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| Author | Peeters, M.; Sulon, J.; Beckers, J.-F.; Ledoux, D.; Vandenheede, M. | ||||
| Title | Comparison between blood serum and salivary cortisol concentrations in horses using an adrenocorticotropic hormone challenge | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2011 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | |
| Volume | 43 | Issue  |
4 | Pages | 487-493 |
| Keywords | horse; cortisol; ACTH challenge; saliva; stress | ||||
| Abstract | Reasons for performing study: In horses, serum cortisol concentration is considered to provide an indirect measurement of stress. However, it includes both free and bound fractions. The sampling method is also invasive and often stressful. This is not the case for salivary cortisol, which is collected using a more welfare-friendly method and represents a part of the free cortisol fraction, which is the biologically active form. Objectives: To compare salivary and serum cortisol assays in horses, in a wide range of concentrations, using an adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test, in order to validate salivary cortisol for stress assessment in horse. Methods: In 5 horses, blood samples were drawn using an i.v. catheter. Saliva samples were taken using swabs. Cortisol was assayed by radioimmunoassay. All data were treated with a regression method, which pools and analyses data from multiple subjects for linear analysis. Results: Mean ± s.d. cortisol concentrations measured at rest were 188.81 ± 51.46 nmol/l in serum and 1.19 ± 0.54 nmol/l in saliva. They started increasing immediately after ACTH injection and peaks were reached after 96 ± 16.7 min in serum (356.98 ± 55.29 nmol/l) and after 124 ± 8.9 min in saliva (21.79 ± 7.74 nmol/l, P<0.05). Discharge percentages were also different (225% in serum and 2150% in saliva, P<0.05). Correlation between serum and salivary cortisol concentrations showed an adjusted r2= 0.80 (P<0.001). The strong link between serum and salivary cortisol concentrations was also estimated by a regression analysis. Conclusions: The reliability of both RIAs and regression found between serum and salivary cortisol concentrations permits the validation of saliva-sampling as a noninvasive technique for cortisol level assessment in horses. | ||||
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| Publisher | Blackwell Publishing Ltd | Place of Publication | Editor | ||
| Language | Summary Language | Original Title | |||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 2042-3306 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5428 | ||
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| Author | Houpt, K.A. | ||||
| Title | Why horse behaviour is important to the equine clinician | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2006 | Publication | Equine veterinary journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 38 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 386-387 |
| Keywords | Accidents, Occupational/prevention & control; Aggression; Animals; *Behavior, Animal/physiology; Clinical Competence; Fear; Horses/*physiology; Humans; Veterinarians/psychology; Veterinary Medicine/*standards | ||||
| Abstract | |||||
| Address | Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, USA | ||||
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| 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:16986596 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 30 | ||
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| Author | Harman, A.M.; Moore, S.; Hoskins, R.; Keller, P. | ||||
| Title | Horse vision and an explanation for the visual behaviour originally explained by the 'ramp retina' | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 1999 | Publication | Equine veterinary journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 31 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 384-390 |
| Keywords | Animals; Behavior, Animal; Cell Count; Eye/*anatomy & histology; Ganglia, Sensory/cytology; Horses/*physiology; Refractive Errors/veterinary; Retina/cytology/*physiology; Vision/*physiology; Visual Acuity; Visual Fields | ||||
| Abstract | Here we provide confirmation that the 'ramp retina' of the horse, once thought to result in head rotating visual behaviour, does not exist. We found a 9% variation in axial length of the eye between the streak region and the dorsal periphery. However, the difference was in the opposite direction to that proposed for the 'ramp retina'. Furthermore, acuity in the narrow, intense visual streak in the inferior retina is 16.5 cycles per degree compared with 2.7 cycles per degree in the periphery. Therefore, it is improbable that the horse rotates its head to focus onto the peripheral retina. Rather, the horse rotates the nose up high to observe distant objects because binocular overlap is oriented down the nose, with a blind area directly in front of the forehead. | ||||
| Address | Department of Psychology, University of Western Australia, Nedlands, Australia | ||||
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| 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:10505953 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | refbase @ user @ | Serial | 836 | ||
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| Author | Christensen, J.W.; Rundgren, M.; Olsson, K. | ||||
| Title | Training methods for horses: habituation to a frightening stimulus | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2006 | Publication | Equine veterinary journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 38 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 439-443 |
