Animal最新文献

{"title":"Determination of urinary creatinine excretion and estimation of urinary nitrogen and purine derivatives in Wagyu, high-marbling fattening cattle","authors":"M. Matamura,&nbsp;M. Kondo","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101576","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101576","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>To improve the efficiency of nitrogen (<strong>N</strong>) utilisation in Wagyu (Japanese Black cattle), which are characterised by a distinct muscle-to-fat ratio, accurate estimation of urinary N and purine derivatives (<strong>PD</strong>) excretion is essential for researchers to evaluate and optimise feeding strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the use of creatinine-based spot urine sampling as a practical alternative to total urine collection for estimating urinary N and PD excretion in fattening Japanese Black cattle. Two experiments were conducted: a 4 × 4 Latin square design with four heifers and a 3 × 3 Latin square design with three heifers. These experiments evaluated the effects of various dietary treatments and sampling times on urine volume, creatinine, N, and PD concentrations. A total of 125 daily urine samples were collected from all seven heifers to determine creatinine excretion. Results showed that daily creatinine excretion in Japanese Black cattle averaged 24.7 mg/kg BW per day, lower than the 26.3 mg/kg BW per day calculated from literature data for other breeds (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). This difference can be attributed to breed-specific variations in muscle mass and fat deposition related to feeding practices aimed at improving marbling. The highest estimation accuracy for N (R² = 0.92, RMSE = 8.5 g/day) and PD (R² = 0.38, RMSE = 16.9 mmol/day) was observed in spot urine samples collected between 0500 and 0900 h. These findings, based on comprehensive total urine collection from seven heifers, suggest that spot urine sampling using creatinine can reduce the labour and cost associated with total urine collection, making it a viable approach for monitoring N metabolism in large-scale fattening operations.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 7","pages":"Article 101576"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144535656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A meta-analysis on use of agro-industrial by-products rich in polyphenols in dairy small ruminant nutrition","authors":"A. Nudda ,&nbsp;S. Carta ,&nbsp;F. Correddu ,&nbsp;M.F. Caratzu ,&nbsp;A. Cesarani ,&nbsp;J. Hidalgo ,&nbsp;G. Pulina ,&nbsp;M.F. Lunesu","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101522","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101522","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The recovery and reuse of agro-industrial by-products (<strong>AIBP</strong>) in livestock feeding fully align with the goals set by the European Union, aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050. The literature contains many studies related to the inclusion of these products in ruminant diets, with particular interest in those rich in bioactive substances, such as polyphenols, which can provide various benefits to both animals and productions. However, the reported results, particularly regarding milk production and quality, are highly variable, depending on numerous factors such as species, inclusion level, polyphenol dose, other diet ingredients etc. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation with AIBP rich in polyphenols on milk production and composition, and fatty acid profile in dairy sheep and goat. The systematic search was conducted using Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed databases. Only studies with sheep and goat were included. The data analysed were extracted from 41 scientific papers and the considered AIBP came from grape, olive, tomato, citrus, cocoa and coffee processing. The effects of AIBP were analysed using random-effects statistical models to examine the standardised mean difference between AIBP and control treatment. The heterogeneity was then explored by a meta-regression. A meta-regression was also used to test the effect of the dosage of polyphenols in the diet (g of polyphenols/kg of diet). A test for subgroup differences was carried out through a meta-analysis considering the by-product type. Supplementation with AIBP did not affect the milk yield either in sheep and goat. Supplementation with AIBP in sheep diet led to an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (<strong>MUFA</strong>), oleic acid (<strong>OA</strong>, C18:1cis-9), vaccenic acid (<strong>VA</strong>, C18:1trans-11), and to a decrease in saturated fatty acids (<strong>SFA</strong>). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (<strong>PUFA</strong>), PUFA n-3, VA, and linolenic acid (C18:3 n3) increased in response to the dosage of polyphenols in sheep diet. In goat, the inclusion of by-products in the diet led to a decrease in SFA and an increase in MUFA, VA, LNA, and rumenic acid (<strong>RA</strong>, C18:2cis-9,trans-11), while the dosage was never significant. The effects of each by-product on milk production and composition are reported both in sheep and goat species. In conclusion, the addition of AIBP in the diet of sheep and goat did not modify the milk yield but clearly improves its quality through the reduction of SFA and an increase of MUFA, OA, VA, and, in goats, RA.