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Author Krueger, K.; Flauger, B.; Farmer, K.; Hemelrijk, C.
Title Movement initiation in groups of feral horses Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Behavioural Processes Abbreviated Journal Behav. Process.
Volume 103 Issue Pages 91-101
Keywords Horse; Equus ferus caballus; Distributed leadership; Herding; Departure; Rank
Abstract Abstract Herds of ungulates, flocks of birds, swarms of insects and schools of fish move in coordinated groups. Computer models show that only one or very few animals are needed to initiate and direct movement. To investigate initiation mechanisms further, we studied two ways in which movement can be initiated in feral horses: herding, and departure from the group. We examined traits affecting the likelihood of a horse initiating movement i.e. social rank, affiliative relationships, spatial position, and social network. We also investigated whether group members join a movement in dominance rank order. Our results show that whereas herding is exclusive to alpha males, any group member may initiate movement by departure. Social bonds, the number of animals interacted with, and the spatial position were not significantly associated with movement initiation. We did not find movement initiation by departure to be exclusive to any type of individual. Instead we find evidence for a limited form of distributed leadership, with higher ranking animals being followed more often.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0376-6357 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5738
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Author Hoffmann, G.; Bentke, A.; Rose-Meierhöfer, S.; Berg, W.; Mazetti, P.; Hardarson, G.H.
Title Influence of an active stable system on the behavior and body condition of Icelandic horses Type Journal Article
Year 2012 Publication animal Abbreviated Journal
Volume 6 Issue 10 Pages 1684-1693
Keywords activity, automatic feeding system, behavior, body condition score, Icelandic horse
Abstract Horses are often stabled in individual boxes, a method that does not meet their natural needs and may cause psychical and

musculoskeletal diseases. This problem is particularly evident in Iceland, where horses often spend the long winter periods in cramped

boxes. The aim of this study was to analyze the suitability of a group housing system in Iceland, but the results are also applicable to

horses of other regions. Eight Icelandic horses were observed in an active stable system, and their behavior and time budget were

recorded. Movement and lying behavior were studied with ALT (Activity, Lying, Temperature detection) pedometers. The effect of an

automatic concentrate feeding station (CFS) on the horses’ behavior was examined. In the first period of investigation, the horses

were fed concentrates manually, and in the second period, they were fed with the CFS. Additional behavioral observations and a

determination of social hierarchy occurred directly or by video surveillance. The physical condition of the horses was recorded by body

weight (BW) measurement and body condition scoring (BCS). The results showed a significant increase between the first and second

trial periods in both the activity (P,0.001) and the lying time (P50.003) of the horses with use of the CFS. However, there was no

significant change in BW during the first period without the CFS (P50.884) or during the second period with the CFS (P50.540).

The BCS of the horses was constant at a very good level during both trial periods, and the horses showed a low level of aggression, a

firm social hierarchy and behavioral synchronization. This study concludes that group housing according to the active stable principle is

a welfare-friendly option for keeping horses and is a suitable alternative to conventional individual boxes.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Cambridge Journals Online Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 1751-732x ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5759
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Author Zeitler-Feicht, M. H.; Streit, S.; Dempfle, L.
Title Automatic feeding systems for horses in group housing systems with regard to animal welfare. Part 1: Feeding stalls versus automatic feeding systems Type Journal Article
Year 2010 Publication Tierärztliche Praxis Großtiere Abbreviated Journal Tierärztl Prax
Volume 38 Issue G Pages 363-370
Keywords Pferd, Fütterungseinrichtungen, soziale Interaktionen, Herzfrequenz, Verletzungsrisiko, Betriebseinfluss [Horse, feeding stations, social interactions, heart rate, risk of injury, individual farm management]
Abstract Gegenstand und Ziel: Überprüfung der Tiergerechtheit von Abrufstationen

für Kraftfutter und Heu in der Gruppenhaltung von Pferden anhand

ethologischer und physiologischer Parameter im Vergleich zu konventionellen

Fressständen. Material und Methoden: Die Verhaltensbeobachtungen

fanden in 11 bzw. 10 Offenlaufställen mit Abrufstationen

bzw. Fressständen statt. 270 Pferde wurden individuell unterschieden.

Untersuchungsparameter waren: Drohverhalten mit und ohne Verletzungsrisiko,

Meideverhalten, Verdrängung aus dem Fressstand sowie

Herzfrequenz und Integumentverletzungen. In jedem Betrieb erfolgten

kontinuierliche Direktbeobachtungen für je einen 24-Stunden-Tag (Tortenstückverfahren).

