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Author Duncan, I.J.; Petherick, J.C. openurl 
  Title The implications of cognitive processes for animal welfare Type Journal Article
  Year 1991 Publication (down) Journal of Animal Science Abbreviated Journal J. Anim Sci.  
  Volume 69 Issue 12 Pages 5017-5022  
  Keywords *Animal Welfare; Animals; Animals, Domestic/*psychology; *Cognition  
  Abstract In general, codes that have been designed to safeguard the welfare of animals emphasize the importance of providing an environment that will ensure good health and a normal physiological and physical state, that is, they emphasize the animals' physical needs. If mental needs are mentioned, they are always relegated to secondary importance. The argument is put forward here that animal welfare is dependent solely on the cognitive needs of the animals concerned. In general, if these cognitive needs are met, they will protect the animals' physical needs. It is contended that in the few cases in which they do not safeguard the physical needs, it does not matter from a welfare point of view. The human example is given of being ill. It is argued that welfare is only adversely affected when a person feels ill, knows that he or she is ill, or even thinks that he or she is ill, all of which processes are cognitive ones. The implications for welfare of animals possessing certain cognitive abilities are discussed. For example, the extent to which animals are aware of their internal state while performing behavior known to be indicative of so-called states of suffering, such as fear, frustration, and pain, will determine how much they are actually suffering. With careful experimentation it may be possible to determine how negative they feel these states to be. Similarly, the extent to which animals think about items or events absent from their immediate environment will determine how frustrated they are in the absence of the real item or event but in the presence of the cognitive representation.  
  Address University of Guelph, Canada  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0021-8812 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:1808195 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2753  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Curtis, S.E.; Stricklin, W.R. openurl 
  Title The importance of animal cognition in agricultural animal production systems: an overview Type Journal Article
  Year 1991 Publication (down) Journal of Animal Science Abbreviated Journal J. Anim Sci.  
  Volume 69 Issue 12 Pages 5001-5007  
  Keywords *Agriculture; Animal Population Groups/*psychology; *Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; *Cognition; Heat; Helplessness, Learned; Housing, Animal/standards; Immobilization; Nesting Behavior; Pain/psychology/veterinary  
  Abstract To describe and then fulfill agricultural animals' needs, we must learn more about their fundamental psychological and behavioral processes. How does this animal feel? Is that animal suffering? Will we ever be able to know these things? Scientists specializing in animal cognition say that there are numerous problems but that they can be overcome. Recognition by scientists of the notion of animal awareness has been increasing in recent years, because of the work of Griffin and others. Feeling, thinking, remembering, and imagining are cognitive processes that are factors in the economic and humane production of agricultural animals. It has been observed that the animal welfare debate depends on two controversial questions: Do animals have subjective feelings? If they do, can we find indicators that reveal them? Here, indirect behavioral analysis approaches must be taken. Moreover, the linear additivity of several stressor effects on a variety of animal traits suggests that some single phenomenon is acting as a “clearinghouse” for many or all of the stresses acting on an animal at any given time, and this phenomenon might be psychological stress. Specific situations animals may encounter in agricultural production settings are discussed with respect to the animals' subjective feelings.  
  Address University of Illinois, Urbana 61801  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0021-8812 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:1808193 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 2754  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Becker-Birck, M.; Schmidt, A.; Wulf, M.; Aurich, J.; von der Wense, A.; Möstl, E.; Berz, R.; Aurich, C. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Cortisol release, heart rate and heart rate variability, and superficial body temperature, in horses lunged either with hyperflexion of the neck or with an extended head and neck position Type Journal Article
  Year 2013 Publication (down) Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 97 Issue 2 Pages 322-330  
  Keywords animal welfare; equitation; stress; training  
  Abstract Bringing the head and neck of ridden horses into a position of hyperflexion is widely used in equestrian sports. In our study, the hypothesis was tested that hyperflexion is an acute stressor for horses. Salivary cortisol concentrations, heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV) and superficial body temperature were determined in horses (n = 16) lunged on two subsequent days. The head and neck of the horse was fixed with side reins in a position allowing forward extension on day A and fixed in hyperflexion on day B. The order of treatments alternated between horses. In response to lunging, cortisol concentration increased (day A from 0.73 ± 0.06 to 1.41 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p < 0.001; day B from 0.68 ± 0.07 to 1.38 ± 0.13 ng/ml, p < 0.001) but did not differ between days A and B. Beat-to-beat (RR) interval decreased in response to lunging on both days. HRV variables standard deviation of RR interval (SDRR) and RMSSD (root mean square of successive RR differences) decreased (p < 0.001) but did not differ between days. In the cranial region of the neck, the difference between maximum and minimum temperature was increased in hyperflexion (p < 0.01). In conclusion, physiological parameters do not indicate an acute stress response to hyperflexion of the head alone in horses lunged at moderate speed and not touched with the whip. However, if hyperflexion is combined with active intervention of a rider, a stressful experience for the horse cannot be excluded.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Blackwell Publishing Ltd Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1439-0396 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6182  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Zebisch, A.; May, A.; Reese, S.; Gehlen, H. doi  openurl
