Records |
Author |
Pritchard, J.C.; Barr, A.R.S.; Whay, H.R. |
Title |
Validity of a behavioural measure of heat stress and a skin tent test for dehydration in working horses and donkeys |
Type |
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Year |
2006 |
Publication ![sorted by Publication field, descending order (down)](img/sort_desc.gif) |
Equine veterinary journal |
Abbreviated Journal |
Equine Vet J |
Volume |
38 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
433-438 |
Keywords |
Age Factors; Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal/physiology; Body Temperature/*physiology; Body Weight/physiology; Case-Control Studies; Dehydration/diagnosis/pathology/*veterinary; Drinking; *Equidae; Female; Heat Stress Disorders/diagnosis/physiopathology/*veterinary; Horse Diseases/*diagnosis/pathology; Horses; Hypovolemia/diagnosis/physiopathology/veterinary; Male; Osmolar Concentration; Pakistan; Respiration; Skin/*pathology; Species Specificity; Work |
Abstract |
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Dehydration and heat stress are serious welfare issues for equids working in developing countries. There is a lack of any standardised method or validated interpretation of the skin tent test in horses and donkeys. Owners of dehydrated and heat-stressed animals often depend on veterinary examination for identification of these conditions, leading to delays in treatment and unnecessary reliance on external sources to effect welfare improvement. OBJECTIVES: To validate a standardised skin tent test for dehydration and a behavioural measure of heat stress in working equids; and to examine the effect of heat stress and dehydration on tripping and staggering behaviour. METHODS: The study was carried out on 130 working horses and donkeys in Pakistan. Associations between skin tent and blood parameters (packed cell volume [PCV], serum total protein [TP], serum osmolality), clinical parameters, resting and drinking behaviour were examined. Heat stress behaviour (increased respiratory rate and depth, head nodding, flared nostrils, apathy) was observed in conjunction with rectal temperature. Tripping and staggering were assessed using a simple obstacle course. RESULTS: In both species, heat stress behaviour was significantly associated with increased rectal temperature (P<0.001). A positive skin tent test was not significantly associated with PCV or TP, although in donkeys it was significantly associated with lower serum osmolality (P<0.001). More animals age >15 years had a positive skin tent than those in younger age groups (P = 0.037). Very thin horses were more likely to have a positive skin tent than those in thin or moderate condition (P = 0.028). There was no significant correlation between skin tent and tripping or staggering in either species. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Heat stress behaviour is related to increased body temperature in working horses and donkeys. Owners may use this to make judgements regarding rest and cooling, precluding the need to seek veterinary attention. The skin tent test for dehydration used in this study did not show a significant relationship with PCV or TP. However, the use of blood parameters to validate the skin tent test may be confounded by anaemia, hypoproteinaemia or electrolyte depletion. Alternative methods are needed to confirm or refute the validity of the skin tent test in working equids. |
Address |
Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK |
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English |
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0425-1644 |
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PMID:16986604 |
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1784 |
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Author |
Van de Weerd, H.A.; Seaman, S.; Wheeler, K.; Goddard, P.; Mclean, B. |
Title |
Use of artificial drinkers by unhandled semi-feral ponies |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2012 |
Publication ![sorted by Publication field, descending order (down)](img/sort_desc.gif) |
Applied Animal Behaviour Science |
Abbreviated Journal |
Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. |
Volume |
139 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
86-95 |
Keywords |
Semi-feral Dartmoor ponies; Drinking behaviour; Preference tests; Welfare |
Abstract |
This study investigated drinking behaviour of unhandled, semi-feral Dartmoor ponies. Aspects studied were drinking behaviour, latency to drink from novel unfamiliar drinkers after transport, preferences for different types of artificial water drinkers, effects of mixing with unfamiliar ponies and group size, on drinking behaviour, and the effect of a simulated market on the latency to drink. Ponies were tested in groups of three or six animals, or as individuals in test pens that were equipped with three water drinkers: bucket, automatic drinking bowl, flowing water trough. Behaviour was recorded using time-lapse video. An individual pony drank on average 10 l per day. Ponies also drank, but at a lower rate, during the night. The latencies to drink after 4.5 h of transport showed large variation, but most ponies drank within the first hour after being transported (all groups 80.5 ± 32.94 min, mean ± SEM). In the individual choice tests, the preferred drinkers were the bucket and the flowing water trough, but not the automatic drinking bowl (drinking time 25.2 ± 4.66, 11.5 ± 4.26, 2.4 ± 2.23 min for bucket, trough and bowl respectively, mean ± SEM; paired t-tests, bowl versus other drinkers, all tests p < 0.02). A possible reason for the avoidance of the automatic bowl was the noise it made when filling. After mixing a group of three ponies with a group of three unfamiliar animals, the ponies did not express their individual drinker preferences anymore. The use of the previously preferred bucket decreased significantly and the use of the initially, non-preferred, bowl increased significantly. This was likely caused by the fact that ponies were either intentionally or accidentally obstructing drinkers in certain areas of the pen and unfamiliar ponies did not want to push past them. In the simulated market, the differences in latencies to drink between ponies in the home pen and market groups did not reach significance. No significant effect of group size (groups of three versus six ponies) on drinking behaviour was detected. The results have implications for situations where only automatic water bowls are provided, such as during pony sales at livestock markets. Preventing ponies from expressing their drinking choice, either by offering non-preferred drinkers or by mixing with unfamiliar animals, could adversely affect their welfare especially if this happens in conjunction with other stressful events such as transport and markets, and potentially weaning. |
