Records |
Author |
Chaplin, S.J.; Gretgrix, L. |
Title |
Effect of housing conditions on activity and lying behaviour of horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2010 |
Publication |
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Abbreviated Journal |
animal |
Volume |
4 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
792-795 |
Keywords |
lying, behaviour, activity, equine, housing |
Abstract |
Housing conditions for horses impose various levels of confinement, which may compromise welfare. Lying behaviour and activity can be used as welfare indicators for domestic animals and rebound behaviour suggests a build-up of motivation resulting from deprivation. The objective of this study was to determine if activity and lying behaviour of horses are affected by housing conditions and to investigate the occurrence of rebound behaviour after release from confinement. Eight horses were subjected, in pairs, to each of four experimental treatments; paddock (P), fully stabled (FS), partly stabled (PS) and yard (Y). Each horse received 6 days acclimatisation prior to the 24 h recording period. Time spent in lying and activity were electronically recorded using a tilt switch and motion sensor connected to a data logger worn on the horse's left foreleg. Time spent active during the first 5 min of release from stable to paddock in the PS treatment (days 1 and 5) and at the same time of day in the P treatment was used as a measure of rebound behaviour. Effect of housing conditions on total time spent active was highly significant (FS = 123 s, PS = 158 s, Y = 377 s, P = 779 s, P < 0.001). Housing conditions did not significantly affect total time spent lying (P = 0.646). Horses were significantly more active, compared with baseline paddock behaviour, on release from stabling on both days 1 (P = 0.006) and 5 (P = 0.025) of PS treatment. These results suggest that activity patterns of horses, but not lying behaviour, are affected by the housing conditions tested and that rebound activity occurs in horses after a period of confinement. |
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Publisher |
Cambridge University Press |
Place of Publication |
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Original Title |
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Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
2010/01/21 |
ISSN |
1751-7311 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6603 |
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Author |
Christensen, J.W.; Munk, R.; Hawson, L.; Palme, R.; Larsen, T.; Egenvall, A.; König von Borstel, U.U.; Rørvang, M.V. |
Title |
Rider effects on horses' conflict behaviour, rein tension, physiological measures and rideability scores |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2021 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
234 |
Issue |
|
Pages |
105184 |
Keywords |
Equitation science; Heart rate; Horse riding; Sport horse; Temperament; Training cues |
Abstract |
Many breeding organisations include a subjective scoring of rideability by a professional rider into their evaluation of sports horses, but the consistency and reliability of the scoring system is debateable. The aim of this study was to investigate (i) whether professional riders agree in their scoring of rideability, and (ii) whether rideability scores are affected by rein tension, horse conflict behaviour, heart rate, and salivary cortisol, and (iii) whether riders induce different levels of conflict behaviour and physiological responses in the horses. Ten professional, female riders each rode 10 dressage horses (level M German scale; n = 100 combinations) through a standardised dressage test (10 min warm-up followed by a 4-min test) and subsequently scored the horses for rideability on the official 1-10 scale (1 = poor to 10 = excellent) from the Danish Riding Federation. Rein tension, horse heart rate, saliva cortisol and conflict behaviour were measured for each rider-horse pair. The riders were inconsistent in their scoring of rideability to the individual horses, e.g. scores for one of the horses ranged from 1 to 8. There was a significant effect of rider (P = 0.003) and the frequency of conflict behaviour (undesired head movements: P < 0.001, breaking the gait: P = 0.013, and other evasive behaviour: P = 0.032) on rideability scores, i.e. the more conflict behaviour the lower the score. There was no significant effect of rein tension and the physiological measures on rideability scores. However, there was a significant effect of rider on rein tension, horses' heart rate and increases in saliva cortisol concentrations and a tendency for some types of conflict behaviour, suggesting that some riders induced more discomfort in the horses. Future studies could help shed light on which elements of riding style are particularly important for sports horse welfare. In conclusion, this study found a large variation in rideability scores assigned to ten sports horses by ten professional riders. Rideability scores were dependent on the level of horse conflict behaviour, but not rein tension and physiological measures. Further studies are needed to improve the objectivity, consistency and reliability of rideability assessment of sports horses. |
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Original Title |
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Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0168-1591 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Area |
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Expedition |
