Stable Design Influences Relaxation and Affiliative Behaviour in Horses During Short Isolation Bouts

Borthwick, Emily J.; Preshaw, Liane; Wheeler-Launder, Charlotte; Challinor, Chloe; Housby-Skeggs, Nicola; Boalch, Esther; Brown, Sarah M.; Pearson, Gemma

doi:10.2139/ssrn.4296846

Cited by 2 publications

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“…This is why, in addition to the ‘classical’ stereotypies, well known and described ([ 42 ], cribbing, windsucking, weaving), we have considered other abnormal repeated behaviors also cited and observed here (tongue playing, head movement, repetitive licking, etc. [ 15 , 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 , 47 , 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]). Vacuum chewing (associated with lip licking) and yawning, which frequency increases in both chronic and acute stress situations [ 52 ].…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Selected Acoustic Frequencies Have a Positive Impact on Behavioural and Physiological Welfare Indicators in Thoroughbred Racehorses

Gueguen,

Henry,

Delbos

et al. 2023

Animals

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(1) Background: Since antiquity, it is considered that sounds influence human emotional states and health. Acoustic enrichment has also been proposed for domestic animals. However, in both humans and animals, effects vary according to the type of sound. Human studies suggest that frequencies, more than melodies, play a key role. Low and high frequencies, music tuning frequency and even EEG slow waves used for ‘neurofeedback’ produce effects. (2) Methods: We tested the possible impact of such pure frequencies on racehorses’ behavior and physiology. A commercial non-audible acoustic stimulus, composed of an array of the above-mentioned frequencies, was broadcasted twice daily and for three weeks to 12 thoroughbred horses in their home stall. (3) Results: The results show a decrease in stereotypic behaviors and other indicators such as yawning or vacuum chewing, an increase in the time spent in recumbent resting and foraging, and better hematological measures during and after the playback phase for 4 of the 10 physiological parameters measured. (4) Conclusions: These results open new lines of research on possible ways of alleviating the stress related to housing and training conditions in racehorses and of improving physical recovery.

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Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Selected Acoustic Frequencies Have a Positive Impact on Behavioural and Physiological Welfare Indicators in Thoroughbred Racehorses

Gueguen,

Henry,

Delbos

et al. 2023

Animals

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“…The concept of a social box with full‐length vertical bars, allowing a horse to pass its head and neck through to the neighbouring stable, has been shown to improve welfare when compared to visual and olfactory contact only (Gmel et al., 2022). Even in horses that spend 23 hours a day in a herd, when stabled for just 1 h those with a half wall between stables used the opportunity to engage in physical contact, spent more time resting and less time stood vigilant compared to those with a full‐dividing wall (Borthwick et al., 2023). Altering the structure of stables is clearly unfeasible for most.…”

Section: Restoring the Balance—minimising The Negative And Providing ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Welfare considerations for management of horses on prolonged periods of box rest

Pearson

2024

Equine Veterinary Education

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Peeters et al. (2024) describe the presentation, diagnosis and successful management of an unusual fracture, of the femoral greater trochanter, in an 8-year-old Warmblood mare. Internal fixation was not considered feasible due to the high likelihood of implant failure at this location and financial constraints. However, based on successful outcomes with similar proximal limb bony protuberances, conservative management was undertaken with an excellent outcome-the horse returned to its previous level of exercise. The authors should be commended in this case report for considering the welfare implications of horses on prolonged box rest and reflecting on what further steps could have been taken to improve this mare's welfare. This clinical commentary will discuss the welfare implications of confinement in horses before expanding on further options for optimising the management of horses undergoing box rest.

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Stable Design Influences Relaxation and Affiliative Behaviour in Horses During Short Isolation Bouts

Cited by 2 publications

References 0 publications

Selected Acoustic Frequencies Have a Positive Impact on Behavioural and Physiological Welfare Indicators in Thoroughbred Racehorses

Selected Acoustic Frequencies Have a Positive Impact on Behavioural and Physiological Welfare Indicators in Thoroughbred Racehorses

Welfare considerations for management of horses on prolonged periods of box rest

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