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101522"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Review: Micronutrient supply, developmental programming, and strategic supplementation in ruminant livestock","authors":"J.S. Caton ,&nbsp;M.S. Crouse ,&nbsp;C.R. Dahlen ,&nbsp;A.K. Ward ,&nbsp;W.J.S. Diniz ,&nbsp;C.J. Hammer ,&nbsp;R.M. Swanson ,&nbsp;K.M. Hauxwell ,&nbsp;L.P. Reynolds","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101563","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101563","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developmental programming, also known as fetal programming, is the idea that changes in offspring development with both immediate and longer-term consequences can arise from in utero stress, including compromised maternal nutrition. Large animal models demonstrate that perturbed maternal nutrition, including macro- and micronutrient supply, (amino acids, vitamins, and trace elements) can alter development during gestational and postnatal offspring outcomes. Strategic supplementation of micronutrients (methionine, arginine, selenium, folate, vitamin B₁₂, choline, cobalt, sulfur and others) also alters placental function and therefore, fetal nutrient supply. Specifically, in the offspring, multiple visceral tissues, metabolism, growth, and reproduction are impacted by compromised nutrition and these effects are potentially mitigated by strategic supplementation. Furthermore, compromised maternal nutrition and strategic supplementation alter gene expression, metabolomic patterns, and biochemical pathways in the offspring. Developmental programming is mechanistically driven, at least in part, by epigenetic mechanism and one carbon-metabolism and associated specific micronutrients. The concept of developmental programming is strongly supported by data from ruminant animal models, wherein compromised maternal nutrition is a stressor driving programming events. Changes in the offspring’s transcriptome and metabolome can be influenced by changes in maternal nutrition during development. Evidence suggests that strategic supplementation of micronutrients potentially mitigates the compromised development. Future research needs include efforts focused on: mechanistic investigations, livestock production outcomes, animal health implications, and host-microbiome interrelationships associated with maternal nutrition, developmental programming and strategic supplementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101563"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144512731","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Title page","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/S1751-7311(25)00207-1","DOIUrl":"10.1016/S1751-7311(25)00207-1","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101624"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144920229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial: Selected keynote lectures of the 75th Annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (Florence, Italy)","authors":"L.E. Hernández-Castellano ,&nbsp;A. Suárez-Trujillo ,&nbsp;E. Sell-Kubiak ,&nbsp;A. Cannas ,&nbsp;N. Castro","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101614","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101614","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 ","pages":"Article 101614"},"PeriodicalIF":4.2,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144920231","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Estimates of genetic parameters and genetic trends for milk production traits in Murciano-Granadina goats","authors":"J. Ehsaninia ,&nbsp;M.B. Zandi ,&nbsp;M. Taned ,&nbsp;A. Bagheripour","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101582","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101582","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Dairy goat production plays a vital role in meeting nutritional needs and supporting rural livelihoods. This study estimated variance components and genetic parameters for daily milk yield (<strong>DMY</strong>), daily milk fat yield (<strong>DMFY</strong>), and daily milk protein yield (<strong>DMPY</strong>) in Murciano-Granadina goats. The study used data collected from 2015 to 2021 in Ghaleh-Ganj dairy goat farm in Kerman province, Iran. R software was used to evaluate environmental effects, examine genetic and phenotypic trends, and determine genetic-phenotypic correlations. The best model was determined based on Akaike’s Information Criterion. (Co)variance components and heritability were estimated using the AIREMLF90 software. For DMY, DMFY, and DMPY, the estimated heritability was 0.21 ± 0.02, 0.13 ± 0.01, and 0.17 ± 0.02, respectively. The repeatability estimates were moderate, ranging from 0.40 for DMPY to 0.46 for DMY. The contribution of animal permanent environmental effect to the total phenotypic variance was estimated as 21, 48, and 17% for DMY, DMFY, and DMPY, respectively. The estimates of genetic correlations between DMY-DMFY, DMY-DMPY, and DMFY-DMPY were 0.62 ± 0.0140, 0.67 ± 0.010, and 0.85 ± 0.009, respectively. Estimates of phenotypic correlations among traits ranged from −0.12 ± 0.006 for DMY-DMFY and DMY-DMPY to 0.35 ± 0.005 for DMFY-DMPY. This investigation revealed moderate heritability and positive and moderate genetic correlations among the observed dairy traits. These results can be used to establish a breeding plan to improve the production level of Murciano-Granadina goats.