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Conference |
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Notes |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6696 |
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Author |
Christensen, J.W.; Søndergaard, E.; Thodberg, K.; Halekoh, U. |
Title |
Effects of repeated regrouping on horse behaviour and injuries |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2011 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
133 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
199-206 |
Keywords |
Group housing; Horse; Injuries; Regrouping; Social behaviour |
Abstract |
Domestic horses are faced with social challenges throughout their lives due to limitations in social contact, space restrictions and frequent changes in social companionship. This is in contrast to natural conditions where horses live in relatively stable harem bands. Currently, little is known about how repeated regrouping affect horse behaviour and welfare, and it is unknown whether horses may adapt to regrouping. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of an unstable group structure, caused by weekly regroupings, on behaviour and frequency of injuries in young horses. Forty-five horses were included in the study and were randomly assigned to the treatments; Stable (S; seven groups of three horses) or Unstable (U; eight groups of three horses). The experimental period lasted 7 weeks, during which horses in Stable groups remained in the same group, whereas one horse was exchanged between Unstable groups every week. The groups were kept in 80m×80m grass-covered enclosures and were fed additional roughage on the ground daily. Social interactions were recorded in Unstable groups immediately after each regrouping (30min), and in both Stable and Unstable groups on day 1, 3 and 6 after each regrouping (2×20min/group/day). Injuries were scored by the end of the experimental period. The level of aggression shown by horses in Unstable groups immediately after regrouping was not affected by week (F5,35=0.42, P=0.83), indicating that horses neither habituated, nor sensitized, to repeated regrouping. Compared to horses in Stable groups, more agonistic behaviour was shown by horses in Unstable groups (i.e. non-contact agonistic; F1,65=5.60, P=0.02), whereas there was no treatment effect on other variables. The level of play behaviour appeared, however, to be more variable in Unstable groups. There was a significant effect of week on the level of contact agonistic interactions as well as greeting behaviour, due to a high occurrence in weeks 4-6. Non-contact agonistic interactions constituted the major part of agonistic interactions (66%). Possibly as consequence, no serious injuries were registered and there was no treatment effect (U=184; P=0.11). We conclude that the behaviour of young horses is affected by group management, and that horses appear not to adapt to weekly regroupings. |
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ISSN |
0168-1591 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6605 |
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Author |
Cozzi, B.; Povinelli, M.; Ballarin, C.; Granato, A. |
Title |
The Brain of the Horse: Weight and Cephalization Quotients |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2014 |
Publication |
Brain, Behavior and Evolution |
Abbreviated Journal |
Brain Behav Evol |
Volume |
83 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
9-16 |
Keywords |
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Abstract |
The horse is a common domestic animal whose anatomy has been studied since the XVI century. However, a modern neuroanatomy of this species does not exist and most of the data utilized in textbooks and reviews derive from single specimens or relatively old literature. Here, we report information on the brain of Equus caballus obtained by sampling 131 horses, including brain weight (as a whole and subdivided into its constituents), encephalization quotient (EQ), and cerebellar quotient (CQ), and comparisons with what is known about other relevant species. The mean weight of the fresh brains in our experimental series was 598.63 g (SEM ± 7.65), with a mean body weight of 514.12 kg (SEM ± 15.42). The EQ was 0.78 and the CQ was 0.841. The data we obtained indicate that the horse possesses a large, convoluted brain, with a weight similar to that of other hoofed species of like mass. However, the shape of the brain, the noteworthy folding of the neocortex, and the peculiar longitudinal distribution of the gyri suggest an evolutionary specificity at least partially separate from that of the Cetartiodactyla (even-toed mammals and cetaceans) with whom Perissodactyla (odd-toed mammals) are often grouped. |
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ISSN |
0006-8977 |
ISBN |
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Medium |
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Notes |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6592 |
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Author |
da Cruz, A.B.; Hirata, S.; dos Santos, M.E.; Mendonça, R.S. |
Title |
Show me your best side: Lateralization of social and resting behaviors in feral horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Behavioural Processes |
Abbreviated Journal |
Behav. Process. |
Volume |
206 |
Issue |
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Pages |
104839 |
Keywords |
Cerebral lateralization; Drone technology; ; Hemispheric specialization; Horses; Social interactions |