Ergebnisse: Im Wartebereich der Abrufautomaten

traten signifikant mehr Drohgesten ohne bzw. mit Verletzungsgefahr je

Pferd und Tag (8,6 bzw. 3,0) auf als im Wartebereich der Fressstände

(3,4 bzw. 0,9). Demgegenüber konnten die Pferde in Abrufstationen

(1,4 Drohgesten je Pferd und Tag) ungestörter fressen als in Fressständen

(3,2 Drohgesten je Pferd und Tag). Insgesamt betrachtet ergab sich

jedoch bei beiden Fütterungssystemen eine geringe Anzahl an sozionegativen

Interaktionen im Bereich der Futtereinrichtungen. Die Herzfrequenz

lag im Warteareal im Durchschnitt im physiologischen Bereich

(44,59 ± 11,73 Schläge/min). Integumentverletzungen im Zusammenhang

mit dem Fütterungssystem traten nicht auf. Der wichtigste Einflussfaktor

auf die Untersuchungskriterien war der Betrieb (Fläche, Konzeption,

Management). Schlussfolgerung: Unter dem Aspekt der Tiergerechtheit

hinsichtlich des Stress- und Verletzungsrisikos durch soziale

Interaktionen eignen sich bei ordnungsgemäßer Gruppenhaltung mit

fachgerechtem Management sowohl Fressstände als auch Abrufstationen

für Pferde im Offenlaufstall.

[Objective: A comparison with regard to animal welfare of feeding

stalls and automatic feeding systems for hay and concentrates in group

housing systems for horses using parameters of ethology and physiology.

Material and method: The observations of animal behaviour took

place in 10 stables with feeding stalls and in 11 stables with automatic

feeding systems. The field around the feeding systems was divided into

three areas with comparable dimensions (waiting area, exit area and

inside of the feeding system). 270 horses were individually observed.

Parameters of research comprised: threatening behaviour with and

without risk of injury, avoiding behaviour, ”chasing away from the feeding

place”, as well as heart rate and injuries of the integument. Every

group of horses was continuously observed for 24 hours. This observation

took place on four different days and comprised six sessions, each

of 4 hours. Results: In the waiting area of the automatic systems there

were significantly more threatening gestures with and without risk of

injuries for each horse and day (8.6 and 3.0, respectively) than in the

waiting area of the feeding stalls. In contrast, the horses could eat more

relaxed in the automatic systems (1.4 threatening gestures for each

horse and day) than in the feeding stalls (3.2 threatening gestures for

each horse and day). All together the number of negative interactions in

the feeding area of both feeding systems was relatively low. The heart

rate was within the physiological range (44,59 ± 11,73 beats/min) in

the waiting area. There were no injuries of the integument in correlation

with the feeding systems. The most important factor of the observation

criteria was the individual group housing system with its different dimension,

conception and management. Conclusion: Under the aspect

of animal welfare both feeding systems are suitable for horses with respect

to the risk of stress and injuries by social interactions and under

the condition of proper group housing with professional management.]
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5765
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zeitler-Feicht, M. H.; Streit, S.; Dempfle, L.
Title Automatic feeding systems for horses in group housing systems with regard to animal welfare. Part 2: Comparison of different automatic feeding systems Type Journal Article
Year 2011 Publication Tierärztliche Praxis Großtiere Abbreviated Journal Tierärztl Prax
Volume 39 Issue G Pages 33-40
Keywords Pferd, Fütterungssystem, Bauvarianten, soziale Interaktionen, Besuchshäufigkeit, Aufenthaltsdauer, Herzfrequenz, Verletzungsrisiko [Horse, feeding system, different types of construction, social interactions, visiting frequency, duration of stay, heart rate, risk of injury]
Abstract Ziel: Überprüfung der Tiergerechtheit von in der Bauweise unterschiedlichen

Futterabrufstationen für Pferde in Gruppenhaltung anhand ethologischer

und physiologischer Parameter. Material und Methoden: In 32

Offenlaufställen (452 Pferde) mit computergesteuerten Abrufstationen

für Kraftfutter und Heu erfolgten kontinuierliche Direktbeobachtungen

für je einen 24-Stunden-Tag (Tortenstückverfahren). Erfasst wurden: Aufenthaltsdauer,

Besuchshäufigkeit, Droh- und Meideverhalten im Fütterungsbereich,

Blockaden sowie Herzfrequenz und Integumentverletzungen.

