Colour Morphs as Alternative Solutions to the Trade-Off Predicted by the Immuno-Competence Handicap Hypothesis.

Colour morphs in polymorphic species are associated with a suite of heritable traits governed by distinct genetic loci, each corresponding to alternative fitness peaks. Hormonal pleiotropy has been proposed as a mechanism maintaining these morphs, though experimental evidence is lacking. In this study, we tested whether white and yellow morphs of the common wall lizard (Podarcis muralis) adopt alternative strategies shaped by the immuno-competence handicap hypotheses (ICHH).

Assessment of Stress in Dogs Under Cancer Therapy via Faecal Cortisol Metabolite Analysis: A Pilot Study.

Stress reactions play an important role in animals' ability to cope with various situations. Glucocorticoids are measured as a stress parameter, and analysis of their faecal metabolites has proven to be a good method for evaluating long term stress. We hypothesised that dogs suffering from cancer would have a higher stress level during cancer therapy, which would be reflected in higher levels of faecal cortisol metabolites (FCMs).

Fecal Cortisol Metabolites Indicate Increased Stress Levels in Horses During Breaking-In: A Pilot Study.

Sport horses are frequently exposed to situations that were identified as stressors, indicated by an increased cortisol release, which might impair animal welfare. However, while many studies deal with the impact of exercise, transport, and competition on stress in horses, little is known about the early phase of a horse's sports career and studies investigating the stress level of young horses during breaking-in are limited. To compare stress levels in unridden horses, horses during breaking-in, and horses in training we collected fecal samples of young, unridden horses ( = 28) and of horses in different training stages ( = 13) and measured fecal cortisol metabolite (FCM) concentrations.

Differences between facilities in horse welfare profiles: slight differences in management/working conditions may be enough.

Many studies focus on animal welfare in terms of specific, either behavioural or physiological, indicators or on the impact of a particular management factor. However, an animal's welfare state results from the individual's perception of its general environment, which has consequences at both behavioural and physiological levels. Previous research on horses has shown that different riding schools could be characterised by different emotional/cognitive profiles of horses, in relation sometimes with one single management factor.

Investigating the interplay of stressors and health in horses through fecal cortisol metabolite analysis.

Introduction: Horses are highly sensitive to stress, which can affect their wellbeing and lead to various health issues. Effective and objective stress assessment is therefore crucial for improving their care and management. The production of the glucocorticoid cortisol is increased in response to stressful stimuli and its metabolites can be measured non-invasively in feces.