| Keywords | Animals; Behavior, Animal/*physiology; *Conditioning (Psychology); *Fear; Heart Rate/*physiology; Horses/physiology/*psychology; Learning; Male; Random Allocation; *Reinforcement (Psychology); Safety; Time Factors | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Responses of horses in frightening situations are important for both equine and human safety. Considerable scientific interest has been shown in development of reactivity tests, but little effort has been dedicated to the development of appropriate training methods for reducing fearfulness. OBJECTIVES: To investigate which of 3 different training methods (habituation, desensitisation and counter-conditioning) was most effective in teaching horses to react calmly in a potentially frightening situation. HYPOTHESES: 1) Horses are able to generalise about the test stimulus such that, once familiar with the test stimulus in one situation, it appears less frightening and elicits a reduced response even when the stimulus intensity is increased or the stimulus is presented differently; and 2) alternative methods such as desensitisation and counter-conditioning would be more efficient than a classic habituation approach. METHODS: Twenty-seven naive 2-year-old Danish Warmblood stallions were trained according to 3 different methods, based on classical learning theory: 1) horses (n = 9) were exposed to the full stimulus (a moving, white nylon bag, 1.2 x 0.75 m) in 5 daily training sessions until they met a predefined habituation criterion (habituation); 2) horses (n = 9) were introduced gradually to the stimulus and habituated to each step before the full stimulus was applied (desensitisation); 3) horses (n = 9) were trained to associate the stimulus with a positive reward before being exposed to the full stimulus (counter-conditioning). Each horse received 5 training sessions of 3 min per day. Heart rate and behavioural responses were recorded. RESULTS: Horses trained with the desensitisation method showed fewer flight responses in total and needed fewer training sessions to learn to react calmly to test stimuli. Variations in heart rate persisted even when behavioural responses had ceased. In addition, all horses on the desensitisation method eventually habituated to the test stimulus whereas some horses on the other methods did not. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Desensitisation appeared to be the most effective training method for horses in frightening situations. Further research is needed in order to investigate the role of positive reinforcement, such as offering food, in the training of horses. | ||||
| Address | Danish Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Department of Animal Health, Welfare and Nutrition, Tjele, Denmark | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:16986605 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Serial | 1783 | |||
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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 | 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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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| 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 | Senior, J.M.; Pinchbeck, G.L.; Allister, R.; Dugdale, A.H.A.; Clark, L.; Clutton, R.E.; Coumbe, K.; Dyson, S.; Clegg, P.D. | ||||
| Title | Post anaesthetic colic in horses: a preventable complication? | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2006 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 38 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 479-484 |
| Keywords | Anesthesia/adverse effects/*veterinary; Animals; Case-Control Studies; Colic/chemically induced/epidemiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Confidence Intervals; Fasting; Fecal Impaction/complications/epidemiology/veterinary; Horse Diseases/chemically induced/*epidemiology/prevention & control; Horses; Logistic Models; Multivariate Analysis; Odds Ratio; Postoperative Complications/chemically induced/epidemiology/prevention & control/*veterinary; Predictive Value of Tests; Prevalence; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: There is little information on the prevalence of, and risk factors associated with, post anaesthetic colic (PAC) in horses undergoing nonabdominal operations. OBJECTIVES: To undertake the first prospective study of prevalence of PAC and identify risk factors in its development in nonabdominal procedures. METHODS: A multicentre prospective case-control study was conducted, on every horse undergoing anaesthesia for a nonabdominal procedure between April 2004 and June 2005. Colic cases were defined as any horse with recognised signs of abdominal pain within 72 h of general anaesthesia that could not be attributed to any concurrent disease. Five control horses per case were selected randomly from the study population at all hospitals. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationship between predictor variables and the risk of developing PAC. RESULTS: The estimated mean prevalence of PAC in the study population was 5.2% (95% CI, 2.8, 8.0). However, the prevalence of colic varied between each centre. The most commonly diagnosed cause of colic was impaction. Multivariable analyses showed that the centre involved and the type of surgery performed were associated with an increased risk of PAC. Preoperative food deprivation and the use of opioid drugs were confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of PAC varied significantly between the 4 hospitals studied; there may be hospital-related covariates that account for this. The type of surgery performed influenced the risk of PAC. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Identifying the risk factors for PAC is a prerequisite for its prevention. This study indicates horses at increased risk of PAC that might benefit from a more critical evaluation of post anaesthetic gastrointestinal function and/or the provision of preventative measures. Further investigation is required to explain the variation in prevalence of PAC between centres. | ||||
