Records |
Author |
Bachmann, I.; Audige, L.; Stauffacher, M. |
Title |
Risk factors associated with behavioural disorders of crib-biting, weaving and box-walking in Swiss horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2003 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
35 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
158-163 |
Keywords |
Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Confounding Factors (Epidemiology); Data Collection; Female; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/*etiology/prevention & control; Horses; *Housing, Animal; Male; Mental Disorders/epidemiology/etiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Prevalence; Regression Analysis; Risk Factors; *Stereotyped Behavior; Switzerland/epidemiology |
Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Studies on the prevalence of behavioural disorders in horses and on associated risk factors have revealed inconsistent results. There are many studies on the neuropharmacological, surgical or mechanical therapy of stereotypies, but little is known about their causation. OBJECTIVES: To explore risk factors associated with the occurrence of behavioural disorders in horses. METHODS: A sample of horse owners, selected randomly and representative for Switzerland, was contacted in a postal survey. Answers were provided for 622 stables (response rate 35.2%). Individual data of 2,341 horses were examined with path analysis (multivariable linear and logistic regression), and adjustment made for possible confounding effects due to age and breed. RESULTS: Out of 60 possible risk factors, 11 were associated with the outcome at the univariable level (null-hypothesis path model) and 3 factors remained after the backward logistic regression procedure. Mature Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds, assessed by the owners to be reactive, fed 4 times a day and without daily pasture, had increased odds of displaying crib-biting, weaving and box-walking. Furthermore, indirect associations of 5 factors with the outcome were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The final logistic regression model of risk factors leads to the hypotheses that causal prevention of stereotypic behaviours should be based upon housing and management conditions which allow tactile contact with other horses (e.g. mutual grooming), daily free movement (paddock or pasture), as well as the provision of high amounts of roughage but of little or no concentrates. POTENTIAL CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It is one of the aims of population medicine to prevent the development of behavioural disorders. Further research is needed to test the concluding hypotheses in experimental studies or to verify them in the context of similar observational studies. |
Address |
Institute of Animal Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), LFW B55. 1, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:12638792 |
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1907 |
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Author |
Goodwin, D. |
Title |
The importance of ethology in understanding the behaviour of the horse |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1999 |
Publication |
Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J Suppl |
Volume |
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Issue |
28 |
Pages |
15-19 |
Keywords |
*Animal Husbandry; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Bonding, Human-Pet; Evolution; *Horses; Social Behavior |
Abstract |
Domestication has provided the horse with food, shelter, veterinary care and protection, allowing individuals an increased chance of survival. However, the restriction of movement, limited breeding opportunities and a requirement to expend energy, for the benefit of another species, conflict with the evolutionary processes which shaped the behaviour of its predecessors. The behaviour of the horse is defined by its niche as a social prey species but many of the traits which ensured the survival of its ancestors are difficult to accommodate in the domestic environment. There has been a long association between horses and man and many features of equine behaviour suggest a predisposition to interspecific cooperation. However, the importance of dominance in human understanding of social systems has tended to overemphasize its importance in the human-horse relationship. The evolving horse-human relationship from predation to companionship, has resulted in serial conflicts of interest for equine and human participants. Only by understanding the nature and origin of these conflicts can ethologists encourage equine management practices which minimise deleterious effects on the behaviour of the horse. |
Address |
Anthrozoology Institute, University of Southampton, Bassett Crescent East, Southampton S016 7PX, UK |
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PMID:11314229 |
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no |
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refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
1920 |
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Author |
Hanggi, E.B.; Ingersoll, J.F.; Waggoner, T.L. |
Title |
Color vision in horses (Equus caballus): deficiencies identified using a pseudoisochromatic plate test |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2007 |
Publication |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Abbreviated Journal |
J. Comp. Psychol. |
Volume |
