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| Author | Rhodin, M.; Johnston, C.; Holm, K.R.; Wennerstrand, J.; Drevemo, S. | ||||
| Title | The influence of head and neck position on kinematics of the back in riding horses at the walk and trot | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2005 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 37 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 7-11 |
| Keywords | Acceleration; Animals; Back/*physiology; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/veterinary; Female; Gait/*physiology; Head/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Male; Movement/physiology; Neck/*physiology; Walking/physiology | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: A common opinion among riders and in the literature is that the positioning of the head and neck influences the back of the horse, but this has not yet been measured objectively. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of head and neck position on the kinematics of the back in riding horses. METHODS: Eight Warmblood riding horses in regular work were studied on a treadmill at walk and trot with the head and neck in 3 different predetermined positions achieved by side reins attached to the bit and to an anticast roller. The 3-dimensional movement of the thoracolumbar spine was measured from the position of skin-fixed markers recorded by infrared videocameras. RESULTS: Head and neck position influenced the movements of the back, especially at the walk. When the head was fixed in a high position at the walk, the flexion-extension movement and lateral bending of the lumbar back, as well as the axial rotation, were significantly reduced when compared to movements with the head free or in a low position. At walk, head and neck position also significantly influenced stride length, which was shortest with the head in a high position. At trot, the stride length was independent of head position. CONCLUSIONS: Restricting and restraining the position and movement of the head and neck alters the movement of the back and stride characteristics. With the head and neck in a high position stride length and flexion and extension of the caudal back were significantly reduced. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Use of side reins in training and rehabilitation programmes should be used with an understanding of the possible effects on the horse's back. | ||||
| Address | Department of Anatomy, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:15651727 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 3657 | ||
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| Author | Anderson, T.M.; McIlwraith, C.W.; Douay, P. | ||||
| Title | The role of conformation in musculoskeletal problems in the racing Thoroughbred | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2004 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 36 | Issue | 7 | Pages | 571-575 |
| Keywords | Animals; Carpus, Animal/anatomy & histology/physiology; Horse Diseases/etiology/*pathology/surgery; Horses/*anatomy & histology/injuries/physiology; Likelihood Functions; Logistic Models; Muscle, Skeletal/*anatomy & histology/pathology; Musculoskeletal Diseases/pathology/surgery/*veterinary; Tarsus, Animal/anatomy & histology/physiology; Treatment Outcome | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: The relationship of conformation to future potential injury is a standard approach in practise but, at present, is largely based on subjective observations. OBJECTIVE: To measure conformation in 3-year-old Thoroughbreds and objectively test its relationship with the occurrence of musculoskeletal problems. METHODS: Conformation measurements were taken from photographs using specific reference points marked on the horses and processed on the computer. Clinical observations were recorded for each horse on a regular basis. Stepwise (forward) logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between the binary response of the clinical outcomes probability and the conformation variables by the method of maximum likelihood. RESULTS: Clinical outcomes significantly (P<0.05) associated with conformational variables included effusion of the front fetlock, effusion of the right carpus, effusion of the carpus, effusion of the hind fetlock, fracture of the left or right carpus, right front fetlock problem and hind fetlock problem. CONCLUSIONS: Offset knees (offset ratio) contributed to fetlock problems. Long pasterns increased the odds of a fracture in the front limb. An increase in the carpal angle as viewed from the front (carpal valgus) may serve as a protective mechanism, as the odds for a carpal fracture and carpal effusion decreased with an increase in the carpal angle. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study demonstrates relationships between conformation and musculoskeletal disease in the racehorse. The information may be useful in selection and management of the racing Thoroughbred. | ||||