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0168-1591 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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5596 |
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Author |
Fischhoff, I.R.; Sundaresan, S.R.; Cordingley, J.; Larkin, H.M.; Sellier, M.-J.; Rubenstein, D.I. |
Title |
Social relationships and reproductive state influence leadership roles in movements of plains zebra, Equus burchellii |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2007 |
Publication ![sorted by Publication field, descending order (down)](img/sort_desc.gif) |
Animal Behaviour. |
Abbreviated Journal |
Anim. Behav. |
Volume |
73 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
825-831 |
Keywords |
collective movements; drinking; equid; Equus burchellii; foraging; group dynamics; motivation; plains zebra; reproductive status; social relationships |
Abstract |
In animal groups, collective movements emerge from individual interactions. Biologists seek to identify how characteristics of actors in these groups, and their relationships, influence the decision-making process. We distinguished two basic factors determining leadership in group choices: identity and state. We hypothesized that identity is more important to leadership in groups with stable relationships, which permit the development of habitual roles. In groups with fluid membership, particular individuals or subgroups are less likely to emerge as consistent leaders. Instead, we predicted that movement initiation in unstable groups depends on individual state at the time of the decision. We characterized how identity and reproductive state influenced leadership patterns in the movements of plains zebra. As in many other mammals, lactation in this species significantly alters water and energy needs. We investigated leadership in tightly knit harems and loosely bonded herds of multiple harems. Harem females tended to have habitual roles in the initiation of harem movement. In herds, however, we found no consistent leaders among harems. At both levels of social organization, lactation was a key determinant of leadership. In harems, lactating females were more likely to initiate movement than nonlactating females. In turn, harems containing lactating females were more likely to lead herd movements. Thus, we conclude that social relationships and reproductive state together shape the interactions that produce group behaviours. One benefit to lactating females of leading herd movements is preferential access to scarce water. Thus, leadership roles in group decisions may have fitness consequences. |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ room B 3.092 |
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1825 |
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Author |
McDonnell, S.M.; Freeman, D.A.; Cymbaluk, N.F.; Schott, H.C. 2nd; Hinchcliff, K.; Kyle, B. |
Title |
Behavior of stabled horses provided continuous or intermittent access to drinking water |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
1999 |
Publication ![sorted by Publication field, descending order (down)](img/sort_desc.gif) |
American Journal of Veterinary Research |
Abbreviated Journal |
Am J Vet Res |
Volume |
60 |
Issue |
11 |
Pages |
1451-1456 |
Keywords |
Aggression; Animal Husbandry; Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; Drinking Behavior; Feeding Behavior; Female; Horses/*physiology/*psychology; Housing, Animal; Pregnancy; Pregnancy, Animal/physiology/*psychology; Social Behavior; Videotape Recording; *Water Supply |
Abstract |
OBJECTIVE: To compare quantitative measures and clinical assessments of behavior as an indication of psychologic well-being of stabled horses provided drinking water continuously or via 1 of 3 intermittent delivery systems. ANIMALS: 22 Quarter Horse (QH) or QH-crossbred mares and 17 Belgian or Belgian-crossbred mares (study 1) and 24 QH or QH-crossbred mares and 18 Belgian or Belgian-crossbred mares (study 2). PROCEDURE: Stabled horses were provided water continuously or via 1 of 3 intermittent water delivery systems in 2 study periods during a 2-year period. Continuous 24-hour videotaped samples were used to compare quantitative measures and clinical assessments of behavior among groups provided water by the various water delivery systems. RESULTS: All horses had clinically normal behavior. Significant differences in well being were not detected among groups provided water by the various delivery systems. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Various continuous and intermittent water delivery systems can provide adequately for the psychologic well-being of stabled horses. |
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New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square 19348, USA |
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0002-9645 |
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PMID:10566826 |
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no |
Call Number |
refbase @ user @ |
Serial |
1928 |
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Author |
Mejdell, C.M.; Simensen, E.; Boe, K.E. |
Title |
Is snow a sufficient source of water for horses kept outdoors in winter? A case report |
Type |
Journal Article |
Year |
2005 |
Publication ![sorted by Publication field, descending order (down)](img/sort_desc.gif) |
Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica |
Abbreviated Journal |
Acta Vet Scand |
Volume |
46 |
Issue |
1-2 |
Pages |
19-22 |
Keywords |
Animals; *Drinking Behavior; *Horses; Norway; Osmolar Concentration; Snow; *Thirst; *Water Supply |
Abstract |
Due to extreme weather conditions, a flock of outwintered Icelandic horses had to manage for several days on snow as the source of free water. They were fed grass silage ad lib, and any change in feed consumption was not observed. After nine days, blood samples were taken and analysed for plasma osmolality, they were subjected to a simple clinical examination, and offered drinking water. Osmolality levels were within normal limits and mean value did not differ significantly from samples which previously were taken of the same individuals. The general condition of the horses was normal, with no signs of clinical dehydration or disease. The horses showed very little interest for the offered drinking water. This suggests that in cold winter weather, horses being fed grass silage and adjusted to eat snow, can manage for several days with snow substituting liquid water without their physiology and welfare being challenged. |
Address |
National Centre for Veterinary Contract Research and Commercial Services, Ltd |
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0044-605X |
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PMID:16108209 |
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1886 |
Permanent link to this record |