| Address | Institutes of Evolution, Immunology and Infection Research, University of Edinburgh, UK | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:16986610 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Serial | 1860 | |||
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| Author | Pinchbeck, G.L.; Clegg, P.D.; Proudman, C.J.; Morgan, K.L.; French, N.R. | ||||
| Title | Whip use and race progress are associated with horse falls in hurdle and steeplechase racing in the UK | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2004 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 36 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 384-389 |
| Keywords | Accidental Falls/*statistics & numerical data; Animals; Athletic Injuries/epidemiology/etiology/*veterinary; Case-Control Studies; Cohort Studies; Great Britain/epidemiology; Horses/*injuries; Logistic Models; Odds Ratio; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors; Running/statistics & numerical data; Sports; Videotape Recording | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Falls during racing present a risk of injury to both horse and jockey and a risk of fatality to horses. OBJECTIVES: To use video recordings of races to describe the circumstances surrounding horse falls at hurdle and steeplechase fences and to identify and quantify within-race risk factors for horse falls in National Hunt racing in the UK. METHODS: A retrospective, matched, nested case-control study using video recordings of races was conducted on 6 UK racecourses. Cases and controls were matched on both race type and jump number at which the fall occurred. Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to examine the univariable and multivariable relationship between predictor variables and the risk of falling. RESULTS: The risk of falling was significantly associated with whip use and race progress. Horses which were being whipped and progressing through the race were at greater than 7 times the risk of falling compared to horses which were not being whipped and which had no change in position or lost position through the field. CONCLUSIONS: This study has identified whip use and the position of the horse with respect to others in the field as potential risk factors for horse falls. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: If these findings are confirmed by the use of intervention trials (e.g. with whip-free or restricted whip use races), modifications could be introduced which would reduce the frequency of horse falls, leading to improved equine welfare. | ||||
| Address | Epidemiology Group, Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, University of Liverpool, Leahurst, Neston, Wirral CH64 7TE, UK | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:15253077 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 3659 | ||
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| Author | Gerber, V.; Robinson, N.E.; Luethi, S.; Marti, E.; Wampfler, B.; Straub, R. | ||||
| Title | Airway inflammation and mucus in two age groups of asymptomatic well-performing sport horses | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2003 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 35 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 491-495 |
| Keywords | Age Factors; Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid/*cytology; Female; Flow Cytometry/veterinary; Horse Diseases/*physiopathology; Horses; Housing, Animal; Inflammation/veterinary; Leukocyte Count/veterinary; Male; Mucus/*secretion; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Respiratory Function Tests/veterinary; Respiratory Tract Diseases/physiopathology/*veterinary; Sports | ||||
| Abstract | REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Horses housed in conventional stable environments are exposed to high dust loads. Long-term exposure to inhaled dust may lead to subclinical airway disease. HYPOTHESES: Airway inflammation and mucus accumulation are 1) common in asymptomatic well-performing sport horses, 2) increased in older compared to younger individuals and 3) correlated. METHODS: Mucus quantity and quality (endoscopic scoring) and BALF differential cytology were assessed in 13 younger horses (mean age 5 years) and 13 older horses (mean age 15 years), which had no historical or clinical evidence of lower airway disease, were performing well and were housed permanently in a conventional stable environment. RESULTS: 1) Airway inflammation and/or mucus accumulation were very common. All sport horses showed evidence of subclinical inflammatory airway disease (IAD). 2) Older horses, having been exposed for 10 more years to a conventional stable environment, did not show increased subclinical airway inflammation or mucus accumulation. The only differences between the age groups were increased BALF total and lymphocyte cell counts in the younger horses. 3) Mucus quantity and quality scores were not significantly correlated with each other or with BALF neutrophil percentages and absolute numbers. CONCLUSIONS: Although clinically healthy and performing well, all of the examined horses housed in a conventional stable environment showed evidence of IAD. The degree of IAD was not increased in older horses that had not developed clinical signs. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The effect of subclinical degrees of IAD on performance in dressage and show jumping should be investigated further to better understand the clinical significance of IAD in sport horses. | ||||