Ergebnisse: Eine Durchlaufstation reduzierte die Zahl der Auseinandersetzungen

im Fütterungsbereich signifikant. Ansonsten erhöhten die

für das fressende Pferd tiergerechten Varianten (Fressstand mit Eingangssperre,

ohne Austreibehilfe) Besuchshäufigkeit und Aufenthaltsdauer und

steigerten somit auch die Anzahl an Drohgesten je Tier und Tag. Insgesamt

betrachtet kann jedoch die Anzahl an sozionegativen Interaktionen

im Fütterungsbereich der Abrufstationen als relativ gering eingestuft

werden. Die Herzfrequenz lag im Warteareal bei den meisten Pferden im

physiologischen Bereich (45,1 ± 12,42 Schläge/min), erhöhte sich jedoch

in der Abrufstation um ca. 20 Schläge/min. Einige Tiere zeigten möglicherweise

stressbedingt kurzfristig auffallend hohe Werte (≥ 100 Schläge/

min). Integumentverletzungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Fütterungssystem

traten nicht auf. Der wichtigste Einflussfaktor auf die Untersuchungskriterien

war der Betrieb (Fläche, Konzeption, Management).

Schlussfolgerung: Durchlaufstationen sind pferdegerechter als Rücklaufstationen.

Nicht tiergerecht sind Stationen mit stromführender Austreibehilfe.

Weitere bauliche Unterschiede der derzeitigen Futterabrufstationen

dürften eher von untergeordneter Bedeutung sein, vor allem da

Flächengebot und Konzeption der Offenstallanlage sowie das Management

die überprüften Kriterien zur Tiergerechtheit maßgeblich beeinflussen.

Untersuchungen zur Abklärung der Ursache für die vereinzelt aufgetretenen

sehr hohen Herzfrequenzwerte sollten durchgeführt werden.

Objective: Comparison with regard to animal welfare of different automatic

feeding systems for hay and concentrate in group housing systems

for horses using parameters of ethology and physiology. Material and

methods: Parameters of research comprised: duration of stay, frequency

of visit, threatening behaviour with and without risk of injury, and avoiding

behaviour as well as heart rate and injuries of the integument. 452

horses were observed at the feeding area of 32 run-out-sheds. Every group

of horses was continuously observed following the pie chart system for

24 hours. Results: The “walk-through” station significantly reduced the

number of conflicts in the feeding area, whereas those systems which are

appropriate for the feeding horses (feeding station with access barrier and

without stimulation device by electric shock) led to a higher frequency of

visits and a longer duration of stay resulting in more threatening gestures.

However, the number of negative interactions in the feeding area of the

feeding systems can all together be classified as relatively insignificant.

The heart rate was within the physiological range (45.1 ± 12.42 beats/min)

in the waiting area, but increased by approximately 20 beats/min on average

within the feeding station. Some horses showed a very high heart rate

(≥ 100 beats/min) while entering the feeding station, possibly stress-related.

There were no injuries of the integument associated with the feeding

systems. The most important factor of the observation criteria was the

individual group housing system with its different dimensions, conception

and management. Conclusion: “Walk-through” stations are better than

”walk-back” stations with regard to animal welfare. Likewise, automatic

feeding stations with a current-carrying stimulation device are not supportive

of good welfare. The other differences between the constructions

of feeding stations of present systems are probably of less importance, particularly

as it was shown that the stable (management, stable area, conception)

