Investigating the effects of incremental conditioning and supplemental dietary tryptophan on the voluntary activity and behaviour of mid-distance training sled dogs

摘要: Serotonin is a neurotransmitter synthesized by the amino acid tryptophan, that has potential to impact behaviour and activity of dogs. The objective this study was assess effects supplemental tryptophan 12-week incremental training regimen on voluntary client-owned Siberian Huskies. Sixteen dogs were blocked for age, BW sex then randomly allocated either control or treatment group. Both groups fed same dry extruded diet; however, group supplemented with achieve tryptophan: large neutral ratio 0.075:1. Once week, 5-minute video recording taken immediately pre- post- exercise evaluate dogs9 behaviours. Activity monitors used record both rest days. Linear regression analysis relationship between week time spent performing each behaviour. Additionally, repeated measure mixed model test differences diet behavioural count data. agonistic behaviours prior negatively associated (β = -0.32, 95% CI [-0.55, -0.10], P 0.10). Treatment did not have any effect levels (P > For all dogs, locomotive decreased as weeks progressed