Development and Validation of a Test for the Classification of Horses as Broken or Unbroken

Abstract

Regulation EC 1/2005 has stricter rules for transportation of unbroken (untamed) vs. broken (tamed) horses, but does not provide adequate tools for their identification. This study aimed to develop and validate such a tool. A behavioural test (Broken/Unbroken Test (BUT)) based on approaching, haltering, and leading was applied to 100 horses. Physiological and additional behavioural data were also collected, and the horses’ status (broken/unbroken) was assessed by the expert who administered the BUT. Each horse’s behaviour during the BUT was scored by four trained observers blinded to the horse’s history. The BUT score showed excellent inter-observer, intra-observer, and test–retest reliability (all intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) > 0.75). It was also negatively associated with respiratory rate, avoidance distance, and time needed to approach, halter, and lead the horse (p < 0.05 for all). The optimal BUT score cut-off for discrimination between broken and unbroken horses (gold standard: expert judgment) showed 97.8% sensitivity and 97.3% specificity. There was almost perfect agreement between BUT-based and expert classification of horses (ICC = 0.940). These findings confirm the BUT’s construct and criterion validity. The BUT could provide officials with a feasible, reliable, and valid tool to identify a horse’s broken/unbroken status and, consequently, direct stakeholders towards correct transport procedures.

Journeys, Journey Conditions, and Welfare Assessment of Unbroken (Unhandled) Horses on Arrival at a Slaughterhouse in Italy

“…Our study further validated the use of the BUT test to differentiate the level of tameness of a horse. Menchetti et al [ 18 ] applied the test on 100 horses on-farm, where they were usually kept. During this study, a further 395 horses were also tested in a new environment, and the BUT scores and classifications coincided with the declaration of the owners.…”

“…Then, in order to evaluate the health and welfare of the animals, the veterinarian visually inspected each horse following the checklist reported in Table 4 (see Table S2 for details and explanations of the measures). After the inspection, all the horses were also tested using the Broken/Unbroken test (BUT) developed by Menchetti et al [ 18 ]. Briefly, the test was composed of two behavioral tests, approaching and handling tests.…”

“…Despite these different requirements for the journey conditions, in the current regulation, it is not clear how to differentiate between broken and unbroken horses. For this reason, Menchetti et al [ 18 ] validated a simple and fast behavioral test that allows an individual horse’s level of “tameness” to be identified, and suggested that this test should always be carried out before loading to ensure journey conditions are adapted accordingly. Hypothesizing that journey conditions (e.g., space allowance, driving style and driver’s experience, environmental conditions) would be crucial for the welfare of unbroken horses, this study aimed to describe their journeys and journey conditions towards a slaughterhouse in Italy, document their welfare status at unloading and lairage using a standardized protocol, and investigate possible associations between journey conditions and welfare issues.…”

“…Table S4. Description of the Broken/Unbroken Test (BUT) developed by Menchetti et al [ 18 ] and used to evaluate whether the transported horses were broken or unbroken the day after arrival. Table S5.…”

Effects of Reduced Space Allowance and Heat Stress on Behavior and Eye Temperature in Unweaned Lambs: A Pilot Study

“…The camera was positioned at 90° to the sagittal plane and at a distance of approximately 0.40 m from the lamb’s right side. The images were analyzed using the FLIR Tools ® software (FLIR Systems AB, Danderyd, Sweden) focusing on the lacrimal caruncle of the right eye to determine maximum temperature (ET), as previously reported [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”