Cannabidiol Improves Emotional State of Horses, Study from UnB Indicates

A study conducted by researchers from the Faculty of Agronomy and Veterinary Medicine at UnB analyzed the impact of cannabidiol (CBD) on horse behavior. CBD, a substance derived from the Cannabis sativa plant, is known for its therapeutic properties, such as anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects, without psychoactive effects.

The experiment was conducted with two horses in a double-blind study, comparing the use of CBD Equation 7500mg oil and canola oil (placebo). The animals' behaviors were monitored using an ethogram, a tool that allows for the observation and analysis of behavioral changes. Assessments occurred at three daily moments: before the oil administration, two hours after, and six hours after.

The results indicated significant changes. Both horses showed an increase in the frequency of snorting behavior, considered an indicator of improved emotional state. Additionally, behaviors related to relaxation, such as lying down, rolling, and body shaking, were reduced, suggesting a beneficial effect of CBD. Despite the increase in urination and defecation frequency, these behaviors remained within normal physiological patterns.

The research reinforces the safety of using CBD in horses, although the authors recommend expanding the study with more animals and higher doses to validate the results. The continuation of this type of investigation may bring significant advances in animal welfare and the therapeutic use of cannabidiol in veterinary medicine.

 

See details of the study that aimed to evaluate the effects of cannabidiol (CBD) on equine behavior, focusing on specific behaviors monitored through an ethogram. The main objective was to identify behavioral changes and potential therapeutic benefits of CBD.

• CBD: It is a lipid phytocannabinoid extracted from the flowers, leaves, and stems of the Cannabis sativa plant. Its action is non-psychoactive.
   
• Therapeutic properties: Notable for its anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory effects.
   
• Equine behavior: Analyzed using an ethogram, a method that categorizes and observes specific behaviors.

Methodology

1. Study Design:

    

   • Double-blind, involving two horses.
   • Two oils administered:
     • CBD oil (7500 mg, 30 ml).
     • Canola oil (placebo).
        
   • Gradual administration of doses, with a switch of oils between the horses after each phase.
   • One-week "wash-out" period before each new phase.
      
2. Behavior Observation:
    
   • Conducted 3 times a day:
     • Before administration.
     • Two hours after.
     • Six hours after.
   • The ethogram included 32 typical behaviors of the species.
      
3. Complementary Tool:
    
   • Facial Sedation Scale: Used to monitor signs of sedation in the animals.

Detailed Results
 

• Behavioral Changes:
   
  • Snorting: Increased in frequency, suggesting an improvement in the emotional state of the animals.
     
  • Lying down, rolling, and body shaking: Reduced, indicating physical and mental relaxation.
     
  • Urination and defecation: Despite the increase in frequency, they were considered physiologically normal.
    
     
• Interpretation:
   
  • Snorting was highlighted as a relevant social vocalization.
     
  • The decrease in excessive relaxation behaviors suggests an anxiolytic effect of CBD.

Conclusions and Implications
 

• The research demonstrated safety in the administration of CBD oil.
   
• There were individual variations in behavioral responses, reinforcing the need for more studies.
   
• It is recommended to expand the sample size and use higher doses to validate the initial results.