Journal of Veterinary Behavior: Clinical Applications and Research

What horses can teach dogs about welfare and ethics

Karen L. Overall — 2012-05-01

Every paper in this issue focuses on equids and involves 2 primary themes: how can we better understand ‘normal’ behavior in horses, and so better work with them, and how can we better protect the welfare of the equid with whom we are engaged in work or play. What's interesting is that while focusing on basic behavioral responses to interventions, all of these papers have at their core data which should permit – and, indeed, mandate-improved welfare.

Improving working donkey (Equus asinus) welfare and management in Mali, West Africa

2012-05-01

Abstract: Working conditions for cart donkeys in West Africa are often harsh. In collaboration with the Society for the Protection of Animals Abroad, we conducted 3 studies and a welfare assessment. In the first study, we compared behavioral and physiological measures of donkeys (n = 10) driven in 2 standard Malian ways (1 = halter and reins, 2 = no halter and with a stick). In a second study, we assessed pressure associated with harness and cart quality. Pressure was measured according to several different parameters, including type of harness (satisfactory or unsatisfactory), type of cart (satisfactory or unsatisfactory), and weight (no weight or 200 kg of weight). Because education likely plays an important role in enhancing working equid welfare, we conducted a third study aimed at educating paraprofessionals about donkey husbandry (n = 82). We also conducted a welfare assessment on a donkey population in Segou, Mali (n = 54). Among training methods, no significant difference was found in either heart rate variability or behavior. A significant difference in back/wither pressure (P < 0.05) was found for the following parameters: harness type (P = 0.02) and cart with weight (P = 0.009). The welfare assessment examined how body condition scores, age, number of lesions, scarring, lameness, behavior parameters, and dehydration were related. The results indicated a significant effect between body condition score and hydration, that is, donkeys with lower body conditions were often less hydrated (P = 0.01). The relationship of body condition was significant when comparing the behavioral response with the ear test (P = 0.03). Finally, educational workshops were conducted at 2 schools, one in Segou (n = 54 students) and one in Bamako (n = 28 students), to measure donkey management knowledge before and after a husbandry education seminar and practical demonstration were conducted. The average test scores for pre- and post-tests numerically increased at both schools. However, the increase in test scores was not significant (Segou P = 0.15 and Bamako P = 0.06). This study provides additional methods to professionals and paraprofessionals on alternative methods for training, harnessing, and working donkeys in developing parts of the world.

Effects of different positions during transport on physiological and behavioral changes of horses

Barbara Padalino, Aristide Maggiolino, Marianna Boccaccio, Alessandra Tateo — 2012-03-26

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different transport positions on some physiological parameters in racehorses and their behavior patterns during and after the journey. Twelve horses made 3-hour journeys of 200 km on the same route, with the same driver, and in 3 different positions: facing forward, backward, and sideways in relation to the direction of travel. Physiological and behavioral parameters were registered before, during, and after the journey. Horses were checked at 5 different times: at rest (T0), at loading (T1), at unloading (T2), and at 2 (T3) and 4 (T4) hours after return from the journey. At each check, heart rate, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were measured and blood samples were collected by jugular vein puncture to assess cortisol, packed cell volume, total protein, albumin, glucose, creatinine, triglycerides, cholesterol, urea, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, calcium, phosphorus, and chlorine. Loading and unloading were filmed. Behavioral patterns were recorded by direct observation, during the travel, 2 and 4 hours after arrival in a new stall. The same parameters were recorded at the same times (excluding loading and unloading) in a control group that did not travel. All data were analyzed using a repeated-measures analysis (analysis of variance). Loading produced an increase of heart rate and packed cell volume in comparison with rest values. Horses facing in the direction of travel during journey made fewer forward, backward, and sideways movements than others, whereas horses traveling sideways lost their balance and touched the stall rails less frequently. Highest serum cortisol concentration value was recorded soon after unloading horses that had faced in the direction of travel (P < 0.01). Two hours after return, horses that had traveled sideways revealed an increase of creatine kinase (P < 0.01). The traveling position in the vehicle did not appear to affect postjourney behavior. In comparison with the control group, the horses that had traveled consumed concentrate faster, spent more time eating hay, and drank more frequently in the first 2 hours after return from the journey. Front-facing position led to an increase in serum cortisol concentration, whereas the sideways position caused some muscular tension, which disappeared 4 hours after the journey. Although facing backward was the travel position that provoked the greatest number of horses’ movements, it did not have a negative effect on physiological and behavioral parameters during and after the journey. We concluded that for Standardbred trotters accustomed to travel, the latter may be the less stressful position during a 200-km transport.