121 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
65-72 |
Keywords |
Animals; Appetitive Behavior; *Color Perception; Color Perception Tests/veterinary; *Discrimination Learning; Female; Horses/*psychology; Male; Sensitivity and Specificity |
Abstract |
In the past, equine color vision was tested with stimuli composed either of painted cards or photographic slides or through physiological testing using electroretinogram flicker photometry. Some studies produced similar results, but others did not, demonstrating that there was not yet a definitive answer regarding color vision in horses (Equus caballus). In this study, a pseudoisochromatic plate test--which is highly effective in testing color vision both in small children and in adult humans--was used for the first time on a nonhuman animal. Stimuli consisted of different colored dotted circles set against backgrounds of varying dots. The coloration of the circles corresponded to the visual capabilities of different types of color deficiencies (anomalous trichromacy and dichromacy). Four horses were tested on a 2-choice discrimination task. All horses successfully reached criterion for gray circles and demonstration circles. None of the horses were able to discriminate the protan-deutan plate or the individual protan or deutan plates. However, all were able to discriminate the tritan plate. The results suggest that horses are dichromats with color vision capabilities similar to those of humans with red-green color deficiencies. |
Address |
Equine Research Foundation, Aptos, CA 95001, USA. EquiResF@aol.com |
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ISSN |
0735-7036 |
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PMID:17324076 |
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no |
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refbase @ user @ ; Equine Behaviour @ team @ room B 3.029 |
Serial |
1972 |
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Author |
Henderson, J.V.; Warant, N.K. |
Title |
Reducing Equine Stereotypies Using an Equiball |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2001 |
Publication |
Animal Welfare |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim Welfare |
Volume |
10 |
Issue |
1 |
Pages |
73-80 |
Keywords |
NIMAL WELFARE; ENRICHMENT; EQUIBALLTRADE; HORSES; STEREOTYPIC BEHAVIOUR |
Abstract |
It is believed that environmental enrichment techniques can play an important part in creating suitable captive environments for horses. There has, however, been little scientific investigation into the effectiveness of 'stable-toys' which claim to reduce the performance of equine stereotypies. This study investigated the effect of a foraging device known as 'The Equiball' on equine stereotypies. Six horses were given their evening feed in an Equiball, and the occurence of stereotypic behaviour recorded using scan sampling of video observations. Pre-enrichment, horses spent a mean(SD) of 5.27 ? 8.17 per cent of their time in the stable performing stereotypies; and significant individual variation in mean time performing stereotypic behaviour was found (P < 0.05). Several peaks in stereotypy over the day were found, the two main ones corresponding to the times before feeding. A reduction in stereotypic behaviour in five horses, and a small increase in stereotypic behaviour in one horse was observed during enrichment. During enrichment, there was an overall trend for stereotypic behaviour to decrease (P < 0.1). When used in conjunction with other measures such as behaviour therapy, companionship, increased exercise, and so on, the Equiball may help to create an environment less likely to lead to the development of stereotypic behaviours. |
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refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
2011 |
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Author |
Kimura, R. |
Title |
Mutual grooming and preferred associate relationships in a band of free-ranging horses |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1998 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
59 |
Issue |
4 |
Pages |
265-276 |
Keywords |
Horses; Grooming; Dominance entropy |
Abstract |
Preferred associate (nearest neighbour) and mutual grooming relationships among mares, in an isolated family band of free-ranging horses (Equus caballus), were studied, and the structural and functional differences between these two relationships were examined. The frequent partners accompanying the mare were not the same in both these relationships (p<0.05) and mares changed their partners during the study period between 1988-1990. Individual horses of similar rank tended to remain closer together in both winter and summer. Aggressive-submissive behaviour was so infrequent during spring that rank determinations could not be made; however, in fall, although rank could be determined, rank was not correlated with nearest neighbour. Three subgroups, based on preferred associate relationships in summer, fall and winter, directly reflected the age and social rank of the mares in the group. Individual horses of higher rank tended to have many partners in winter, while individuals of lower rank had fewer. There was no significant correlation between the frequency of mutual grooming and individual rank. The mutual grooming relationship was strongly influenced by seasonal changes as the relative amount of grazing time per day increased. Thus, the frequency of mutual grooming was lowest in winter and highest in summer. The mutual grooming relationship was based on the bonds between individual horses, which were little influenced by social rank. Lower ranking individuals tended to have a greater variety of grooming partners in summer. |