  Title Effect of different head-neck positions on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse Type Journal Article
  Year 2013 Publication (down) Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition Abbreviated Journal J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr  
  Volume 98 Issue 5 Pages 901-907  
  Keywords hyperflexion; head-neck position; stress; training; animal welfare  
  Abstract Summary Different head?neck positions (HNPs) are used in equestrian sports and are regarded as desirable for training and competition by riders, judges and trainers. Even though some studies have been indicative of hyperflexion having negative effects on horses, this unnatural position is frequently used. In the present study, the influence of different HNPs on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse was investigated. Heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV) and blood cortisol levels were measured in 18 horses. Low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) are power components in the frequency domain measurement of HRV which show the activity of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Values were recorded at rest, while riding with a working HNP and while riding with hyperflexion of the horse's head, neck and poll. In addition, rideability and behaviour during the different investigation stages were evaluated by the rider and by an observer. Neither the HR nor the HRV showed a significant difference between working HNP (HR = 105 ± 22/min; LF/HF = 3.89 ± 5.68; LF = 37.28 ± 10.77%) and hyperflexion (HR = 110 ± 18; LF/HF = 1.94 ± 2.21; LF = 38.39 ± 13.01%). Blood cortisol levels revealed a significant increase comparing working HNP (158 ± 60 nm) and hyperflexion (176 ± 64 nm, p = 0.01). The evaluation of rider and observer resulted in clear changes of rideability and behavioural changes for the worse in all parameters collected between a working HNP and hyperflexion. In conclusion, changes of the cortisol blood level as a physical parameter led to the assumption that hyperflexion of head, neck and poll effects a stress reaction in the horse, and observation of the behaviour illustrates adverse effects on the well-being of horses during hyperflexion.  
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111) Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0931-2439 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes doi: 10.1111/jpn.12155 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 6427  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Visser, E. K.; Ellis, A.D.; Rijksen, L.; Van Reenen,C.G.; VanDierendonck,M. pdf  openurl
  Title Effect of training method on response of horses to a human approach test Type Conference Article
  Year 2008 Publication (down) IESM 2008 Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Horse, training, welfare  
  Abstract The human-horse relationship forms an essential component in the diversity of todays use of horses. The reactions of horses to interactions with humans are mostly the result of interplay between their own temperament; the temperament and skills of the human and their previous experience – with humans. Moreover, the understanding of the human-horse relationship may improve the welfare of horses and humans. Nowadays, “sympathetic” training methods are gaining tremendous attention of horse owners. In the “sympathetic” training method the focus lies on the use of body language in human-horse communication, as well as respecting the horses natural needs. With 28 horses the effect of a “sympathetic” training method versus a conventional training method on the horse“s response on a human-approach test was studied. Fourteen horses of 3.5 years of age were subjected to a five week training period with a conventional training method, the other fourteen horses were subjected to a ”sympathetic“ training method. The overall frequency of snorting during the human approach tests decreased on average from 4.4 (± 1.1) before the training period to 3.1 (± 0.9) after the training period (both groups). However, there was a significant (p=0.006) difference between training methods: the horses trained in the ”sympathetic“ method decreased snorting by 4.3 (±1.1) while the horses trained in the conventional method increased with 1.5 (±0.9). While horses trained in the conventional method whinnied less in the second human approach test, horses trained in the ”sympathetic“ method whinnied more after the period of training. This difference was found to be significant (p=0.006). Defecating decreased over time, but was not different between training methods. The frequency of touching the unfamiliar handler increased over time for both training methods. The horses trained in a conventional method increased from 1.5 to 2.5 and for the sympathetic trained horses from 1.9 to 3.7. This increase was not significantly different for the training methods. Heart rate showed a minor decrease between the human approach tests (before training period 85.3 bpm, after training period 74.3 bpm) but there were no significant differences between training methods. Similarly, there was a slight increase in heart rate variability (rmssd: from 37.0 to 45.2), but no significant differences between training methods. Overal it was concluded that horses trained with this ”sympathetic“ method tended to be more trustful and less stressful in the presence of an (unfamiliar) human compared to horses trained with a conventional method. This may have been due to reduced stress during horse-human contact in the ”sympathetic" training method used. The long term effects on the welfare of the horses, still needs to be investigated.  
  Address Animal Sciences Group, Wageningen University and Research Centres, PO Box 65, 8200 AB Lelystad  
  Corporate Author Visser, E. K. 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 IESM 2008  
  Notes Poster IESM 2008 Approved yes  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4468  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Nagy, K.; Bodó, G.; Bárdos, G.; Harnos, A. pdf  openurl
  Title Is modified Forssell"s operation superior to cribbing collar in preventing crib-biting in horses? Type Conference Article
  Year 2008 Publication (down) IESM 2008 Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords stereotypic behaviour, heart-rate variability, stress, equine welfare  
  Abstract Crib-biting (wind-sucking) might be a coping response of the horses to the challenges of

