Japanese researchers have discovered that a serotonin receptor gene may make some horses more laid back than others. Serotonin is a brain chemical which affects both mood and social behavior.
A team of scientists from Kyoto University assessed the tractability of 167 Thoroughbred racehorses at a training center by having their handlers fill out a questionnaire. A genetic analysis was then run on each horse, focusing on a serotonin receptor gene that was associated with anxiety-related traits in other species.
The researchers found a significant association between one variation of the serotonin receptor gene and lower tractability (less easily managed or controlled), specifically in fillies. The team concluded that the gene might play a role in a horse’s trainability and its effect may be partially dependent on the horse’s gender.
Read more at EQUUS magazine.
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