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Plasma cortisol variations induced in the stallion by mating.
Acta Endocrinologica
|March 1, 1983
Summary
Exposure to oestrous females significantly elevates plasma cortisol levels in stallions and teaser stallions. Cortisol concentrations peak within 30 minutes and return to baseline levels after 120 minutes.
Area of Science:
- Equine reproductive physiology
- Endocrinology
- Animal behavior
Background:
- Cortisol, a key stress hormone, plays a role in physiological responses to various stimuli.
- Reproductive behaviors in equids can elicit significant physiological changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of exposure to oestrous females on plasma cortisol concentrations in stallions and teaser stallions.
- To quantify the temporal dynamics of cortisol level changes during sexual encounters.
Main Methods:
- Plasma cortisol levels were measured using radioimmunoassay.
- Measurements were taken in 5 stallions and 2 teaser stallions during exposure to oestrous females.
- Blood samples were collected at specific time points: 7-30 minutes and 120 minutes post-exposure.
Main Results:
- A consistent increase in plasma cortisol levels was observed in all stallions (from 44.0 ng/ml to 71.1 ng/ml) and teaser stallions (from 35.1 ng/ml to 63.0 ng/ml) within 7-30 minutes after exposure.
- Cortisol concentrations returned to baseline levels by 120 minutes post-exposure.
Conclusions:
- Exposure to oestrous females is a potent stimulus for cortisol release in male equids.
- The observed cortisol increase suggests a physiological stress or arousal response associated with reproductive behavior in stallions.