Factors associated with stereotypic behavior in Iranian stabled horses

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate factors associated with stereotypic behavior in stabled horses in Iran. We evaluated sex, age, breed, color, frequency of feeding in the day, social contact with other horses during stabling, and the design of stable. We divided the stable design into two groups: indoor stables and those where the horses had contact with the outside environment. No statistical relationship could be found between the factors examined and stereotypic behavior. However, we found trends relating age group (1-7 and >7 years), color (white and dun were overrepresented), breed (Thoroughbred and Arabian horses were over-represented), and daily feeding frequency (twice over-represented compared with three times). Horses with tactile contact with others showed less stereotypy than those that had no tactile contact with neighbors. This study suggested that the most important factors in the occurrence of stereotypic behavior are social interaction with other horses and frequency of feeding. Stereotypies appear to be related to management factors.

Frequency of abnormal and stereotypic behaviors in urban police patrolling horses: A continuous 48-hour study

“…However, Sarrafchi and Blokhuis (2013) related behavioral disturbances to poor welfare and deficient stalling environment. Stall dimensions in this study were below those recommended for this type of horses and allowed only visual but not physical contact, which could contribute to prevalence of abnormal and stereotypic behaviors as well as to greater disturbances compared with those allowing both visual and physical contact (Dezfouli et al, 2014).…”

“…The stall walking frequency (26%) was within the 0.25 to 18.1% range reported in other studies (Vieira, 2006;Leal, 2007;D'Almeida et al, 2014) for horses performing similar patrolling activities, and between 1.02 and 8% (Muñoz et al, 2009;Muñoz et al, 2013;Muñoz et al, 2014) in Chilean horses intended for sports. According to some reports, stall walking reflects social needs (Sarrafchi and Blokhuis, 2013;Dezfouli et al, 2014). Although animals in our study had visual contact, physical contact was scarce, which could frustrate the animals when they were confined after patrolling activities.…”

“…The stall design in the present study allowed horses visual contact with the external environment through large windows, as part of environmental enrichment that functions as a distraction factor (Martinez et al, 2007). For some authors, stall design does not affect the prevalence of stereotypic behaviors (Dezfouli et al, 2014). However, Sarrafchi and Blokhuis (2013) related behavioral disturbances to poor welfare and deficient stalling environment.…”

“…Therefore, the presence of behavioral disturbances in horses is an indicator of poor welfare. Domestication and practices derived from the process of stabling are known as unnatural measures, where animals need to adapt to the demands of an artificial environment (Hothersall and Casey 2012;Dezfouli et al, 2014;D'Almeida et al, 2014).…”

“…On the other hand, stereotypies are unusual, repetitive behaviors without a definite purpose (Pell and McGreevy, 1999). Despite the absence of an explanatory etiology for these disturbances, several theories have sought to elucidate the mechanisms involved for different breeds (Tadich et al, 2012;Tadich et al, 2013;Dezfouli et al, 2014;Navarrate et al, 2015). Disturbances of dopaminergic, serotonergic, and endogenous opioid systems have been implicated as possible causes for these attempts of adaptation to chronic stress (Dodman et al, 1994;Hugo et al, 2003;McBride and Hemmings.…”