| Address | Colorado State University, Equine Science and Equine Orthopaedic Research Programs, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | PMID:15581320 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 3697 | ||
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| Author | Gomez Alvarez, C.B.; Rhodin, M.; Bobber, M.F.; Meyer, H.; Weishaupt, M.A.; Johnston, C.; Van Weeren, P.R. | ||||
| Title | The effect of head and neck position on the thoracolumbar kinematics in the unridden horse | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume | Issue | 36 | Pages | 445-451 | |
| Keywords | Animals; Biomechanics; Head/*physiology; Horses/*physiology; Lumbar Vertebrae/physiology; Male; Neck/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/physiology; Posture/*physiology; Sports; Thoracic Vertebrae/physiology; Weight-Bearing | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: In many equestrian activities a specific position of head and/or neck is required that is dissimilar to the natural position. There is controversy about the effects of these positions on locomotion pattern, but few quantitative data are available. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the effects of 5 different head and neck positions on thoracolumbar kinematics of the horse. METHODS: Kinematics of 7 high level dressage horses were measured walking and trotting on an instrumented treadmill with the head and neck in the following positions: HNP2 = neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3 = as HNP2 with bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4 = head and neck lowered, nose behind the vertical; HNP5 = head and neck in extreme high position; HNP6 = head and neck forward and downward. HNP1 was a speed-matched control (head and neck unrestrained). RESULTS: The head and neck positions affected only the flexion-extension motion. The positions in which the neck was extended (HNP2, 3, 5) increased extension in the anterior thoracic region, but increased flexion in the posterior thoracic and lumbar region. For HNP4 the pattern was the opposite. Positions 2, 3 and 5 reduced the flexion-extension range of motion (ROM) while HNP4 increased it. HNP5 was the only position that negatively affected intravertebral pattern symmetry and reduced hindlimb protraction. The stride length was significantly reduced at walk in positions 2, 3, 4 and 5. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant influence of head/neck position on back kinematics. Elevated head and neck induce extension in the thoracic region and flexion in the lumbar region; besides reducing the sagittal range of motion. Lowered head and neck produces the opposite. A very high position of the head and neck seems to disturb normal kinematics. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: This study provides quantitative data on the effect of head/neck positions on thoracolumbar motion and may help in discussions on the ethical acceptability of some training methods. | ||||
| Address | Department of Equine Sciences, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands | ||||
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| Notes | PMID:17402464 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 3702 | ||
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| Author | Weishaupt, M.A.; Wiestner, T.; von Peinen, K.; Waldern, N.; Roepstorff, L.; van Weeren, R.; Meyer, H.; Johnston, C. | ||||
| Title | Effect of head and neck position on vertical ground reaction forces and interlimb coordination in the dressage horse ridden at walk and trot on a treadmill | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J Suppl |
| Volume | Issue | 36 | Pages | 387-392 | |
| Keywords | Animals; Biomechanics; Exercise Test/instrumentation/methods/*veterinary; Forelimb/physiology; Gait; Head/physiology; Hindlimb/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Locomotion/*physiology; Male; Neck/physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal/methods/*physiology; Posture; Statistics, Nonparametric; Walking/*physiology | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Little is known in quantitative terms about the influence of different head-neck positions (HNPs) on the loading pattern of the locomotor apparatus. Therefore it is difficult to predict whether a specific riding technique is beneficial for the horse or if it may increase the risk for injury. OBJECTIVE: To improve the understanding of forelimb-hindlimb balance and its underlying temporal changes in relation to different head and neck positions. METHODS: Vertical ground reaction force and time parameters of each limb were measured in 7 high level dressage horses while being ridden at walk and trot on an instrumented treadmill in 6 predetermined HNPs: HNP1 – free, unrestrained with loose reins; HNP2 – neck raised, bridge of the nose in front of the vertical; HNP3 – neck raised, bridge of the nose behind the vertical; HNP4 – neck lowered and flexed, bridge of the nose considerably behind the vertical; HNP5 – neck extremely elevated and bridge of the nose considerably in front of the vertical; HNP6 – neck and head extended forward and