Transportation of sports horses: new perspectives at the intersection of ethics, science and technology Introduction: From logistics challenge to comprehensive welfare challenge Transportation of sports horses, whether for participation in the Olympic Games, world championships, or commercial tournaments, has traditionally been considered an inevitable operational cost. However, in recent decades, the approach to this process has been fundamentally changing under the influence of three factors: growing public and animal protection pressure, the accumulation of scientific data on stress and its impact on workability, and the emergence of new technologies. Modern perspectives shift the focus from minimizing physical injuries to optimizing overall welfare and maintaining the maximum sports potential of the horse after transportation. Physiology and neurobiology of transport stress: new data Transportation is a complex stressor affecting several body systems simultaneously. The latest research using portable sensors and biomarker analysis clarifies the picture: Neuroendocrine system: It has been confirmed that even well-organized transportation causes a significant release of cortisol and catecholamines. However, the key finding is the individual variability of the reaction. Horses with certain polymorphisms of genes related to stress processing (such as in the dopamine and serotonin system) and negative previous experience demonstrate a more pronounced and prolonged stress response. This requires a personalized approach to preparation. Immune function: Long-term stress from transportation leads to a transient immunosuppressive state. Increased susceptibility to respiratory pathogens (so-called "transport fever") and exacerbation of latent herpesvirus infections (EHV-1). New protocols include pre-transportal immunomonitoring and adaptive vaccination. Metabolism and hydration: The use of sensors to monitor water consumption on the road has revealed that many horses drink ... Читать далее