The effect of double bridles and jaw-clamping crank nosebands on temperature of eyes and facial skin of horses

Paul McGreevy, Amanda Warren-Smith, Yann Guisard — 2012-01-18

Abstract: Any apparatus that restricts a horse’s movement can compromise welfare. Eye temperature as measured remotely using infrared thermography is emerging as a correlate of salivary cortisol concentrations in horses. This article explores the effect on the temperature of the eyes and facial skin of horses wearing devices that restrict jaw movements. In certain equestrian disciplines, unacceptable equine oral activity, such as gaping of the mouth, is penalized because it reflects poor training and lack of compliance. This explains the wide range of nosebands and flash straps designed to prevent the mouth opening. Some of these nosebands are banned from higher-level dressage competitions in which double bridles are mandatory, possibly because they are regarded as restrictive. Nevertheless, the current international rules overlook the possibility that noseband can appear innocuous even though some designs, such as the so-called crank noseband, can be ratcheted shut to clamp the jaws together. Some equestrian manuals and competition rule books propose that “two-fingers” be used as a spacer to guard against overtightening of nosebands but fail to specify where this gauge should be applied. The vagueness of this directive prompted us to undertake a small random survey of the finger dimensions of adult men (n = 10) and women (n = 10). There were significant sex differences in the measurements of fingers of adults (P < 0.001), thus illustrating that the “two-finger rule” is not a reliable guide for standardized noseband fastening. Infrared thermography was used to measure the temperature of facial skin and eyes of adult horses (n = 5) wearing a double bridle with and without a cavesson noseband. A taper gauge was developed based on the mean circumference of adult index and middle fingers (9.89 ± 0.21 cm), and this was used as a spacer at the nasal planum or beside the mandible when tightening the noseband. The nosebands were fastened significantly tighter when the taper gauge was used beside the mandible than at the nasal planum (P = 0.02). Wearing double bridles and nosebands that had been tightened with and without the taper gauge caused an increase in eye temperature compared with baseline values (P = 0.012), and the tighter the noseband was fastened, the cooler the facial skin of the horse (and, presumably, the greater the impairment of vascular perfusion) when compared with baseline values (P = 0.016). This study suggests that horses wearing double bridles and tight nosebands undergo a physiological stress response and may have compromised vascular perfusion. Consequently, on welfare grounds, the use of nosebands that cause any constriction of jaw movement should be reviewed as soon as possible.

Effect of manual and motorized dental rasping instruments on Thoroughbred's heart rate and behavior

Jane Williams, Rachel Parrot, Fernando Da Mata — 2012-03-26

Abstract: Inadequate research exists to justify the choice of dental tools used in equine prophylactic dentistry; usage is unregulated, with choice usually based on the practitioner’s preference. Dental procedures could cause stress (through handling or equipment used), as they are potentially painful if contact is made with soft-tissues. Anecdotally adverse reactions are documented and differ when comparing manual with motorized rasping, particularly during rasping the lower arcade. The study aimed to investigate these claims.Forty-five Thoroughbreds were divided into groups: (A): manual rasping, (B): motorized rasping, and (C): control. Horses were accustomed to prophylactic dentistry (6-12 months previously) and required a routine float. A standardized protocol was used; heart rate (HR) and scale-graded interactive behavioral responses (BR) were recorded to evaluate subjects’ stress and pain pre-, peri-, and posttreatment.Increased HR and BR were observed in group A compared with groups B and C (P < 0.001). Motorized rasping produced a significant increase in HR (P < 0.001) and BR (P < 0.001) from the controls. The results support postulation of higher sensitivity in the lower arcades, with these arcades exhibiting significantly higher HR and BR in both motorized and manual groups (P < 0.001). “Bit-seating” recorded higher responses (HR and BR: P < 0.001) compared with routine rasping.The study could inform routine dentistry; motorized rasping produced less-reactive horses, potentially providing a safer working environment for dental technicians and increased welfare for their equine patients.

Pilot study of behavior responses in young riding horses using 2 methods of making transitions from trot to walk

Agneta Egenvall, Marie Eisersiö, Lars Roepstorff — 2012-03-23

Abstract: According to the principles of negative reinforcement, when an aid has been given to an animal, it should be released as soon as the desired response has been achieved, and, if performed well, may be associated with fewer conflict behaviors than otherwise. In riding, pressure in the horse’s mouth from the bit is used to give signals to the horse, and both rein tension and patterns of releasing this tension will vary. The aim of this pilot study was to study horse behavior during 2 different methodologies used to shape relatively naïve horses to a deceleration signal while making downward transitions from trot to walk. Method 1 involved relief from rein tension at the first attempt to perform a correct response (M1), and method 2 entailed that rein tension was relieved at the completed correct response (M2). Four horses were ridden by 4 riders over 4 days (1 rider each day), and each horse made 10 transitions each day for each method, which produced 320 transitions. Rein tension was recorded, and horse behavior and rider signal behaviors were evaluated from video recordings. Horse behavior was divided into the following 3 different categories: “pushing against the bit,” “moving away from the bit,” and “decelerating.” Linear models were constructed tracking the percent of the transition time that horses demonstrated at least 1 behavior in the “pushing against the bit,” “moving away from the bit,” and “decelerating” categories, and with random effects for rider, horse, and transition number nested within horse. Fixed effects analyzed were the methods, proportion of the transition time above 30 N for each rein, and the rider signal behaviors. M1 and M2 had on average 19% (standard deviation: 16) and 38% (standard deviation: 23) of the time with >30 N per rein, respectively. In the models for the “pushing against the bit” behaviors, M2 increased rein tension and “exerting pressure on the reins” increased the level of these behaviors. “Releasing pressure” interacted with “pulling back on the reins”; this combination was associated with an increased level of “pushing against the bit” behaviors. The “decelerating” behavior was associated with lower rein tension. In the “decelerating” behavior models, “pulling back on the reins” led to decreased “decelerating” behavior, whereas “still hand” and “releasing pressure” led to increased “decelerating” behavior; however, the interaction “pulling back on the reins” and “releasing pressure” led to decreased “decelerating” behavior. “Moving away from the bit” had no significant determinants. We concluded that fewer “pushing against the bit” behaviors were created by M1 and that a lower rein tension was associated with the “decelerating” behavior. Reinforcing the horse’s attempts, to assist in finding the correct response, benefits the welfare of the horse, and importance of a light hand should be continuously emphasized during riding education.