downward. Positions were judged by a qualified dressage judge. HNPs were assessed by comparing the data to a velocity-matched reference HNP (HNP2). Differences were tested using paired t test or Wilcoxon signed rank test (P<0.05). RESULTS: At the walk, stride duration and overreach distance increased in HNP1, but decreased in HNP3 and HNP5. Stride impulse was shifted to the forehand in HNP1 and HNP6, but shifted to the hindquarters in HNP5. At the trot, stride duration increased in HNP4 and HNP5. Overreach distance was shorter in HNP4. Stride impulse shifted to the hindquarters in HNP5. In HNP1 peak forces decreased in the forelimbs; in HNP5 peak forces increased in fore- and hindlimbs. CONCLUSIONS: HNP5 had the biggest impact on limb timing and load distribution and behaved inversely to HNP1 and HNP6. Shortening of forelimb stance duration in HNP5 increased peak forces although the percentage of stride impulse carried by the forelimbs decreased. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: An extremely high HNP affects functionality much more than an extremely low neck. | ||||
| Address | Equine Hospital, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland | ||||
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| Notes | PMID:17402453 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 3704 | ||
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| Author | van der Kolk, J.H.; Nachreiner, R.F.; Schott, H.C.; Refsal, K.R.; Zanella, A.J. | ||||
| Title | Salivary and plasma concentration of cortisol in normal horses and horses with Cushing's disease | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2001 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 33 | Issue | 2 | Pages | 211-213 |
| Keywords | Adrenal Cortex Function Tests/standards/veterinary; Animals; Cushing Syndrome/diagnosis/metabolism/*veterinary; Female; Horse Diseases/blood/*diagnosis/metabolism; Horses/blood/*metabolism; Hydrocortisone/blood/*metabolism; Male; Predictive Value of Tests; Reference Values; Saliva/*metabolism | ||||
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| Address | Department of Large Animal Medicine and Nutrition, Veterinary Faculty, Utrecht University, The Netherlands | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | PMID:11266074 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4281 | ||
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| Author | Knubben, J.M.; Fürst, A.; Gygax, L.; Stauffacher, M. | ||||
| Title | Bite and kick injuries in horses: Prevalence, risk factors and prevention | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | |
| Volume | 40 | Issue | 3 | Pages | 219-223 |
| Keywords | horse; kick; bite; injury; risk factors | ||||
| Abstract | Reasons for performing study: Studies on the prevalence and predisposing factors of bite and kick injuries in horses have not been reported in a population-based data sample. Objectives: To investigate the prevalence of bite and kick injuries in horses and associated risk factors in a representative sample of horses in Switzerland. Methods: A questionnaire on the incidence of disease and injury, which included the frequency of bite and kick injuries and their association with breed, housing, use and feeding regime, was sent to 2559 horse owners randomly selected throughout Switzerland. Results: The data of 2912 horses with 897 disorders diagnosed by a veterinarian were analysed. There were 231 injuries, 50 (21.6%) caused by a bite or kick from another horse; this number corresponded to 5.6% of all diseases and injuries and concerned only 1.7% of all the horses evaluated. Warmblood, Thoroughbred and Arabian horses had a 4.3 times higher risk of bite or kick injuries than horses of other breeds. Eighteen per cent of injuries were associated with a change in housing management and occurred regardless of whether horses were kept in groups permanently or sporadically. Conclusions and potential relevance: A stable group hierarchy and a housing system that provides adequate space and is adapted to horse-specific behaviour are important factors in prevention and kick and bite injuries. | ||||
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| Publisher | Blackwell Publishing Ltd | Place of Publication | Editor | ||
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| ISSN | 2042-3306 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5760 | ||
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| Author | Christensen, J.W.; Malmkvist, J.; Nielsen, B.L.; Keeling, L.J. | ||||
| Title | Effects of a calm companion on fear reactions in naive test horses | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2008 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 40 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 46-50 |
