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Zebisch, A.; May, A.; Reese, S.; Gehlen, H. |
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Title |
Effect of different head-neck positions on physical and psychological stress parameters in the ridden horse |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2013 |
Publication |
Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition |
Abbreviated Journal |
J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr |
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Volume |
98 |
Issue |
5 |
Pages |
901-907 |
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Keywords |
hyperflexion; head-neck position; stress; training; animal welfare |
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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. |
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Wiley/Blackwell (10.1111) |
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0931-2439 |
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doi: 10.1111/jpn.12155 |
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Call Number |
Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
Serial |
6427 |
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Author |
Löckener, S.; Reese, S.; Erhard, M.; Wöhr, A.-C. |
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Title |
Pasturing in herds after housing in horseboxes induces a positive cognitive bias in horses |
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Journal Article |
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Year |
2016 |
Publication |
Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research |
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11 |
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50-55 |
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Keywords |
judgment bias; affect; environmental enrichment; well-being; discrimination task; horse |
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Abstract |
Abstract Horses are kept in various housing systems, for example, with conspecifics in horse pens or singly in horseboxes, with or without pasturing. To provide appropriate living conditions for horses, it is necessary to know in which conditions they feel well or unwell. Here, a cognitive bias assessment provides information about an individual's affective state and its well-being. When a positive affective state prevails, animals tend to judge optimistically in ambiguous situations. When a negative affective state prevails, animals judge pessimistically in unclear situations. In the present study, we trained horses on a spatial discrimination task and evaluated their judgment of ambiguous locations when they had access to pastures and contact to conspecifics versus when they were kept singly in horseboxes. Ten days of pasturing and contact with conspecifics after being kept singly in horseboxes for 6 months induced a positive cognitive bias in the horses. We suggest that horses need to act out certain behaviors like exploration, social interaction, play, or grooming to fulfill their needs. After a time in which they were individually in horseboxes without pasturing and access to the herd, they seem to have a positive cognitive bias once they have access to pastures and conspecifics. This positive cognitive bias effect seems to disappear over time, as horses appear to adapt to the circumstances. |
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1558-7878 |
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Equine Behaviour @ team @ |
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6024 |
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