Science alone is not always enough: The importance of ethical assessment for a more comprehensive view of equine welfare

Camie R. Heleski, Raymond Anthony — 2012-05-01

Abstract: Researchers in equitation science have worked diligently to use objective measures in horse behavior and welfare studies, ones that colleagues will appreciate. This is appropriate. However, because equine welfare is not purely an empirical matter, we must recognize that science alone may not be enough when assessing equine treatment. The science community must realize, as does the public already, that different value assumptions will lead to different welfare emphases. Thus, there is an intimate interplay between science and values where the quality of life of both human and nonhuman animals are concerned. If certain training practices or aesthetic modifications are shown to the public and a majority finds them objectionable, the practices should be further scrutinized. There are still many that believe if a horse is healthy and performing competitively then its welfare is good. On closer scrutiny, equine welfare is conceptually more nuanced than this and includes an ethical/values-based component. Welfare is not only concerned with biological functioning, but also with “affective states” such as emotions, pain, suffering, and frustration when opportunities to express species-characteristic behaviors are thwarted. These emphases, informed by empirical insights, reflect value frameworks that influence the scientific study of equine welfare. Here, we consider the complementary values-based side of equine welfare and suggest how ethical assessments have the potential to enhance equine welfare. Three different ethical accounting methods are presented in this article and an example from the horse industry is used to illustrate each. Each subdiscipline of the horse industry contains at least a few ethically questionable practices. Stakeholders are challenged to examine their area of the horse industry and evaluate questionable practices, possibly using the ethical accounting processes discussed in this article.

Acoustic communication in the domestic horse (Equus caballus)

Seong C. Yeon — 2012-05-01

Abstract: Equine vocalization and acoustic sounds can communicate a horse’s emotional state, physiological state, and situation to other individuals, including other horses and humans. These vocalizations and acoustic sounds can be divided into several types. The whinny, nicker, squeal, blow, snore, snort, roar, and groan are typical types of horse vocalizations and acoustic sounds. The sound localization thresholds of horses are markedly poorer than those of other large mammals, such as humans and elephants. The audiogram of horse has shown their best sensitivity and hearing range in which it perceives sound. Laryngeal diseases, such as laryngeal hemiplegia, dorsal displacement of the soft palate, and alar fold paralysis, can cause laryngeal sounds in the upper airway. The analyses of horses’ vocalizations and laryngeal sounds that are reviewed in this article were conducted with computer-aided analysis programs using spectrograms and spectra that evaluate several parameters, including amplitude, fundamental frequency, duration, and formants. Laryngeal sound analysis could be a useful method for diagnosing upper airway diseases. This article presents a review of the literature describing scientific analyses of horse vocalizations and acoustic sounds to elucidate equine acoustic communications and aid in the development of horse-human bonds.

The distribution of whipping of Australian Thoroughbred racehorses in the penultimate 200 m of races is influenced by jockeys’ experience

Paul D. McGreevy, Liss Ralston — 2012-01-18

Abstract: Animal welfare issues associated with whip use during Thoroughbred races in Australia are of increasing importance as the racing industry seeks to promote the well-being of its equine athletes. Recent data have questioned the justification of whip use as either an accelerator or for steering. The aim of this study was to investigate associations between whip use and prerace variables, including jockey experience, starting price, weight carried, and barrier drawn. If the whip is genuinely used in response to a given horse’s performance, there should be no consistent predictors of whip use. We explored the influence of these variables on official whip counts for the race section 400-200 m from the finish (S2), and the section 200 m to the finish (S1), and found that, for S1 alone and when whip use in S1 and S2 was summed (i.e., to summarize the final 400 m of a race), there were no significant predictors on whipping. However, in S2, apprentice jockeys whipped horses on average >3 times as compared with the non-apprentice jockeys (1.48 vs. 0.45; P = 0.022). These findings suggest that rider inexperience in Thoroughbred racing influences the distribution of whippings imposed on horses as they tire in the penultimate 200 m section and may contribute to the growing debate surrounding whip use in the sport of horse racing. This preliminary report involved only small numbers of horses and jockeys and thus should be viewed as a trigger for larger scale investigation of the prerace predictors of whip use in Thoroughbred racing.

Editorial Board/Table of Contents

2012-05-01