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| Abstract | REASON FOR PERFORMING STUDY: In fear-eliciting situations, horses tend to show flight reactions that can be dangerous for both horse and man. Finding appropriate methods for reducing fearfulness in horses has important practical implications. OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the presence of a calm companion horse influences fear reactions in naive subject horses. HYPOTHESES: The presence of a habituated (calm) companion horse in a fear-eliciting situation can reduce fear reactions in naive subject horses, compared to subject horses with a nonhabituated companion (control). METHODS: Minimally handled (n = 36), 2-year-old stallions were used, 18 as subjects and 18 as companions. Companion horses (n = 9) were habituated to an otherwise frightening, standardised test stimulus (calm companions), whereas the rest (n = 9) of the companion horses remained nonhabituated (control companions). During the test, unique pairs of companion and subject horses were exposed to the test stimulus while heart rate and behavioural responses were registered. Subsequently, subject horses were exposed to the stimulus on their own (post test). RESULTS: Subject horses, paired with a calm companion horse, showed less fear-related behaviour and lower heart rate responses compared to subject horses with control companions. Results from the post test suggest that the difference between treatment groups remained in the subsequent absence of companion horses. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: It appears possible to reduce fear reactions in young, naive horses by allowing them to interact with a calm companion horse in fear-eliciting situations. | ||||
| Address | Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Aarhus, PO Box 50, DK-8830 Tjele, Denmark | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | PMID:18083659 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4355 | ||
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| Author | Malmgren, L.; Andresen, Ø.; Dalin, A.-M. | ||||
| Title | Effect of GnRH immunisation on hormonal levels, sexual behaviour, semen quality and testicular morphology in mature stallions | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2001 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine vet. J. |
| Volume | 33 | Issue | 1 | Pages | 75-83 |
| Keywords | horse; GnRH; immunisation; stallion; testosterone; oestrone sulphate; sexual behaviour; semen quality | ||||
| Abstract | Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) immunisation on mature stallions that had been used for breeding. Four Standardbred stallions were used in the study: 3 experimental animals and 1 control animal. Semen was collected regularly, i.e. twice/week, during the 4 months prior to the experimental period. The stallions were immunised against GnRH with a GnRH-BSA conjugate. Equimune was used as the adjuvant. The stallions were immunised on 5 occasions, 4 at 2 week intervals, and the fifth 4 weeks after the fourth. Blood samples were taken once a week for analysis of GnRH antibody titre and every third week for testosterone and oestrone sulphate analyses. Semen was collected once a week, and libido and sexual behaviour were observed. Ejaculate volume, sperm concentration, total number of sperm in the ejaculate, sperm motility and sperm morphology were evaluated. Testicular size was measured once a week. At the end of the study, the stallions were castrated, and a histological examination of the testes performed. All immunised stallions produced antibodies against GnRH, and plasma testosterone concentration decreased. However, the effect of immunisation varied between stallions. In 2 of the stallions, high levels of antibodies were found, while in the third, the level was moderate. Four weeks after the first immunisation, a decrease in libido was observed. Two months after the first immunisation, marked changes in semen quality were observed in the 2 stallions with high antibody titres. Fourteen weeks after the first immunisation, the total number of sperm/ejaculate had decreased from >8.6×109 to<2.7×109, sperm motility from >59 to<10% and the frequency of morphological normal spermatozoa had decreased from >60 to<14%. The dominating abnormalities were abnormal head shapes, proximal cytoplasmic droplets and detached heads. In the third stallion, only slight changes in semen quality were found. No changes were observed in the control stallion. Decreases in testicular size were noted in all of the experimental stallions. Pronounced histological alterations in the testes were observed in 2 of the stallions. It is concluded that the vaccine was effective in stimulating production of GnRH antibodies and in suppressing testicular function and androgen secretion. However, there was an individual variation in the responses among the stallions and, further, libido was not totally suppressed. | ||||
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| Publisher | Blackwell Publishing Ltd | Place of Publication | Editor | ||
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| ISSN | 2042-3306 | ISBN | Medium | ||
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5312 | ||
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| Author | Kaseda, Y.; Ogawa, H.; Khalil, A.M. | ||||