uncontrolled environmental events. Prevention of this stereotypic behaviour evokes

physiological responses consistent with increased stress. Reducing the incidence of cribbiting,

however, is important in order to prevent undesirable physical and behavioural

consequences (tooth erosion, altered gut function, gastric inflammation/ulceration, colic, etc.).

Common treatment of crib-biting is the application of a cribbing collar, which limits the

flexion of the neck making this stereotypic movement uncomfortable and difficult. Another

method, the modified Forssell“s operation, is becoming more and more popular amongst the

horse owners. It is based on the removal of the muscles used in crib-biting (m.omohyoideus,

m.sternohyoideus, m.sternothyrohyoideus) and the ventral branches of the spinal accessory

nerves. Surveys on the success of this surgical procedure have revealed inconsistent results,

and, contrary to the cribbing collar, its effect on the stress level have not been studied either.

The aim of our study was to determine whether the modified Forssell”s procedure is superior

to the cribbing collar treatment.

Differences in stress management was tested by a crib-biting provoking test, in which

surgically treated horses, crib-biting horses, crib-biting horses with cribbing collar, and

normal horses (those showing no stereotypies), altogether 56 horses were compared. In this

test, a food bucket had been placed out of the reach of the animal, from which titbits were

given 3 times. Behaviour and heart rate variability (HRV) of the horses were recorded and

analysed throughout the test. Hypotheses were tested by linear mixed model.

According to our results, both prevention methods (collar or surgery) inhibited crib-biting

successfully though not totally. Regarding behaviour and heart rate variability, horses

prevented from crib-biting (by collar or surgery) differed significantly from crib-biting and

normal horses but not from each other.

Normal horses were usually trying to reach the food-bucket while present and were standing

still afterwards, whereas the other three groups had not really made efforts to reach the

bucket, spent less time with resting, and performed or tried crib-biting. During the stress-test,

normal and crib-biting horses had shown good stress-adaptation to the challenge since their

HRV, after an initial increase, returned to the basal value by the end. On the contrary, HRV of

the two prevented groups remained elevated and showed large oscillations throughout. They

had not found a successful coping behaviour either.

Our results suggest that since prevention may significantly increase distress, the treatment in

itself, without changing the motivation of the horse to perform the replacement behaviour – it

seems to be unsatisfactory and insufficient. After prevention the motivation of the horse to

perform crib-biting should be addressed. In addition, considering that prevention by collar and

surgery had not resulted in any significant behavioural or physiological differences, the

superiority of the modified Forssell"s procedure might be questioned. However, the surgery

might be recommended if treatment with collar is ineffective.
 
  Address Szent István University, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Budapest, István u. 2, H-1078, Hungary;Eötvös Loránd University, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Budapest, Pázmány P. stny. 1/C, H-1117, Hungary  
  Corporate Author Nagy, K. 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 IESM 2008  
  Notes Talk 15 min IESM 2008 Approved yes  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4492  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Krueger, K. (ed) pdf  isbn
openurl 
  Title Proceedings of the International Equine Science Meeting 2008 Type Conference Volume
  Year 2008 Publication (down) IESM 2008 Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume Issue Pages  
  Keywords Equine Ecology; Equine Sociality; Equine Learning; Equine Cognition; Equine Welfare  
  Abstract Target group: Biologists, Psychologists, Veterinarians and Professionals