had a significant influence on the surveyed parameters. Investigations

to obtain information on the cause for the sporadic occurrence of

very high heart rate values should be undertaken.]
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5766
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Austin, N.P.; Rogers, L.J.
Title Lateralization of agonistic and vigilance responses in Przewalski horses (Equus przewalskii) Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal
Volume 151 Issue Pages 43-50
Keywords Behavioural lateralization: Eye preference; Limb preference; Aggression; Vigilance; Reactivity; Przewalski horses
Abstract tEye and limb preferences were scored in the closest undomesticated relative of Equuscaballus using the same methods as used previously to study laterality in feral horses.Observations were made of 33 Przewalski horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) (male N = 20,female N = 13) living under natural social conditions on a large reserve in France. Signifi-cant left-eye/side biases were found in agonistic interactions within harem bands (M ± SEbias to left 58% ± 0.01 for threats, P < 0.001; 68% ± 0.05 for attacks; P < 0.001) and in stallionfights (threats, 52% ± 0.01 left, P < 0.001; attacks, 63% ± 0.02 left, P < 0.001): as many as 80%of the horses were significantly lateralized in attack responses within harem bands. Lat-erality of vigilance was measured as lifting up the head from grazing and turning it to theleft or right side: a directional bias to the left was found (M ± SE 53% ± 0.02 left, P < 0.001).Side bias in reactivity was calculated as the percent of head lifts above the level of thewithers on the left or right side and this was also left side biased (M ± SE 73% ± 0.03 left,P < 0.001). These results indicate right-hemisphere specialization for control of aggressionand responses to novelty. The left bias in attack scores within harem bands was strongerin males than females (P = 0.024) and in immature than adult horses (P = 0.032). Immaturehorses were also more strongly lateralized than adults in vigilance scores (P = 0.022), whichmay suggest that experience reduces these side biases. Our results show that Przewalskihorses exhibit left eye preferences, as do feral horses, and do so even more strongly thanferal horses. Considering feral and Przewalski horses together, we deduce that ancestralhorses had similar lateral biases. Also similar to feral horses, the Przewalski horses showedno significant forelimb preference at the group level or in the majority of horses at theindividual level, confirming the hypothesis that previously reported limb preferences indomestic breeds are entrained or generated by breed-specific selection.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5768
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Author Christensen, J.W.; Ahrendt, L.P.; Lintrup, R.; Gaillard, C.; Palme, R.; Malmkvist, J.
Title Does learning performance in horses relate to fearfulness, baseline stress hormone, and social rank? Type Abstract
Year 2012 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal App Anim Behav Sci
Volume 140 Issue 1 Pages 44-52
Keywords Horse; Learning; Fearfulness; Stress; Reinforcement; Social rank
Abstract The ability of horses to learn and remember new tasks is fundamentally important for their use by humans. Fearfulness may, however, interfere with learning, because stimuli in the environment can overshadow signals from the rider or handler. In addition, prolonged high levels of stress hormones can affect neurons within the hippocampus; a brain region central to learning and memory. In a series of experiments, we aimed to investigate the link between performance in two learning tests, the baseline level of stress hormones, measured as faecal cortisol metabolites (FCM), fearfulness, and social rank. Twenty-five geldings (2 or 3 years old) pastured in one group were included in the study. The learning tests were performed by professional trainers and included a number of predefined stages during which the horses were gradually trained to perform exercises, using either negative (NR) or positive reinforcement (PR). Each of the learning tests lasted 3 days; 7min/horse/day. The NR test was repeated in a novel environment. Performance, measured as final stage in the training programme, and heart rate (HR) were recorded. Faeces were collected on four separate days where the horses had been undisturbed at pasture for 48h. Social rank was determined through observations of social interactions during feeding. The fear test was a novel object test during which behaviour and HR were recorded. Performance in the NR and PR learning tests did not correlate. In the NR test, there was a significant, negative correlation between performance and HR in the novel environment (rS=-0.66, P<0.001, i.e. nervous horses had reduced performance), whereas there was no such correlation in the home environment (both NR and PR). Behavioural reactions in the fear test correlated significantly with performance in the NR test in the novel environment (e.g. object alertness and final stage: rS=-0.43, P=0.04), suggesting that performance under unfamiliar, stressful conditions may be predicted by behavioural responses in a fear test. There was a negative correlation between social rank and baseline stress hormones (rS=-0.43, P=0.04), i.e. high rank corresponded to low FCM concentrations, whereas neither rank nor FCM correlated with fearfulness or learning performance. We conclude that performance under stressful conditions is affected by activation of the sympathetic nervous system during training and related to behavioural responses in a standardised fear test. Learning performance in the home environment, however, appears unrelated to fearfulness, social rank and baseline FCM levels.
Address
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ S0168-1591(12)00168-2 Serial 5769
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Author Obergfell, J.
Title Einf lus s v on St ruktur e l ement en auf da s Li eg ev e rha l t en v on Pf e rden in Gruppenha l tung unt e r Be rücks i cht igung de s Ag g r e s s i ons v e rha l t ens Type Manuscript
Year 2012 Publication Abbreviated Journal
Volume Issue Pages
Keywords Pferde, Ruheverhalten, Liegeverhalten, Aggressionsverhalten, Strukturelemente, Rangordnung [horses, rest behavior, lying behavior, aggression behavior, structural elements, rank order]
Abstract Durch die vorliegende Studie wurde der Einfluss von Strukturelementen auf das Liege- und Aggressionsverhalten von Pferden in Gruppenhaltung untersucht. Die Strukturelemente sollten Rückzugsmöglichkeiten bieten, sowie in ihrem Bereich zur Aufhebung der Individualdistanz führen und dadurch die Fläche relativ vergrößern. Für die Versuche stellte das Haupt- und Landesgestüt Marbach drei unabhängige Pferdegruppen mit verschiedener Herdengröße zur Verfügung, die jeweils in Einraum- Innenlaufställen gehalten wurden. Die Datenerfassung fand zwischen 23 und sieben Uhr statt. Insgesamt wurden 366 Stunden Videomaterial ausgewertet. Beim Ruheverhalten wurden mit Hilfe des event-sampling- Verfahrens die Parameter Gesamtliegedauer, Dauer in Seitenlage, Dauer der Einzelphasen in