| Title | Causes of natal dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation in Misaki feral horses | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 1997 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 29 | Issue | 4 | Pages | 262-266 |
| Keywords | Age Factors; Animal Migration; Animals; Animals, Wild; *Behavior, Animal/physiology; Female; Horses/*physiology/psychology; Male; Reproduction; Seasons; Sexual Behavior, Animal; *Social Behavior | ||||
| Abstract | Misaki feral horses were separated into 2 herds and the difference between dispersal from natal group (natal dispersal) and dispersal from natal area (natal emigration) was studied. The causes of dispersal and emigration and their effects on harem formation were studied 1979-1994. The number of horses ranged from 73 (mature males: 8, mature females: 26, young males: 8, young females: 3, colt foals: 6, filly foals: 10 and geldings: 12) in 1979 and 86 (mature males: 14, mature females: 37, young males: 12, young females: 7, colt foals: 5, filly foals: 7 and geldings: 4) in 1994 when the present study ended. All 29 males which survived to age 4 years and 58 females which survived to age 3 years left their natal or mother groups at age one to 3. Seventeen of 22 dispersing males and 29 of 39 dispersing females left their natal groups around the birth of their siblings and significant correlations were found between natal dispersal and birth of a sibling. The number of emigrating young males correlated negatively and significantly with the total number of young males in another herd and the number of emigrating young females correlated positively and significantly with the total number of young females in the natal herd. All 13 emigrating stallions which survived to age 5 years formed stable harem groups and a significant correlation was found between natal emigration and harem formation. Twenty-three of 35 resident mares formed stable consort relations with harem stallions and a significant correlation was found between residence and formation of stable consort relations. | ||||
| Address | Faculty of Agriculture, Miyazaki University, Miyazaki-shi, 889-21, Japan | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:15338905 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4630 | ||
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| Author | Albright, J.D.; Mohammed, H.O.; Heleski, C.R.; Wickens, C.L.; Houpt, K.A. | ||||
| Title | Crib-biting in US horses: Breed predispositions and owner perceptions of aetiology | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2009 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | |
| Volume | 41 | Issue | 5 | Pages | 455-458 |
| Keywords | HORSE; BEHAVIOUR; CRIB-BITING; BREED PREVALENCE; LEARNING | ||||
| Abstract | Reasons for performing study: Crib-biting is an equine stereotypy that may result in diseases such as colic. Certain breeds and management factors have been associated. Objectives: To determine: breed prevalence of crib-biting in US horses; the likelihood that one horse learns to crib-bite from another; and owner perceptions of causal factors. Methods: An initial postal survey queried the number and breed of crib-biting horses and if a horse began after being exposed to a horse with this habit. In a follow-up survey, a volunteer subset of owners was asked the number of affected and nonaffected horses of each breed and the extent of conspecific contact. The likelihood of crib-biting given breed and extent of contact was quantified using odds ratio (OR) and significance of the association was assessed using the Chi-squared test. Results: Overall prevalence was 4.4%. Thoroughbreds were the breed most affected (13.3%). Approximately half of owners believed environmental factors predominantly cause the condition (54.4%) and crib-biting is learned by observation (48.8%). However, only 1.0% of horses became affected after being exposed to a crib-biter. The majority (86%) of horses was turned out in the same pasture with other horses and extent of contact with conspecifics was not statistically related to risk. Conclusion: This is the first study to report breed prevalence for crib-biting in US horses. Thoroughbreds were the breed more likely to be affected. More owners believed either environmental conditions were a predominant cause or a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the behaviour. Only a small number of horses reportedly began to crib-bite after being exposed to an affected individual, but approximately half of owners considered it to be a learned behaviour; most owners did not isolate affected horses. Potential relevance: Genetic predisposition, not just intensive management conditions and surroundings, may be a factor in the high crib-biting prevalence in some breeds, and warrants further investigation. Little evidence exists to suggest horses learn the behaviour from other horses, and isolation may cause unnecessary stress. |
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| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5010 | ||
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