The aim of the study was to assess the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) on the heart rate, salivary cortisol concentration and approach time of horses subjected to fear tests. The study involved 20 Polish sport horses, divided into a research group and a control group. Research group was given 100 mg of CBD daily for 21 days. Both groups were subjected to two fear tests in three studies: before the start of supplementation, on day 10th and 11th and on day 20th and 21st of supplementation. Heart rate and saliva sampling to determine salivary cortisol levels were performed before and immediately after each fear test for both groups. In addition, the approach time to both objects was measured in both fear tests. The study showed no statistically significant difference in cortisol concentration and heart rate between the research group and the control group. There was statistically significant differences between the groups in approach time in three studies. Results of the study didn’t prove the anti-anxiety effect of CBD on the horse's body, but shortening the approach time to the object gives grounds for further research on the anti-anxiety effect of CBD in horses.
You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.