Foraging enrichment for individually housed horses: Practicality and effects on behaviour

Thorne, J.B.; Goodwin, Deborah; Kennedy, Murray J.; Davidson, H.P.B.; Harris, Patricia A.

doi:10.1016/j.applanim.2005.02.002

Cited by 84 publications

(30 citation statements)

References 22 publications

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“…It is generally agreed that housing conditions, feeding methods and the possibility of free movement have a major influence on the health status and welfare of domesticated horses (Thorne et al, 2005;Jørgensen and Bøe, 2007;Freire et al, 2009). In particular, lack of movement and improper feeding are responsible for diseases of the musculoskeletal system as well as digestive and behavioral disorders.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of an active stable system on the behavior and body condition of Icelandic horses

Hoffmann

Bentke

Rose-Meierhöfer

et al. 2012

animal

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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 (P 5 0.003) of the horses with use of the CFS. However, there was no significant change in BW during the first period without the CFS (P 5 0.884) or during the second period with the CFS (P 5 0.540). 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.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Influence of an active stable system on the behavior and body condition of Icelandic horses

Hoffmann

Bentke

Rose-Meierhöfer

et al. 2012

animal

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“…Multiple forages also decreased the amount of time horses spent searching for food (Thorne et al, 2005). In ruminants housed in pens, there was a higher total hay intake when several types of hay were provided compared to when a single hay was offered (Reid and Jung, 1965).…”

Section: Voluntary Intakementioning

confidence: 89%

Influence of Confinement Housing on the Cecal Environment of the Horse

Wolford

Coverdale

Pinchak³

et al. 2011

Journal of Equine Veterinary Science

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A dual marker system was utilized for estimation of voluntary intake in all horses using titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) as the external marker and acid detergent insoluble ash (ADIA) as the internal marker. Cecal samples were collected 4-h after the morning meal and immediately analyzed for pH. Samples were transported to the USDA/ARS laboratory to enumerate total anaerobic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria, and to determine methane and ammonia activity.Cecal pH was influenced by housing (P = 0.02) with group housed horses having lower cecal pH values when compared to stalled horses (6.52 ± 0.04 and 6.69 ± 0.04, respectively). The cecal pH values of this study are similar to other reported values when iv feeding similar diets (5). Populations of cecal total anaerobic bacteria and lactobacillus were not influenced by housing (P ≥ 0.21). Treatments did not affect the production of acetate, propionate or butyrate (P ≥ 0.15). Additionally, methane and ammonia production were not affected by treatments (P ≥ 0.17). Forage intake was greater for group housed horses (P = 0.04) than stalled (8.47 ± 0.89 kg DM/d and 5.17 ± 0.89 kg DM/d, respectively). In conclusion, confinement housing did not greatly influence the cecal environment of a horse when similar diets were offered.

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“…Uma dieta com maior proporção de concentrado, manejo nutricional normalmente utilizado e que não corresponde ao tipo de dieta que o sistema digestivo do cavalo foi adaptado, pode ocasionar cólicas, redução de apetite, má condição corporal, diarreia crônica e problemas dentários (MURRAY et al, 1989;CASEY, 2007;BURN et al, 2010;MCGOWAN et al, 2010;). Além disso, a dieta pobre em volumoso está associada à apresentação de comportamentos estereotipados e problemas de saúde, como cólicas por impactação, em cavalos que ingerem a cama, e úlceras gástricas (THORNE et al, 2005). Esta última causa dor e perda da condição corporal, sendo também um dos fatores predisponentes no desenvolvimento de movimentos repetitivos como a aerofagia pertinente a intensa dor estomacal (CASEY, 2007).…”

Section: Evolução E Comportamento Social Dos Equinosunclassified

Boas Práticas E Bem-Estar Em Cavalos De Hipismo: Oportunidades De Melhorias

Sturn¹,

Lima²,

Ribeiro³

2018

Enci Bio

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RESUMONa ciência, o estado de bem-estar de um animal é muitas vezes relacionado com o resultado dos efeitos das ações dos seres humanos, sendo esta voltada para o conhecimento das necessidades dos mesmos. Assim sendo, o animal que conseguir satisfazer suas necessidades biológicas terá maior grau de bem-estar e, de forma contrária, quando não atendidas, respostas fisiológicas e comportamentais são desencadeadas na tentativa de adaptação, mantendo sua homeostasia. Quando o equilíbrio não se estabelece, um estado permanente de estresse se mantém. Neste contexto, a avaliação do bem-estar nos equinos usados no hipismo, é importante, uma vez que esses são submetidos a ambientes e condições de manejo que não atendem na maior parte do tempo as necessidades da espécie. Sendo assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi, por meio de uma revisão de literatura, evidenciar as necessidades e os principais desafios relacionados ao bem-estar dos cavalos de hipismo. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Adaptação. Comportamento. Equinos. Estereotipias. Manejo. Saúde. GOOD PRACTICES AND WELFARE OF SPORT HORSES: OPPORTUNITIES FOR IMPROVEMENTSABSTRACT In science, animal's welfare condition is often related to the result of the human actions towards them, and it is focused on the understanding of their needs. Therefore, the animal that is able to satisfy its biological needs will have higher welfare level. Therefore, if it is not, there is a lack of satisfaction, triggering a permanent condition of stress. Physiological and behavioral responses will occur in the attempt of animal's body to adapt to that environment, maintaining its homeostasis. In this context, since the athlete equines are often kept in environments and submitted to management conditions that do not meet their needs, welfare evaluation is a major issue. Thus, the objective of this study is to understand equines needs, to identify key issues and alternative solutions related to the well-being of sport horses.

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Foraging enrichment for individually housed horses: Practicality and effects on behaviour

Cited by 84 publications

References 22 publications

Influence of an active stable system on the behavior and body condition of Icelandic horses

Influence of an active stable system on the behavior and body condition of Icelandic horses

Influence of Confinement Housing on the Cecal Environment of the Horse

Boas Práticas E Bem-Estar Em Cavalos De Hipismo: Oportunidades De Melhorias

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