Meeting target: Because the last international meeting on Equine Science took place a couple years ago, there is an urgent need for equine scientists to exchange scientific knowledge, coordinate research provide knowledge for practical application, and discus research results among themselves and with professionals who work with horses. Additionally, dialog concerning the coordination of the study “Equitation Science” in Europe is urgently needed. Coordination and cooperation shall arise from the meeting, enrich the research, and advance the application of scientific knowledge for the horses` welfare.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Xenophon Verlag Place of Publication Wald Editor Krueger, K.  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN 978-3-9808134-0-2 Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 4508  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cooper, J.J.; Mason, G.J. openurl 
  Title The identification of abnormal behaviour and behavioural problems in stabled horses and their relationship to horse welfare: a comparative review Type Journal Article
  Year 1998 Publication (down) Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 27 Pages 5-9  
  Keywords *Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; *Housing, Animal/standards; *Stereotyped Behavior  
  Abstract Many behaviours in domestic animals, such as the 'stable vices' of horses, are treated because they are considered undesirable for economic or cultural reasons, and not because the activity affects the horse's quality of life. The impact of a behaviour on the human reporter is not a function of its impact on the animal performer, and an understanding of the causes and effects of the particular activity is necessary to assess the costs and benefits of treatment. Where the behaviour is a sign of poor welfare, such as an inadequate environment, treatment can best be achieved by removing these underlying causal factors. Pharmacological or physical prevention of a behaviour can be justified only if the behaviour causes harm to the performer or to others. In these cases, prevention of the behaviour without addressing its causes is no cure and may result in its perseverance in a modified form or the disruption of the animal's ability to adapt to its environment. Where the behavioural 'problem' causes no harm and is not related to poor housing, then the education of the reporter, rather than treatment of the performer, may be the best solution.  
  Address Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, UK  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:10484995 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1933  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Odberg, F.O.; Bouissou, M.F. openurl 
  Title The development of equestrianism from the baroque period to the present day and its consequences for the welfare of horses Type Journal Article
  Year 1999 Publication (down) Equine Veterinary Journal. Supplement Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J Suppl  
  Volume Issue 28 Pages 26-30  
  Keywords Animal Husbandry/*history/standards; Animal Welfare/*history; Animals; Bonding, Human-Pet; History, 15th Century; History, 16th Century; History, 17th Century; History, 18th Century; History, 19th Century; History, 20th Century; *Horses; Humans; Stress/etiology/history/veterinary  
  Abstract Many saddle horses are slaughtered at a young age which could be indicative of a welfare problem. Bad riding is probably an underestimated source of poor welfare. Widespread knowledge of 'academic' riding should be encouraged and should be beneficial to all horses, at all schooling levels, for all purposes. In particular, 18th century principles tend to be forgotten and in this article the authors illustrate some differences to modern dressage. Various suggestions are made in order to improve welfare.  
  Address University of Ghent, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Heidestraat 19, B-9820, Merelbeke, Belgium  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:11314231 Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 3729  
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Waters, A.J.; Nicol, C.J.; French, N.P. openurl 
  Title Factors influencing the development of stereotypic and redirected behaviours in young horses: findings of a four year prospective epidemiological study Type Journal Article
  Year 2002 Publication (down) Equine veterinary journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J  
  Volume 34 Issue 6 Pages 572-579  
  Keywords Age Factors; Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Female; Horse Diseases/epidemiology/prevention & control/*psychology; Horses; Housing, Animal; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; *Stereotyped Behavior; Weaning  
  Abstract Stereotypies are invariant and repetitive behaviour patterns that seemingly have no function, which tend to develop in captive animals faced with insoluble problems and may be indicative of reduced welfare. A 4 year prospective study of the factors influencing the development of stereotypic and redirected behaviours (abnormal behaviour) in a population of 225 young Thoroughbred and part-Thoroughbred horses was conducted between 1995 and 1999. Abnormal behaviour affected 34.7% of the population. Multivariable analysis showed that foals of low- or middle-ranking mares were less likely to develop abnormal behaviour than foals of dominant mares (rate ratio (RR) 0.23, P<0.01; RR 0.48, P<0.01, respectively). Weaning by confinement in a stable or barn was associated with an increased rate of development of abnormal behaviour, compared with paddock-weaning (RR 2.19, P<0.05), and housing in barns, rather than at grass after weaning, was associated with a further increase (RR 2.54, P<0.01). Specific stereotypic and redirected behaviours were then considered as separate outcomes. Crib-biting was initiated by 10.5% of horses at median age 20 weeks, weaving by 4.6% of horses at median age 60 weeks, box-walking by 2.3% of horses at median age 64 weeks and wood-chewing by 30.3% of horses at median age 30 weeks. Wood-chewing developed at a lower rate in horses born to subordinate or mid-ranking mares than in horses born to dominant mares (RR 0.29, P<0.01; RR 0.41, P<0.01, respectively), and at a higher rate in horses kept in barns or stables rather than at grass after weaning (RR 4.49, P<0.001; RR 1A6, P<0.001, respectively). Feeding concentrates after weaning was associated with a 4-fold increase in the rate of development of crib-biting (RR 4.12, P = 0.02). The results of this study support the idea that simple changes in feeding, housing and weaning practices could substantially lower the incidence of abnormal behaviour in young horses.  
  Address University of Bristol, Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, Langford, Bristol, UK  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Place of Publication Editor  
  Language English Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 0425-1644 ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes PMID:12357996 Approved no  
  Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 84  
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