Seitenlage und Abliegehäufigkeit pro Nacht erfasst. Es wurden Versuchsphasen ohne

Strukturelemente und mit hängenden Planen als Strukturierung durchgeführt. Im ersten Stall

kamen außerdem über einander gestapelte Strohballen zum Einsatz. Diese Art der

Strukturierung stellte sich jedoch als nicht praktikabel heraus und führte im Vergleich zu den Planen zu einer signifikanten Verschlechterung der Gesamtliegedauer. In Stall 1 konnte man eine tendenzielle Verbesserung der Parameter Gesamtliegedauer und Gesamtdauer in Seitenlage durch das Anbringen von Planen sehen. In Stall 3 dagegen verschlechterte sich das Ruheverhalten in den Versuchsphasen mit Planen gegenüber den Versuchsphasen ohne Struktur. Die Werte der Gesamtdauer in Seitenlage nahmen signifikant ab. In Stall 2 zeigten sich keine Unterschiede in den verschiedenen Versuchsphasen. Möglicherweise ist die Wirkung der Strukturelemente auf das Liegeverhalten abhängig von der Flächengröße. Stall 1 hatte bezogen auf die Leitlinien des BMELV die größte und Stall 3 die kleinste Fläche. Bei den anderen Parametern des Liegeverhaltens gab es keine signifikanten Unterschiede in den verschiedenen Versuchsphasen. Mit Hilfe des time-sampling-Verfahrens wurde die Anzahl gleichzeitig liegender Pferde und gleichzeitig liegender Pferde in Seitenlage bestimmt. Auch hier zeigten sich keine Unterschiede in den verschiedenen Versuchsphasen. Bei der Gegenüberstellung der Werte der Gesamtliegedauer und der Gesamtdauer in Seitenlage mit dem Alter der Pferde (Stall 1 und Stall 3) und mit dem Integrationszeitpunkt (Stall 1) konnte kein Zusammenhang festgestellt werden. Beim Aggressionsverhalten wurden mit Hilfe des

event-sampling-Verfahrens in den Ställen 2 und 3 verschiedene Arten von Aggressionen

erfasst, die dann in die drei Intensitätsgrade Low-Level-, Mid-Level- und High-Level-

Aggressionen unterteilt wurden. Neben der Anzahl wurde die Dauer der verschiedenen

Aggressionen bewertet. Insgesamt konnte eine positive Wirkung der Planen auf das

Aggressionsverhalten beobachtet werden. Die Gesamtanzahl an Aggressionen nahm in beiden

Ställen tendenziell in den Versuchsphasen mit Planen ab. In Stall 3 konnte, wenn man die

Aggressionen stundenweise betrachtet, ein signifikanter Unterschied festgestellt werden.

Auch der Hinterhandschlag und die Aggressionen, welche das Ruheverhalten stören,

verringerten sich tendenziell nach dem Anbringen von Strukturelementen. In beiden Ställen

nahm die relative Häufigkeit von Mid-Level-Aggressionen nach dem Anbringen von Planen

zu. Dagegen konnte bei den High-Level-Aggressionen und in Stall 3 bei den Low-Level-

Aggressionen eine relative Abnahme beobachtet werden. Sowohl die Anzahl als auch die

Dauer der Mid-Level-Aggressionen verringerten sich in Stall 3 stundenweise betrachtet

signifikant in den Versuchsphasen mit Planen. In Stall 2 war bei den High-Level-

Aggressionen sowohl bei der Dauer als auch bei der Anzahl eine signifikante Abnahme zu

sehen. Wenn man das Aggressionsverhalten in Bezug zu der Fläche in den zwei Ställen

betrachtet, schien diese vor allem einen Einfluss auf die High-Level-Aggressionen zu

nehmen. Mit Hilfe des Rangindex der Pferde im Stall 3 wurde eine Rangordnung aufgestellt.

