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Author (up) Hoffmann, G.; Bentke, A.; Rose-Meierhöfer, S.; Berg, W.; Mazetti, P.; Hardarson, G.H. url  doi
openurl 
  Title Influence of an active stable system on the behavior and body condition of Icelandic horses Type Journal Article
  Year 2012 Publication animal Abbreviated Journal  
  Volume 6 Issue 10 Pages 1684-1693  
  Keywords activity, automatic feeding system, behavior, body condition score, Icelandic horse  
  Abstract Horses are often stabled in individual boxes, a method that does not meet their natural needs and may cause psychical and

musculoskeletal diseases. This problem is particularly evident in Iceland, where horses often spend the long winter periods in cramped

boxes. The aim of this study was to analyze the suitability of a group housing system in Iceland, but the results are also applicable to

horses of other regions. Eight Icelandic horses were observed in an active stable system, and their behavior and time budget were

recorded. Movement and lying behavior were studied with ALT (Activity, Lying, Temperature detection) pedometers. The effect of an

automatic concentrate feeding station (CFS) on the horses’ behavior was examined. In the first period of investigation, the horses

were fed concentrates manually, and in the second period, they were fed with the CFS. Additional behavioral observations and a

determination of social hierarchy occurred directly or by video surveillance. The physical condition of the horses was recorded by body

weight (BW) measurement and body condition scoring (BCS). The results showed a significant increase between the first and second

trial periods in both the activity (P,0.001) and the lying time (P50.003) of the horses with use of the CFS. However, there was no

significant change in BW during the first period without the CFS (P50.884) or during the second period with the CFS (P50.540).

The BCS of the horses was constant at a very good level during both trial periods, and the horses showed a low level of aggression, a

firm social hierarchy and behavioral synchronization. This study concludes that group housing according to the active stable principle is

a welfare-friendly option for keeping horses and is a suitable alternative to conventional individual boxes.
 
  Address  
  Corporate Author Thesis  
  Publisher Cambridge Journals Online Place of Publication Editor  
  Language Summary Language Original Title  
  Series Editor Series Title Abbreviated Series Title  
  Series Volume Series Issue Edition  
  ISSN 1751-732x ISBN Medium  
  Area Expedition Conference  
  Notes Approved no  
  Call Number Equine Behaviour @ team @ Serial 5759  
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