A field approach to observing changes in behavioural welfare indicators over 2 years in stabled horses.

The research is about observing changes in certain behavioral indicators of stabled horses over two years. It found out that levels of aggression towards humans increased and amounts of daytime rest decreased over time, while other postures and behaviors showed minor changes or remained consistent.

Objective and Methodology of the Study

• The research aimed at observing changes, if any, in certain behavioral indicators in stabled horses over a period of two years.
• 44 stabled horses were chosen for the study. The behaviors of the horses were assessed over the initial three months, and the same individuals were evaluated again two years later.
• The behaviors studied included stereotypies (repetitive or ritualistic movement), aggression towards humans, recumbent rest (lying down), and other postures like “withdrawn”, alert, and observation.

Key Findings of the Study

• The study found significant differences in two of the six behaviors studied. In particular, the levels of aggression towards humans were found to have increased, and the amounts of recumbent rest during the day decreased.
• The researchers, however, found limited evidence of substantial changes over time in the expression of stereotypies or the other postures like alert, “withdrawn”, and observation.
• However, there might be a slight decrease in alert and observation postures over time in some individuals.
• For stereotypies and the “withdrawn” posture, mainly a change was observed at the individual level in their expression over time.

Implications of the Study

• This research gives new insights into the dynamic nature of certain behaviors in horses when their living conditions are not significantly altered.
• It also raises hypotheses about the state of welfare of stabled horses over a period of two years. This can help in better understanding their behavior and can guide improved care and management practices for stabled horses.