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2022 |
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Author |
Robert, N.; Walzer, C.; Ruegg, S.R.; Kaczensky, P.; Ganbaatar, O.; Stauffer, C. |
Title |
Pathologic findings in reintroduced Przewalski's horses (Equus caballus przewalskii) in southwestern Mongolia |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Journal of zoo and Wildlife Medicine : Official Publication of the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Zoo Wildl Med |
Volume |
36 |
Issue |
2 |
Pages |
273-285 |
Keywords |
Animals; Babesiosis/epidemiology/pathology/*veterinary; Cause of Death; Conservation of Natural Resources; Disease Susceptibility/veterinary; Environment; Female; Food Chain; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology/pathology; Horses; Male; Mongolia/epidemiology; Streptococcal Infections/epidemiology/pathology/*veterinary; *Streptococcus equi; Theileriasis/*epidemiology/pathology; Weather |
Abstract |
The Przewalski's horse (Equus caballus przewalskii) was extinct in the wild by the mid 1960s. The species has survived because of captive breeding only. The Takhin Tal reintroduction project is run by the International Takhi Group; it is one of two projects reintroducing horses to the wild in Mongolia. In 1997 the first harem group was released. The first foals were successfully raised in the wild in 1999. Currently, 63 Przewalski's horses live in Takhin Tal. Little information exists on causes of mortality before the implementation of a disease-monitoring program in 1998. Since 1999, all dead horses recovered (n = 28) have been examined and samples collected and submitted for further investigation. Equine piroplasmosis, a tick-transmitted disease caused by Babesia caballi or Theileria equi, is endemic in Takhin Tal and was identified as the cause of death of four stallions and one stillborn foal. In December 2000, wolf predation was implicated in the loss of several Przewalski's horses. However, thorough clinical, pathologic, and bacteriologic investigations performed on dead and surviving horses of this group revealed lesions compatible with strangles. The extreme Mongolian winter of 2000-2001 is thought to have most probably weakened the horses, making them more susceptible to opportunistic infection and subsequent wolf predation. Other occasional causes of death since 1999 were trauma, exhaustion, wasting, urolithiasis, pneumonia, abortion, and stillbirth. The pathologic examination of the Przewalski's horses did not result in a definitive diagnosis in each case. Several disease factors were found to be important in the initial phase of the reintroduction, which could potentially jeopardize the establishment of a self-sustaining population. |
Address |
Center for Fish and Wildlife Health, Institute of Animal Pathology, University of Berne, Langgass-Strasse 122, CH-3001 Berne, Switzerland |
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1042-7260 |
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PMID:17323569 |
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2023 |
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Author |
Belonje, P.C.; van Niekerk, C.H. |
Title |
A review of the influence of nutrition upon the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in the mare |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1975 |
Publication |
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Reprod Fertil Suppl |
Volume |
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Issue |
23 |
Pages |
167-169 |
Keywords |
Animals; Body Weight; *Diet; *Estrus; Female; Fertility; Fetal Resorption/prevention & control; Horses/*physiology; Pregnancy |
Abstract |
Attention is drawn to the beneficial effect of improved nutrition during winter and early spring on the ovarian activity of mares. Furthermore, the necessity of an adequate plane of nutrition during early pregnancy to prevent embryonic resorption is stressed. |
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0449-3087 |
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PMID:1060772 |
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no |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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2225 |
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Author |
Breen, M.; Downs, P.; Irvin, Z.; Bell, K. |
Title |
Intrageneric amplification of horse microsatellite markers with emphasis on the Przewalski's horse (E. przewalskii) |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1994 |
Publication |
Animal Genetics |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim Genet |
Volume |
25 |
Issue |
6 |
Pages |
401-405 |
Keywords |
Animals; DNA, Satellite/*genetics; *Gene Amplification; Gene Frequency; *Genetic Markers; Heterozygote; Horses/*genetics; Species Specificity |
Abstract |
Primer sequences flanking 13 microsatellite loci isolated from the domestic horse (E. caballus) were successfully used to amplify homologous loci in the Przewalski's horse (E. przewalskii). The results demonstrate that the level of polymorphism at all 13 loci in the Przewalski's horse was comparable to that in the domestic horse and the overall exclusion probability in the Przewalski's horse was calculated to be 0.9994. The results suggest that it should be possible to use E. caballus-derived microsatellite markers to provide parentage verification and additional valuable information to the captive management of E. przewalskii. The ability to amplify corresponding loci in the remaining five species of the genus was also confirmed, illustrating the general application of markers isolated from the domestic horse to the evaluation of polymorphism in the other six species of the genus. |
