CHANGE OF PULSE FREQUENCY IN HORSES AS AN INDICATOR OF STRESS CAUSED BY LOADING INTO THE TRAILER

Abstract

Transport and loading into a trailer is a potential source of stress for horses, which can consequently undermine the concept of animal welfare. The study aimed to determine the presence of stress reaction in horses during the loading into the trailer, expressed through a change in pulse frequency as an indicator of stress reaction. The study included 25 horses between the ages of 4 and 20. Heart rate verification was performed using a veterinary stethoscope with a double-sided membrane and controlled by a heart rate monitor. When the horses were resting in the stable (first measurement), a pulse frequency of 29 to 40 bpm was found. The second measurement was performed at the moment of loading when the horses stepped onto the loading platform of the trailer, and pulse frequency values from 42 to 72 bpm were found. The results of the t-test indicate that there is a statistically significant difference in the pulse frequency between the first and second measurements. The results of this study indicate that loading horses into the trailer can cause stress, which is manifested by an increase in pulse frequency. The tendency of horses to easily form habits allows their proper training to reduce the level of stress while loading into trailers, which would contribute to improving the well-being of horses, and at the same time contribute to reducing stress and the risk of injury to horses and staff.