Scientists at the University of Queensland have found that music therapy may help reduce the stress associated with weaning.The research, conducted at the University's Equine Research Unit at the Gatton campus, was presented last year at the Australasian Equine Science Symposium.
Calming effect of music on weanling horses
When music was being played, the peak heart rate in response to stress was substantially lower and the duration of increased heart rate was shorter in the weanling horses.
Twelve weanlings that had been raised together were divided into two groups, matched for temperament. During weekends, all weanlings were turned out together. On week days, one group remained in the paddock, while the other group was stabled, with or without soothing music. Eventually both groups had been stabled for five days with music and five days without.
During the music treatment weeks, the Forest Gump Main Theme by Alan Silvestri was played continuously from 09.00h to 15.00h daily. This particular piece of music was chosen for its constant rhythm, continuity and predictable melody.
The research team recorded heart rates every day from 09.00h to 15.00h using heart rate monitors. They also recorded each horse's behaviour.
They found that although music did not affect the median heart rate, it significantly reduced heart rate variability. Furthermore, behavioural measurements showed that weanlings were more relaxed, and spent more time eating rather than walking about the stable, when they were exposed to soothing music.
Twice a week the weanlings were exposed to stallions in nearby stables. This gave the research team the opportunity to assess the effect of music on the weanlings' response to stress.
They found that, when music was being played, the peak heart rate in response to stress was substantially lower and the duration of increased heart rate was shorter.
The researchers conclude that their findings suggest that “stress responses in weanlings can be modified by playing music while the weanlings are in their stables. The application of music therapy to enrich the equine environment is an area that shows promise and requires further study,” according to the researchers.