Valutazione di alcuni ormoni stress-correlati in cavalli prima e dopo stordimento con pistola a proiettile captivo.

This work aimed to survey the slaughtering-linked plasma modifications of some stress-related hormones in horses subject to butcher standardized procedures. The blood samples of 12 males horses, ageing from 3 to 5 years, have been collected before slaughtering, in lairage, and after stunning by captive bolt gun, during exsanguination. The plasma levels of beta-endorphin, cortisol, epinephrine and norepinephrine have been assayed by EIA. The results indicate that beta-endorphin did not significantly increase after stunning, while cortisol (P<0.05) and catecholamines (P<0.001) significantly increased. The ratio between the plasma level of norepinephrine and epinephrine decreases significantly (P<0.001) during the time considered for observation underlining a greater involvement of adrenalmedulla in the stress response. Moreover these results suggest that the beta-endorphin release, under stress, could be different from ACTH release.