Any condition that disrupts an animal's homeostasis triggers a stress response, which can vary in duration and intensity depending on the stressor. While stress is a natural and protective physiological reaction, prolonged exposure to stress can negatively impact health and welfare, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions. Early identification of stress responses in equids is essential to prevent the onset of stress-related diseases. Chronic stress can predispose horses, donkeys, and mules to abnormal behaviors such as stereotypies, as well as gastrointestinal issues like gastric ulcers, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Stress and welfare are intrinsically linked. When equids display symptoms of stress, their welfare is likely compromised. The One Health approach -which underscores the interconnection between human, animal, and environmental health - supports the need for an integrated understanding of stress and disease. Within this framework, identifying coping mechanisms is critical for maintaining welfare in these interconnected systems.

This Research Topic aims to advance knowledge on the evaluation and understanding of stress and welfare in equids - including horses, donkeys, and mules - by promoting a multimodal and updated scientific approach. One primary goal is to investigate how sport and breeding activities affect stress responses and mental health in equines, thereby enhancing our understanding of the relationship between animal health and welfare.

Further goals include:

• Gaining new insights into the welfare of working equids, especially mules and donkeys.
• Expanding the knowledge base on food-producing equids (e.g., dairy, meat, and skin-producing donkeys).
• Increasing available data on equids involved in animal-assisted interventions.

The application of innovative diagnostic tools and the discovery of novel biomarkers will be vital to improving stress evaluation and disease prevention. Non-invasive sampling methods, such as those utilizing saliva or sweat, are encouraged to support welfare-friendly veterinary practices.

This Research Topic invites recent research contributions related to stress and welfare in horses, donkeys, and mules. We welcome original research articles, reviews, and short communications that explore novel diagnostic methods, stress management strategies, and welfare indicators in equids.

As demonstrated in human medicine, stress can drastically affect quality of life. Similarly, in veterinary contexts, identifying and addressing stress can enhance both physical and behavioral well-being in animals. We encourage submissions that illuminate emerging diagnostic tools, coping strategies, and management practices aimed at reducing stress and improving welfare in this underexplored but crucial field.

Are you interested in contributing a manuscript to this Research Topic?

Advancements in Stress Evaluation and Welfare in Equids