Abstract |
Growing evidence shows a variety of sensorial and motor asymmetries in social and non-social interactions in various species, indicating a lateralized processing of information by the brain. Using digital video cameras on tripods and drones, this study investigated lateralization in frequency and duration of social behavior patterns, in affiliative, agonistic, and resting contexts, in a feral population of horses (Equus ferus caballus) in Northern Portugal, consisting of 37 individuals organized in eight harem groups. Affiliative interactions (including grooming) were more often performed, and lasted longer, when recipients were positioned to the right side. In recumbent resting (animals lying down) episodes on the left side lasted longer. Our results of an affiliative behavior having a right side tendency, provide partial support to the valence-specific hypothesis of Ahern and Schwartz (1979) – left hemisphere dominance for positive affect, affiliative behaviors. Longer recumbent resting episodes on the left side may be due to synchronization. However, in both instances it is discussed how lateralization may be context dependent. Investigating the position asymmetries of social behaviors in feral equids will contribute to a better understanding of differential lateralization and hemispheric specialization from the ecological and evolutionary perspectives. |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
0376-6357 |
ISBN |
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Area |
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Approved |
no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6697 |
Permanent link to this record |
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Author |
da Cruz, A.B.; Hirata, S.; dos Santos, M.E.; Mendonça, R.S. |
Title |
Show me your best side: Lateralization of social and resting behaviors in feral horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2023 |
Publication |
Behavioural Processes |
Abbreviated Journal |
Behav. Process. |
Volume |
206 |
Issue |
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Pages |
104839 |
Keywords |
Cerebral lateralization; Drone technology; ; Hemispheric specialization; Horses; Social interactions |
Abstract |
Growing evidence shows a variety of sensorial and motor asymmetries in social and non-social interactions in various species, indicating a lateralized processing of information by the brain. Using digital video cameras on tripods and drones, this study investigated lateralization in frequency and duration of social behavior patterns, in affiliative, agonistic, and resting contexts, in a feral population of horses (Equus ferus caballus) in Northern Portugal, consisting of 37 individuals organized in eight harem groups. Affiliative interactions (including grooming) were more often performed, and lasted longer, when recipients were positioned to the right side. In recumbent resting (animals lying down) episodes on the left side lasted longer. Our results of an affiliative behavior having a right side tendency, provide partial support to the valence-specific hypothesis of Ahern and Schwartz (1979) – left hemisphere dominance for positive affect, affiliative behaviors. Longer recumbent resting episodes on the left side may be due to synchronization. However, in both instances it is discussed how lateralization may be context dependent. Investigating the position asymmetries of social behaviors in feral equids will contribute to a better understanding of differential lateralization and hemispheric specialization from the ecological and evolutionary perspectives. |
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0376-6357 |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6711 |
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Author |
Davies, H.M.S.; Merritt, J.S. |
Title |
Surface strains around the midshaft of the third metacarpal bone during turning |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2004 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Volume |
36 |
Issue |
8 |
Pages |
689-692 |
Keywords |
horse; exercise; strain; third metacarpal bone; turns |
Abstract |
Summary Reasons for performing study: Bone strains quantify skeletal effects of specific exercise and hence assist in designing training programmes to avoid bone injury. Objective: To test whether compressive strains increase on the lateral surface of the inside third metacarpal bone (McIII) and the medial surface of the outside McIII in a turn. Methods: Rosette strain gauges on dorsal, medial and lateral surfaces of the midshaft of the left McIII in 2 Thoroughbred geldings were recorded simultaneously during turning at the walk on a bitumen surface. Results: Medial surface: Compression peaks were larger in the outside limb. Tension peaks were larger in the inside limb and in a tighter turn. On the lateral surface compression and tension peaks were larger on the inside limb, which showed the largest recorded strains (compression of -1400 microstrains). Dorsal compression strains were larger on the outside limb and on a larger circle. Tensile strains were similar in both directions and larger on a larger circle. Conclusions: Compressive strains increased on the lateral surface of the inside McIII and medial surface of the outside McIII in a turn. Potential relevance: Slow-speed turning exercise may be sufficient to maintain bone mechanical characteristics in the inside limb lateral McIII cortex. Further work is needed to confirm these findings and to determine whether faster gaits and/or tighter turns are sufficient to cause bone modelling levels of strain in the medial and lateral McIII cortex. |
