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Author Zeeb, K.
Title [Possibilities for the all-year free-range raising of horses] Type Journal Article
Year 1994 Publication (up) DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift Abbreviated Journal Dtsch Tierarztl Wochenschr
Volume 101 Issue 3 Pages 122-123
Keywords Animal Feed; *Animal Husbandry; Animal Welfare; Animals; Germany; Horses/*physiology; Housing, Animal; Seasons; Weather
Abstract The ethological concept concerning supply of needs an avoidance of damage is mentioned as a possibility for the evaluation of welfare aspects related to animal management. The 250 Dulmen horses kept on 300 ha by the Duke of Croy show what must be provided for horse-keeping in a semi-natural environment: Sufficient food and water, efficient shelter as well as adequate structures for the needs of horses concerning social and comfort behaviour. A catalogue of factors, functions and facilities for this kind of horse-keeping is presented.
Address Tierhygienischen Institut, Freiburg, Breisgau
Corporate Author Thesis
Publisher Place of Publication Editor
Language German Summary Language Original Title Moglichkeiten der ganzjahrigen Freilandhaltung von Pferden
Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title
Series Volume Series Issue Edition
ISSN 0341-6593 ISBN Medium
Area Expedition Conference
Notes PMID:8205954 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1941
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Author Waters, A.J.; Nicol, C.J.; French, N.P.
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 (up) 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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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
Year 2006 Publication (up) 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
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:16986604 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1784
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Author Pinchbeck, G.L.; Clegg, P.D.; Proudman, C.J.; Morgan, K.L.; French, N.P.
Title A prospective cohort study to investigate risk factors for horse falls in UK hurdle and steeplechase racing Type Journal Article
Year 2004 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 36 Issue 7 Pages 595-601
Keywords *Accidental Falls/mortality/statistics & numerical data; Age Factors; Animal Welfare; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/mortality/*veterinary; Cohort Studies; Great Britain; Horses/*injuries; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Prospective Studies; Questionnaires; Rain; Risk Factors; Safety; Sports
Abstract REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Equine fatalities during racing continue to be a major welfare concern and falls at fences are responsible for a proportion of all equine fatalities recorded on racecourses. OBJECTIVES: To identify and quantify risk factors for horse falls in National Hunt (NH) racing and to report the frequency of falling and falling-associated fatalities. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on 2879 horse starts in hurdle and steeplechase races on 6 UK racecourses. Any horse that suffered a fall at a steeplechase or hurdle fence during the race was defined as a case. Data were obtained by interview and observations in the parade ring and from commercial databases. Multivariable logistic regression models, allowing for clustering at the level of the track, were used to identify the relationship between variables and the risk of falling. RESULTS: There were 124 falling cases (32 in hurdling and 92 in steeplechasing) identified. The injury risk of fallers was 8.9% and fatality risk 6.5%. Duration of journey to the racecourse, behaviour in the parade ring and weather at the time of the race were associated with falling in both hurdle and steeplechase racing. Age, amount of rainfall and going were also associated with falling in steeplechase racing. CONCLUSIONS: Falls at fences are significant contributors to equine fatalities during NH racing. Potentially modifiable risk factors identified were the condition of track surfaces and journey time to the racecourse. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: It is hoped that information from this study may be used in future interventions to improve horse and jockey safety in racing. The study has also identified areas requiring further research, such as equine behaviour and its effect on racing performance, and the effect of light conditions on jumping ability.
Address Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, 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:15581324 Approved no
Call Number Serial 1898
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Author Goodwin, D.; Davidson, H.P.B.; Harris, P.
Title Foraging enrichment for stabled horses: effects on behaviour and selection Type Journal Article
Year 2002 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 34 Issue 7 Pages 686-691
Keywords Animal Feed; Animal Husbandry/*methods; Animal Welfare; Animals; *Behavior, Animal; Female; Horse Diseases/*psychology; Horses/*physiology; Housing, Animal; Male; *Poaceae; *Stereotyped Behavior; Videotape Recording
Abstract The restricted access to pasture experienced by many competition horses has been linked to the exhibition of stereotypic and redirected behaviour patterns. It has been suggested that racehorses provided with more than one source of forage are less likely to perform these patterns; however, the reasons for this are currently unclear. To investigate this in 4 replicated trials, up to 12 horses were introduced into each of 2 identical stables containing a single forage, or 6 forages for 5 min. To detect novelty effects, in the first and third trials the single forage was hay. In the second and fourth, it was the preferred forage from the preceding trial. Trials were videotaped and 12 mutually exclusive behaviour patterns compared. When hay was presented as the single forage (Trials 1 and 3), all recorded behaviour patterns were significantly different between stables; e.g. during Trial 3 in the 'Single' stable, horses looked over the stable door more frequently (P<0.001), moved for longer (P<0.001), foraged on straw bedding longer (P<0.001), and exhibited behaviour indicative of motivation to search for alternative resources (P<0.001) more frequently. When a previously preferred forage was presented as the single forage (Trials 2 and 4) behaviour was also significantly different between stables, e.g in Trial 4 horses looked out over the stable door more frequently (P<0.005) and foraged for longer in their straw bedding (P<0.005). Further study is required to determine whether these effects persist over longer periods. However, these trials indicate that enrichment of the stable environment through provision of multiple forages may have welfare benefits for horses, in reducing straw consumption and facilitating the expression of highly motivated foraging behaviour.
Address Anthrozoology Institute, University of Southampton, 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:12455839 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1910
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Author Waran, N.K.
Title Can studies of feral horse behaviour be used for assessing domestic horse welfare? Type
Year 1997 Publication (up) Equine Veterinary Journal Abbreviated Journal Equine Vet J
Volume 29 Issue 4 Pages 249-251
Keywords Animal Husbandry/methods; *Animal Welfare; Animals; Animals, Domestic; Animals, Wild; *Behavior, Animal; Horses/*psychology; Social Behavior
Abstract
Address
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:15338901 Approved no
Call Number refbase @ user @ Serial 1936
Permanent link to this record
 

 
Author Cooper, J.J.; Mason, G.J.
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 (up) 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.
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 (up) 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
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Author Visser, E. K.; Ellis, A.D.; Rijksen, L.; Van Reenen,C.G.; VanDierendonck,M.
Title Effect of training method on response of horses to a human approach test Type Conference Article
Year 2008 Publication (up) 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
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Author Nagy, K.; Bodó, G.; Bárdos, G.; Harnos, A.
Title Is modified Forssell"s operation superior to cribbing collar in preventing crib-biting in horses? Type Conference Article
Year 2008 Publication (up) 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
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