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 8","pages":"Article 101582"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604934","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterising nosing behaviours in pigs after mixing using social network analysis","authors":"S.L. Jowett ,&nbsp;M.J. Silk ,&nbsp;V. Lee ,&nbsp;S.P. Turner ,&nbsp;I. Camerlink","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101585","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101585","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Affiliation as indicated by proximity has, to date, been used as the principal measure of positive relationships in farm animals. However, intensive housing may present a caveat to using proximity as a representation of affiliation as animals may be forced into proximity by stocking densities. To investigate affiliation patterns, this study examined differences in the expression of proximity and contact behaviours following regrouping in pigs. Animals (61 males and 56 females) were observed across eight groups (14.6 ± 0.69 SD pigs/group). Each group comprised a mix of familiar and unfamiliar finishing pigs (12 weeks old). Video observations occurred for two consecutive days following regrouping. Individuals were continuously observed for social nosing behaviour for 2 h in total, balanced across days. Social network analysis of directed networks provided group-level information including weighted degree centrality and density. Exponential Random Graph Models fitted to these networks were used to consider the underpinning social processes including reciprocity, homophily, and the effect of individual attributes. Groups differed in the expression of behaviours, whilst, at the global level, density was significantly lower (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) for the snout-snout (0.68 ± 0.15 SD) than snout-head (0.92 ± 0.04 SD) proximity networks. Statistically significant differences were also shown in the density across the contact networks (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) with the lowest cohesion in the snout-snout (0.33 ± 0.14 SD), compared to the snout-head (0.52 ± 0.07 SD), and snout-body (0.66 ± 0.09 SD) contact networks. Familiarity was a predictor of interaction (<em>P</em> = 0.0001) across behaviours. Familiar pigs were nearly twice as likely to assort in the contact networks and three times more likely to assort in the snout-snout and snout-head proximity networks. Sex was not a predictor of snout proximity; however, females received significantly less behaviour than males in the snout-snout (odds ratio (<strong>OR</strong>): 0.78, <em>P</em> = 0.046), and snout-head (OR: 0.69, <em>P</em> = 0.001) contact networks. Snout proximity behaviours showed significant reciprocity (snout head: OR = 2.56; <em>P</em> = 0.008; snout-snout: OR = 2.80; <em>P</em> = 0.0001). Contact behaviours showed significant reciprocity in the snout-snout (OR = 2.40; <em>P</em> = 0.0001), and snout-head (OR = 1.55; <em>P</em> = 0.004) networks. Our study highlights behavioural nuances, with groups differing in snout proximity and contact patterns, in which reciprocation is normal behaviour, and snout-snout proximity and snout-snout contact are the least observed. Furthermore, it shows the influence of attributes on network structure to inform grouping strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 8","pages":"Article 101585"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144604947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementation of the European directive on pig welfare: a comparative study of four member states","authors":"J. Kuenzler ,&nbsp;C.S. Vogeler","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101586","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101586","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Farm animal welfare is an important component of the transition towards sustainable food systems. The success of the recent European Citizen’s Initiative “End the Cage Age” has shown that animal welfare is also a public concern. Yet, despite the existence of European Union (<strong>EU</strong>) legislation on farm animal welfare, little is known about how member states implement these laws, leading to potential enforcement gaps. This raises the question of how member states customise EU animal welfare policies and what drives these variations. Our study investigates this issue by analysing the implementation of a European pig welfare directive in four member states: Denmark, France, Germany, and Spain. Drawing on the concept of customisation, we assess differences in the density and restrictiveness of national regulations compared to EU standards and explore potential drivers, such as public opinion and political party positions. Our findings reveal significant variation, with Denmark and Germany exceeding EU standards through stricter and denser regulations, while France and Spain adhere more closely to the minimum requirements. These differences align with varying public and political priorities at the national level. The results highlight the critical role of national contexts in shaping the implementation of EU policies and provide insights for designing more effective animal welfare legislation. Our study underscores the need for a deeper understanding of the interplay between public opinion, political dynamics, and regulatory frameworks to enhance the welfare of farmed animals across the EU.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 8","pages":"Article 101586"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144633099","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Partially replacing baleage with grazed forage canola in a component feeding system: Effects on production performance, enteric methane emissions, and nutrient utilization in dairy cows","authors":"L.H.P. Silva ,&nbsp;Y. Zang ,&nbsp;S.L. Dillard ,&nbsp;K.J. Soder ,&nbsp;A.F. Brito","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101583","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101583","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Forage canola is an annual crop with the potential to extend the grazing season and reduce enteric CH₄ emissions due to its low fiber concentration. We aimed to evaluate the effect of partially replacing alfalfa-grass mix baleage with grazed forage canola on production performance, ruminal fermentation, enteric CH₄ emissions, and nutrient utilization in dairy cows. Twelve multiparous Jersey cows averaging 131 ± 63 days in milk (<strong>DIM</strong>) and 462 ± 26 kg of BW and 6 primiparous Jersey cows averaging 175 ± 64 DIM and 418 ± 38 kg of BW were used in a randomized complete block design study. Treatments were formulated (DM basis) as follows: (1) 60% alfalfa-grass mix baleage, 38% concentrate pellet, and 2% roasted soybean (control = <strong>CON</strong>), and (2) 30% alfalfa-grass mix baleage, 30% grazed forage canola, 38% concentrate pellet, and 2% roasted soybean (forage canola = <strong>CAN</strong>). Cows in the CAN treatment had access to the forage canola pasture after the afternoon milking. The experiment consisted of a 2-week covariate period and a 5-week experimental period with samples collected during weeks 3 and 5. Although DM intake was greater in cows fed CAN than CON, milk yield was lowest in CAN. Milk true protein concentration, milk lactose yield, feed efficiency (milk yield/DM intake), milk N efficiency (milk N yield/N intake), ruminal pH and molar proportion of propionate, milk proportion of n-6 fatty acids, and enteric CH₄ emissions were all lower in CAN versus CON. Treatment−by−week interactions were observed for the concentrations of milk urea N, plasma urea N, and ruminal NH₃-N, apparent total-tract digestibilities of DM and organic matter, urinary excretion of urea N (g/day and % of urinary N excretion), ruminal molar proportion of butyrate, and milk proportion of n-3 fatty acids. For all these interactions, values were greater in CAN versus CON, but the magnitude of treatment differences varied from week 3 to week 5. A treatment by week interaction was also detected for the ruminal molar proportion of acetate, which decreased more pronouncedly in CAN than CON diet from week 3 to week 5. Intake of digestible energy and metabolizable energy (<strong>ME</strong>), and the efficiency of converting digestible energy into ME were greater in CAN than CON. Contrarily, the efficiency of converting ME into milk energy was lower in CAN versus CON cows. In brief, greater ME intake and nutrient digestibility in CAN compared with CON did not improve milk yield.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 8","pages":"Article 101583"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144623639","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Group housing increases alertness and social interaction compared to traditional single stabling in two-year-old sport horse stallions during pretraining","authors":"L. Kroschel ,&nbsp;F. Pilger ,&nbsp;J. Aurich ,&nbsp;C. Nagel ,&nbsp;C. Aurich","doi":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101584","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.animal.2025.101584","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Horses in training are often stabled individually, but this is increasingly questioned. We have investigated the effects of different stabling systems in Warmblood stallions during a 12-week pretraining programme. Stallions were 24 months old and housed either in a group stable (<strong>Group 24</strong>, n = 9) or in individual boxes (<strong>Box 24</strong>, n = 10), or they were 30 months of age and housed in individual boxes (<strong>Box 30</strong>, n = 10). Cortisol, heart rate, heart rate variability (<strong>HRV</strong>), body development, injuries and selected behaviour patterns were analysed (1) at transfer from pasture to stable and (2) thereafter, repeatedly during pretraining. Salivary cortisol concentration increased immediately after stabling (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). This increase was most pronounced in Group 24 stallions (<em>P</em> = 0.044). A diurnal cortisol rhythm was re-established after 2–3 days, but occasional irregular increases in salivary cortisol concentration occurred in Group 24 stallions throughout the pretraining period. In response to stabling, also heart rate increased for approximately 3 h (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001) with a most pronounced rise in Group 24 stallions (time × group <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). BW decreased transiently after stabling (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Skin lesions were mainly superficial abrasions, and they were more frequent in group-housed vs individually stabled stallions (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Lying bouts were more frequent in individually housed than in group-housed stallions (<em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Mutual grooming occurred only in Group 24 stallions (group <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Playing was seen in Group 24 stallions predominantly in the morning (time <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, group <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Agonistic behaviour was more evident in individually housed than in group-housed stallions but was seen occasionally in individually housed stallions (group <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). Pawing the ground was mainly observed in individually housed stallions in the morning before feeding and was close to absent in the afternoons (time <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001, group <em>P</em> &lt; 0.001). In conclusion, cortisol concentration, heart rate, HRV and behaviour suggest that group-housed stallions, to some extent, were more challenged during the pretraining period than individually housed stallions. Under the conditions of this study, both individual and group stabling are acceptable for two- to three-year-old stallions and there was no evidence for a major advantage of one housing system over the other.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":50789,"journal":{"name":"Animal","volume":"19 8","pages":"Article 101584"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144572692","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}