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Publisher |
American Medical Association (AMA) |
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ISSN |
0425-1644 |
ISBN |
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no |
Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6715 |
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Author |
de Oliveira, K.; Soutello, R.V.G.; da Fonseca, R.; Costa, C.; de L. Meirelles, P.R.; Fachiolli, D.F.; Clayton, H.M. |
Title |
Gymnastic Training and Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Improve Stride Quality and Increase Epaxial Muscle Size in Therapy Horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2015 |
Publication |
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
35 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
888-893 |
Keywords |
Equine; Hippotherapy; Therapeutic exercise; Dynamic mobilization exercise; Physical training; Three-dimensional movement |
Abstract |
The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of gymnastic training (GYM) and dynamic mobilization exercises (DMEs) on stride length (SL) and epaxial muscle size in therapy horses. Nine cross-bred hippotherapy horses that performed three, 25-minute therapeutic riding sessions per week throughout the study period were randomly assigned to three experimental groups: a control group in which the horses were sedentary with no additional physical activity; a group that performed DMEs; and a group that performed both DMEs and additional GYM including pelvic tilting, backing, turning in small circles, and walking over a raised rail to strengthen the abdominal and pelvic stabilizer muscles. The exercises were performed 3Â days per week for 3Â months, with evaluations at the start and end of the study. Stride quality was assessed by measuring SL and tracking distance (TD). Epaxial muscle size was monitored by ultrasonographic measurement of m. longissimus dorsi (LD) thickness and m. multifidi (MM) cross-sectional area. Paired t tests were used to compare within groups across time, and between groups were detected using analysis of variance with Tukey post hoc test. When walking at 1.3Â m/s, SL and TD at walk increased significantly (P < .05) in horses subjected to GYM. Thickness of LD did not change in any group, but cross-sectional area of MM increased significantly by 3.55Â cm2 (DME) and 3.78Â cm2 (GYM). It was concluded that GYM training improved stride quality and DME-stimulated MM hypertrophy which has been shown to improve intervertebral joint stability in other species. |
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ISSN |
0737-0806 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6593 |
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Author |
Dong, D.; Jones, G.; Zhang, S. |
Title |
Dynamic evolution of bitter taste receptor genes in vertebrates |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2009 |
Publication |
BMC Evolutionary Biology |
Abbreviated Journal |
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Volume |
9 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
12 |
Keywords |
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Abstract |
Sensing bitter tastes is crucial for many animals because it can prevent them from ingesting harmful foods. This process is mainly mediated by the bitter taste receptors (T2R), which are largely expressed in the taste buds. Previous studies have identified some T2R gene repertoires, and marked variation in repertoire size has been noted among species. However, the mechanisms underlying the evolution of vertebrate T2R genes remain poorly understood. |
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1471-2148 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ Dong2009 |
Serial |
6637 |
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Author |
Drevemo, S.; Fredricson, I.; Hjertén, G.; McMIKEN, D. |
Title |
Early development of gait asymmetries in trotting Standardbred colts |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1987 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine. Vet. J. |
Volume |
19 |
Issue |
3 |
Pages |
189-191 |
Keywords |
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Abstract |
Summary Ten trotting Standardbred colts were recorded by high-speed cinematography at the ages of eight, 12 and 18 months. The horses were trotting on a treadmill operating at 4.0 m/secs. Five horses were subjected to a programme of intensified training from eight months of age, whereas the others were not trained and acted as controls. The films were analysed on a semi-automatic film-reading equipment and a number of variables used to demonstrate the gait symmetry were calculated and scaled by computer. Certain differences between left and right diagonal and contralateral pair of limbs, respectively, were noted, suggesting that laterality in horses may be inherited. The most pronounced systematic differences were found in 18-month old horses in the trained group. The results show the importance of careful gait examination and comprehensive coordination training at an early age. |
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American Medical Association (AMA) |
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0425-1644 |
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https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb01373.x |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6702 |
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