Zwischen dem Platz der Pferde in der Rangordnung und den Parametern des Ruheverhaltens

(Gesamtliegedauer, Gesamtdauer in Seitenlage) sowie dem Alter der Pferde konnte kein

Zusammenhang festgestellt werden. Zwischen dem Rangindex und der Gesamtanzahl an

Aggressionen bestand dagegen ein hoch signifikanter Zusammenhang. Im Rahmen dieser

Studie ist das Anbringen von Strukturelementen in Bezug auf das Aggressionsverhalten in

Einraum-Innenlaufställen von Pferden zu empfehlen. Die Wirkung auf das Liegeverhalten der

Pferde sollte in weiteren Studien untersucht werden.

[In this study the influence of structural elements on lying and aggression behavior in horses

kept in groups was exanimated. Structural elements should offer the possibility of retreat.

Furthermore, within the respective area, the individual distance should be limited, thus

increasing the overall space relatively. For the studies the “Haupt- und Landesgestüt

Marbach” provided three non-related groups of different sized horses, each kept in separate

“Einraum-Innenlaufställen”. Data collection took place between 11 pm and 7 am. Altogether,

366 hours of video material were analyzed. Using the event-sampling-method, the following

parameters within the horses´ resting behavior were determined: The total lying period, the

total lying period in lateral position, the periods of the single lying in lateral position and the

frequency of lying down. Test phases were carried out without structural elements and with

hanging canvases as structural elements. In the first stable there were also three bales of straw

piled up on top of each other. This kind of structuring emerged as impractical and in

comparison to the canvas, led to a significant deterioration to the total period of lying. After

the canvases were fixed in the first stable, a slight improvement with the parameters of total

lying period and total lying period in the lateral position could be seen. In contrast, the resting

behavior in stable 3 worsened in the test phases with the canvases in comparison to the test phases without structural elements. The values for the total lying period in the lateral position

decreased significantly. In stable 2, there were no differences in the different test phases.

Possibly the effect of the structural elements is dependent of the space. Stable 1 had the

largest space and stable 3 the least space referred to the guideline of the BMELV. The other

parameters of the lying behavior showed no significant differences in the different test phases.

The number of horses lying at the same time, and the number of horses lying at the same time

in the lateral position were detected with the aid of the time-sampling-method. There were

also no differences between the different test phases. If the values of the total lying period and

the total lying period in lateral position were compared to the age of the horses (stable 1 and

stable 3) and to the point of integration (stable 1), there was no correlation.

Different kinds of aggression were detected by the means of the event-sampling-method in

stable 2 and 3 and were subdivided into the three levels of intensity: Low-level-, mid-level

and high-level-aggressions. Both the number and the duration of the different aggressions

were evaluated. All in all a positive influence of the canvas on the aggression behavior could

be observed. In both stables, the total number of aggressions decreased in the test phases with

canvases. In stable 3 a significant difference could be detected, if the aggressions were

observed per hour. Also hind limb kicks and aggressions disturbing the resting behavior,

decreased by trend, after fixing the canvases in the stable. In both stables the relative

frequency of mid-level-aggressions increased after the canvases were mounted. In contrast

there was a relative decrease at the high-level-aggressions and in stable 3 at the low-levelaggressions.

The number and the duration of the mid-level-aggressions in stable 3 decreased,

when considered by the hour in the test phases with canvases. In stable 2 a significant

decrease in duration and number of high-level-aggressions was observed. When examining

aggression behavior in reference to space in the two stables, high-level-aggressions seemed to

be mostly influenced. In stable 3 a rank order was established with the aid of the rank index of

the horses. There was no correlation between the horses´ rank and the parameters of the

resting behavior (the total lying period, the total lying period in lateral position) and between

horses´ rank and age. In contrast, there was a high significant correlation between the rank

index and the total number of aggressions. In context to this study, structural elements in

“Einraum-Innenlaufställen” (BMELV 2009) seem to have a positive influence on the

aggression behavior and thus seem to be recommendable. The influence on the lying behavior