Address |
Australian Equine Blood Typing Research Laboratory, University of Queensland, St Lucia |
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0268-9146 |
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PMID:7695120 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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2246 |
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Author |
Lucas, Z.; Raeside, J.I.; Betteridge, K.J. |
Title |
Non-invasive assessment of the incidences of pregnancy and pregnancy loss in the feral horses of Sable Island |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1991 |
Publication |
Journal of Reproduction and Fertility. Supplement |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Reprod Fertil Suppl |
Volume |
44 |
Issue |
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Pages |
479-488 |
Keywords |
Abortion, Veterinary/*epidemiology; Animals; Animals, Wild/*physiology; Atlantic Islands; Estrogens/analysis; Feces/chemistry; Female; Fertilization; Gestational Age; Horse Diseases/*epidemiology; Horses; Incidence; Pregnancy; *Pregnancy, Animal |
Abstract |
Field observations of 400 totally unmanaged feral horses on Sable Island, Nova Scotia, were complemented by oestrogen determinations in faecal samples from 154 identified females over a 4-year period (454 mare-years). Of mares that were sampled throughout the year and subsequently produced foals, 92.1% exhibited elevated faecal oestrogens between 15 October and 30 March. The results confirm that faecal oestrogens are a useful indicator of pregnancy after approximately 120 days gestation. Distribution of foaling resembled that seen in other feral populations, with 95% of births occurring from April through July. The foaling rate for mares aged 3 years or older was 62.0%, with 50.7% of mares foaling in 3 or 4 years. Foaling rates were low (4.1%) in mares bred as yearlings and rose with age to 70.8% in those bred as 4-year-olds. Fetal loss after Day 120 was deduced from faecal oestrogens to be 26.0% overall, with marked variation from year to year (9.6-37.3%) and with age (70.0% in those bred as yearlings, decreasing to 5.6% in those bred as 4-year-olds). Of 58 mares aged 2 years or older that were sampled every year, about half (49.6%) the barren years were attributable to fetal loss after 120 days gestation. All mares conceived in at least 2 of the 4 years, suggesting that pregnancy loss, even after Day 120, is as important as failure to conceive in causing barren years. |
Address |
Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Canada |
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0449-3087 |
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PMID:1795292 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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2247 |
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Author |
Christensen, J.W.; Keeling, L.J.; Nielsen, B.L. |
Title |
Responses of horses to novel visual, olfactory and auditory stimuli |
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Journal Article |
Year |
2005 |
Publication |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
93 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
53-65 |
Keywords |
Horses; Novelty responses; Fear; Behaviour; Heart rate |
Abstract |
Responses of horses towards fear-eliciting stimuli can have important consequences for both human and horse safety. This experiment was designed to investigate behavioural and heart rate (HR) responses of horses to novel visual, auditory and olfactory stimuli. Twenty-four 2-year-old, previously unhandled, stallions were habituated to receive a food reward from a container in a test arena. Each horse was exposed to three 2 min tests in a balanced design where in addition to the feed container, either a traffic cone (visual test), white noise (auditory test) or eucalyptus oil applied to the inside of the container (olfactory test) were used as the novel stimuli. Compared to the control, less time was spent eating during all tests. There was no difference in locomotion activity in the different test situations, but presentation of the novel visual and auditory stimuli elicited significantly increased HR responses in the horses, compared to their response to the arena without novel stimuli (control), whereas there was no increase in HR response to the olfactory stimulus. However, during the olfactory test, the horses had an increased number of eating bouts and became more vigilant towards their surroundings, whereas during the visual and auditory tests, more time was spent alert towards the stimulus. The horses also took significantly more steps backwards in response to the auditory test. The heart rate responses correlated between tests and reflect a non-differentiated activation of the sympathetic nervous system, while the behavioural responses were linked to the type of stimulus. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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2256 |
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