Preliminary studies on the relation between polar vixens’ temperament type and the values of selected physiological indicators and cortisol level in the blood serum

Abstract

Preliminary study on the relation between polar vixens’ temperament type and the values of selected physiological indicators and cortisol level in the blood serum. The aim of this study was to examine whether there is a correlation between temperament type of polar foxes females, determined with the behavioral tests, and the level of selected physiological indicators and the level of cortisol in blood serum. In the result of conducted studies, there were no differences found between the number of breaths or the number of heartbeats in animals of different temperament types. It was found a higher body temperature in vixens with aggressive temperament compared with the vixens of trustful temperament. The difference was statistically significant (P <0.05). The level of cortisol in the blood serum of aggressive and fearful foxes was higher compared with trustful animals. The observed trend was statistically confirmed (P <0.01). In conclusion it can be said that the study of body temperature and the cortisol level in a blood serum of vixens can be a complementary method to evaluate its suitability as a breeding animals. Full verification of observed dependencies requires confirmation from greater material.