should be investigated in further studies.]
Address
Corporate Author Thesis Ph.D. thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Karlsruhe Editor
Language Summary Language Original Title
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5772
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Ahrendt, L.P.; Christensen, J.W.; Ladewig, J.
Title The ability of horses to learn an instrumental task through social observation Type Abstract
Year 2012 Publication Applied Animal Behaviour Science Abbreviated Journal Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.
Volume 139 Issue 1 Pages 105-113
Keywords Horse; Social learning; Social interaction; Instrumental task; Investigative behaviour; Aggression
Abstract The ability of horses to learn through social observation may ease the implementation of new management systems, because the use of automatic feeders etc. by naive horses could be facilitated by observation of experienced horses. However, previous studies found no documentation for observational learning abilities in horses. This study aimed to investigate the ability of horses to learn an instrumental task from a familiar conspecific when social interaction was allowed during the demonstration. Two similar experiments were performed. In the first experiment, Observer horses (n=11) participated in ten successive demonstrations, where a trained Demonstrator opened an operant device by pushing a sliding lid aside with the muzzle in order to obtain a food reward. Immediately after the demonstrations the Observer horses were given the opportunity to operate the device alone. Control horses (n=11) were aware that the device contained food but were presented to the operant device without demonstration of the task. The learning criterion was at least two openings. Accomplishment of and latency to accomplish the learning criterion, and investigative behaviour towards the operant device were recorded. Five Observers and one Control, out of the eleven horses in each treatment group, accomplished the learning criterion. Even though this presents a high odds ratio (OR) in favour of the Observer treatment (OR=7.6), there was no significant difference between the treatment groups (P=0.15). Analysis of investigative behaviour showed, however, that the demonstrations increased the motivation of the Observer horses to investigate the device. Subsequently, a similar experiment was performed in a practical setting with 44 test horses (mixed age, gender and breed). We used the same operant device and the same number and type of demonstrations, although the horses were held on a loose rope to minimise aggression. In this second experiment, six of 23 Observer horses and five of 21 Control horses learned the instrumental task, representing no influence of the demonstration. Thus, this study did not demonstrate an ability of horses to learn an instrumental task through observation.
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ISSN 0168-1591 ISBN Medium
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Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ S0168-1591(12)00087-1 Serial 5773
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Author Kienapfel, Kathrin
Title Und was meinen die Pferde dazu? – Über das Ausdrucksverhalten von Pferden bei verschiedenen Halsstellungen [ And what are the opinions of the horses? – On the expressive behaviour of horses in different neck positions] Type Journal Article
Year 2011 Publication Pferdeheilkunde Abbreviated Journal
Volume 27 Issue 4 Pages 357-372-380
Keywords rolling up / head-neck-position / low- deep-round / hyperflexion of neck / behavior expression of discomfort / horse protection / animal welfare Kopf-Hals-Position / „Rollkur“ / Tierschutz / Ausdrucksverhalten
Abstract The purpose of this study is to find convincing arguments, how horses should be ridden correctly, especially concerning the best head and neck position. Currently in the riding world, the opinions differ: The traditional way is to ride a horse with its nose in front of the vertical, while a new method claims that pulling the nose behind the vertical with an extreme flexion of the poll implies “gymnastic movements”. This article is focussed on the welfare and comfort of the horse in different head-neck positions, expressed by behaviours which document discomfort. As a first step, the behaviour of standing horses was observed while their heads and necks were put into seven postulated or frequently assumed positions. In the hyperflexed position the horses displayed most discomfort (with 49,7% of all reactions, like open mouths, head tossing, tail movements and other signs of resentment). The second strongest reactions of discomfort were shown in the highly raised position of the head (34,9%). The moderately rounded neck position as in traditional dressage lessons was not without signs of discomfort either, but less than the other two positions (11,2%). The high position and the extended position did not cause discomfort at all (0,17% and 0,23% respectively). In a second step, horses moving in all gaits under a rider were observed at competitions without the riders´ knowledge. The total number of observations was divided into two categories (each containing 30 horses) on the basis of the common rules of the FN: ridden with the horse’s nose in front of the vertical and ridden with the horse’s nose behind the vertical. The proportion of horses showing discomfort with the nose behind the vertical was clearly much higher (89,3%) compared to those ridden with the nose in front of the vertical (10,7%). Thus, the horses in the first category displayed signs of discomfort 8 times more frequent than those in the second group. In addition, scans carried out at tournaments showed that 92.8% of the horses were ridden with the nose behind the vertical. A clear result of this study is that the reality of riding differs widely from the rules. These results also show that riding in the hyperflexed position causes a great deal of discomfort for the horses and therefore should be abolished.

