginning at approximately two weeks old, five Quarterhorse foals (T; 3 female, 2 male) underwent six ten-minute separations from their dam at two-week intervals. A control group (C; 3 female, 2 male) of five foals was not separated. Foals were weaned in pairs (1T, 1C) in separate stalls. Behavioral and physiological measurements were collected on the days pre-, during, and post-weaning. Behavioral observations occurred between 7.00-9.00h, 11.00-13.00h, and 15.00-17.00h. Heart rate (HR; Beats per minute, BPM) was measured from 6.30-18.30h and saliva samples for cortisol measurement were collected prior to observations and at 18.30h. All data were analyzed using ANOVA. Seven behaviors, chosen for consistency between observations, were analyzed. Weaning caused a significant increase from day 1 to days 2 and 3 in the frequency of vocalizing (F2,61=60.41; p<0.0001), defecating (F2,61=6.72; p=0.0023), pawing (F2,61=10.41; p=0.0001), investigating (F2,61=4.32; p=0.0176), looking forward (F2,61=54.46; p<0.0001), standing (F2,61=33.39; p<0.0001), and walking (F2,61=51.91; p<0.0001). There were no consistent behavioral differences between treatment and control animals. Cortisol levels did not differ between separated and non-separated foals. The first sample after weaning showed the highest cortisol level (mean 6.57±2.26 nmol/l). Weaning caused a significant increase in HR from day 1 to days 2 and 3 (F4,54=6.48; p=0.0002). This study thoroughly assessed weaning stress in foals. In contrast to other species, maternal separations did not affect the short-term response to weaning.. }
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- aggregation abstract "Early-life events can modify the HPA-axis’ responsiveness to stressors. In rodents shortterm separations and handling lead to intensified mother-pup interactions which in turn lead to a reduced stress response later in life. We investigated the impact of shortterm separations on the response of foals to weaning. We hypothesized that separations would aid foals in regaining homeostasis post-weaning. Beginning at approximately two weeks old, five Quarterhorse foals (T; 3 female, 2 male) underwent six ten-minute separations from their dam at two-week intervals. A control group (C; 3 female, 2 male) of five foals was not separated. Foals were weaned in pairs (1T, 1C) in separate stalls. Behavioral and physiological measurements were collected on the days pre-, during, and post-weaning. Behavioral observations occurred between 7.00-9.00h, 11.00-13.00h, and 15.00-17.00h. Heart rate (HR; Beats per minute, BPM) was measured from 6.30-18.30h and saliva samples for cortisol measurement were collected prior to observations and at 18.30h. All data were analyzed using ANOVA. Seven behaviors, chosen for consistency between observations, were analyzed. Weaning caused a significant increase from day 1 to days 2 and 3 in the frequency of vocalizing (F2,61=60.41; p<0.0001), defecating (F2,61=6.72; p=0.0023), pawing (F2,61=10.41; p=0.0001), investigating (F2,61=4.32; p=0.0176), looking forward (F2,61=54.46; p<0.0001), standing (F2,61=33.39; p<0.0001), and walking (F2,61=51.91; p<0.0001). There were no consistent behavioral differences between treatment and control animals. Cortisol levels did not differ between separated and non-separated foals. The first sample after weaning showed the highest cortisol level (mean 6.57±2.26 nmol/l). Weaning caused a significant increase in HR from day 1 to days 2 and 3 (F4,54=6.48; p=0.0002). This study thoroughly assessed weaning stress in foals. In contrast to other species, maternal separations did not affect the short-term response to weaning.".