| Address | Pulmonary Laboratory, Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, USA | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:12875328 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 3721 | ||
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| Author | Robert, C.; Valette, J.P.; Denoix, J.M. | ||||
| Title | The effects of treadmill inclination and speed on the activity of three trunk muscles in the trotting horse | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2001 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | Equine Vet J |
| Volume | 33 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 466-472 |
| Keywords | Animals; Biomechanics; Electromyography/methods/veterinary; Exercise Test/veterinary; Gait/physiology; Horses/*physiology; Muscle, Skeletal/*physiology; Physical Conditioning, Animal; Rectus Abdominis/physiology; Time Factors | ||||
| Abstract | The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of speed and slope on the activity of trunk muscles. The electromyographic (EMG) activity of the splenius (Sp), longissimus dorsi (LD) and rectus abdominis (RA) muscles was recorded with surface electrodes during treadmill locomotion at trot for different combinations of speed (3.5 to 6 m/s) and slope (0 to 6%). Raw EMG signals were processed to determine activity duration, onset and end and integrated EMG (IEMG). For the 3 muscles investigated, onset and end of activity were obtained earlier in the stride cycle when speed increased. A longer duration of activity for the LD, a shorter duration for the RA and an unchanged duration for the Sp were also observed. The IEMG of the latter was poorly affected by speed, whereas it increased linearly with speed for the 2 other muscles. When treadmill inclination changed from 0 to 6%, EMG activity of the LD and RA began and ended later; a longer activity duration was noted. Temporal parameters for Sp did not change with slope. A significant and progressive increase in the IEMG of the 3 muscles was observed with increasing slope. This evaluation of the activity of trunk muscles provides objective data for the use of speed or slope in training programmes. | ||||
| Address | UMR INRA-DGER, Biomecanique et Pathalogie Locomotrice du Cheval, UP Anatomie, Ecole Nationale Veterinaire d'Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France | ||||
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| Language | English | Summary Language | Original Title | ||
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| Series Volume | Series Issue | Edition | |||
| ISSN | 0425-1644 | ISBN | Medium | ||
| Area | Expedition | Conference | |||
| Notes | PMID:11558741 | Approved | no | ||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 4052 | ||
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| Author | Albright, J.D.; Mohammed, H.O.; Heleski, C.R.; Wickens, C.L.; Houpt, K.A. | ||||
| Title | Crib-biting in US horses: Breed predispositions and owner perceptions of aetiology | Type | Journal Article | ||
| Year | 2009 | Publication | Equine Veterinary Journal | Abbreviated Journal | |
| Volume | 41 | Issue |
5 | Pages | 455-458 |
| Keywords | HORSE; BEHAVIOUR; CRIB-BITING; BREED PREVALENCE; LEARNING | ||||
| Abstract | Reasons for performing study: Crib-biting is an equine stereotypy that may result in diseases such as colic. Certain breeds and management factors have been associated. Objectives: To determine: breed prevalence of crib-biting in US horses; the likelihood that one horse learns to crib-bite from another; and owner perceptions of causal factors. Methods: An initial postal survey queried the number and breed of crib-biting horses and if a horse began after being exposed to a horse with this habit. In a follow-up survey, a volunteer subset of owners was asked the number of affected and nonaffected horses of each breed and the extent of conspecific contact. The likelihood of crib-biting given breed and extent of contact was quantified using odds ratio (OR) and significance of the association was assessed using the Chi-squared test. Results: Overall prevalence was 4.4%. Thoroughbreds were the breed most affected (13.3%). Approximately half of owners believed environmental factors predominantly cause the condition (54.4%) and crib-biting is learned by observation (48.8%). However, only 1.0% of horses became affected after being exposed to a crib-biter. The majority (86%) of horses was turned out in the same pasture with other horses and extent of contact with conspecifics was not statistically related to risk. Conclusion: This is the first study to report breed prevalence for crib-biting in US horses. Thoroughbreds were the breed more likely to be affected. More owners believed either environmental conditions were a predominant cause or a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the behaviour. Only a small number of horses reportedly began to crib-bite after being exposed to an affected individual, but approximately half of owners considered it to be a learned behaviour; most owners did not isolate affected horses. Potential relevance: Genetic predisposition, not just intensive management conditions and surroundings, may be a factor in the high crib-biting prevalence in some breeds, and warrants further investigation. Little evidence exists to suggest horses learn the behaviour from other horses, and isolation may cause unnecessary stress. |
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| Notes | Approved | no | |||
| Call Number | Equine Behaviour @ team @ | Serial | 5010 | ||
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