Die aktuellen Diskussionen in der Reiterwelt, welche Art und Weise des Reitens, besonders welche Kopf-Hals-Stellung zu erstreben ist, werfen die Frage auf, ob und wie die Pferde selbst ihr Befinden zum Ausdruck bringen. Über die Empfindungen der Pferde in verschiedenen Kopfhaltungen ist bisher sehr wenig bekannt. Deswegen wurde zunächst an stehenden Pferden das Ausdrucksverhalten beobachtet. Missfallensäußerungen häuften sich (mit 49,7% aller gezeigten Verhaltensauffälligkeiten wie Sperren, Rückwärtsgehen und Kopfschlagen) in der aufgerollten, hyperflektierten Stellung des Halses. An zweiter Stelle folgten Unmutsäußerungen in der absolut aufgerichteten Haltung (34,9%). Auch die beigezäumte Haltung wurde nicht ohne Unmutsbekundungen hingenommen, hier war deren Anzahl aber wesentlich geringer (11,2%). Die hohe Kopfstellung (0,17%) und die Dehnungshaltung (0,23%) bereiteten den Tieren kaum Unbehagen. Auch das Ausdrucksverhalten der Pferde unter dem Reiter wurde untersucht. Hierfür wurden, unter Berücksichtigung der schriftlich fixierten Regeln für das Turnierwesen der FN, je 30 Pferde in zwei Kategorien beobachtet: mit der Stirnlinie vor der Senkrechten und Pferde mit der Stirnlinie hinter der Senkrechten. Die Beobachtungen wurden unbemerkt von den Reitern auf den Abreiteplätzen von Turnieren durchgeführt. Die Anzahl an Verhaltensauffälligkeiten der Pferde mit der Stirnlinie hinter der Senkrechten war deutlich (89,3 %) erhöht im Gegensatz zu der anderen Gruppe (10,7 %). Die Pferde mit der Stirnlinie hinter der Senkrechten zeigten 8 Mal mehr Unmutsäußerungen als die mit der Stirnlinie vor der Senkrechten. Entgegen den Regeln der FN zeigten die durchgeführten Scans, dass unmittelbar vor den Prüfungen auf Turnieren 92,8% der Pferde mit der Stirnnasen-Linie hinter der Senkrechten geritten wurden. Ein Befund dieser Studie ist die Feststellung, dass die Praxis deutlich von den Regeln abweicht. Das Reiten mit der Stirnlinie hinter der Senkrechten ist nach diesen Befunden abzulehnen, da die Pferde deutliches Unwohlsein in dieser Haltung signalisieren.
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Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5792
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Author Benz, B.; Münzing, C.; Krueger, K.; Winter, D.
Title Ethologische Untersuchung von Heuraufen in der Pferdehaltung [Ethological investigation of hayracks in equine husbandry] Type Journal Article
Year 2014 Publication Landtechnik Abbreviated Journal Landtechnik
Volume 69 Issue 5 Pages 239-244
Keywords Pferdehaltung, Fressverhalten, Futterraufen [horse keeping, feeding behaviour, roughage racks]
Abstract Eine tiergerechte, physiologisch und anatomisch auf die Bedürfnisse der Pferde ausgerichtete

Raufutterversorgung sollte die Kaubedürfnisse und die Beschäftigungszeiten von Pferden

ausreichend berücksichtigen. Daher – und auch aufgrund des bestehenden Kostendrucks bei

Raufutter – steigt das Interesse an Raufutterraufen, durch die möglicherweise die Futteraufnahmezeiten

verlängert sowie Futterverluste minimiert werden können.

Die vorliegende Untersuchung vergleicht das Fressverhalten und die Körperhaltung von acht

Pferden beim Einsatz von drei unterschiedlichen Futterraufen mit der Bodenfütterung in Einzelboxenhaltung.

Die Ergebnisse dieser Studie lassen den Schluss zu, dass der Einsatz von

Raufutterraufen die Futteraufnahmezeiten verlängert und somit längere Beschäftigungszeiten

für die Futteraufnahme gewährleistet werden. Außerdem konnte festgestellt werden, dass die

Pferde das Raufutter bei einer der drei untersuchten Raufen überwiegend mit natürlicher Kopf-

Hals-Haltung aufnahmen.

[Regarding the species horse, an appropriate supply of roughage should take into account the

need to chew as well as the need for occupation. In this context, and due to the current cost

pressure for hay, the interest in roughage racks increases. It is assumed that roughage racks

could help to extend the feeding time and reduce food losses.

The present study places the emphasis on the observation of the feeding behaviour of eight

horses in single horse boxes. Three different roughage racks are compared to traditional feeding

on the floor. On the basis of the results it may be concluded that the use of roughage racks

extends the feeding time and thus ensures longer occupation. In one of the three roughage

racks investigated the horses mainly eat in a natural posture of their head and neck.]
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Notes (up) Approved no
Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5840
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