Development and Assessment of Equine Behaviour
Authors: Waran Natalie K., Pearson Gemma, Fraser Andrew F.
Journal: Fraser’s The Behaviour and Welfare of the Horse
Summary
# Editorial Summary Behavioural plasticity during early training is crucial for minimising stress in young horses, yet identifying which individuals cope better with backing and initial work has remained largely subjective. Waran and colleagues used genomic analysis combined with brain tissue gene expression data to identify genetic variants associated with two key behavioural traits in yearling Thoroughbreds: handler-assessed coping during early training (96 animals) and salivary cortisol levels at first backing (34 animals). By cross-referencing significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with the most highly expressed genes in amygdala and hippocampus tissue, they pinpointed functionally relevant genetic markers—notably in genes including NDM (q = 0.0002), GABARAP, VAMP2 and DUSP1—with established roles in stress response, anxiety, fear behaviours and neurological function. These findings offer a pathway towards objective, DNA-based screening tools that could help identify horses predisposed to better or poorer behavioural adaptation, potentially allowing handlers and trainers to tailor early-work protocols accordingly and improve welfare outcomes in racehorses during this critical developmental window.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Genetic markers for stress resilience and coping ability may eventually enable earlier identification of horses less likely to adapt well to training, allowing tailored management strategies
- •Understanding individual behavioural plasticity differences can help farriers and trainers adjust early training intensity and methods to reduce stress-related injuries and welfare problems
- •Salivary cortisol measurement at backing may serve as a practical biomarker to assess training readiness and predict which horses need modified training protocols
Key Findings
- •SNPs in genes GABARAP, NDM, OAZ1, RPS15A, SPARCL1, and VAMP2 were significantly associated with handler-assessed coping in yearling Thoroughbreds (q < 0.01)
- •SNPs near CEBPA, COA3, DUSP1, HNRNPH1, and RACK1 showed significant association with salivary cortisol concentration at first backing (q < 0.01)
- •NDN gene showed the strongest association with behavioural traits (q = 0.0002), previously linked to temperament in cattle
- •Identified genes have functional relevance to stress response, fear-induced behaviours, and neurodevelopmental processes critical for training adaptation