Changes of lying behavior in Thoroughbred foals influenced by age, pasturing time, and weather conditions.

The study examines the influence of factors such as age, pasturing time, and weather conditions on lying behavior in Thoroughbred foals. Using triaxial accelerometers to continuously observe the foals, the researchers found that these variables significantly affected the lying behavior of the foals.

Study Methodology

• The researchers observed the lying behavior of six Thoroughbred foals on breeding farms, using triaxial accelerometers attached on the side of the hind limb cannon and under the halter.
• To differentiate between different types of lying, the behavior was divided into sternal lying and lateral lying, based on the head angle of the foals.
• The observation took place for 24 hours, recording triaxial angle data every 10 seconds.
• The study was conducted for two consecutive days, on a weekly basis, until the foals were weaned.
• The observational periods were grouped into two phases based on pasturing time. These were referred to as period A (daytime pasturing for seven hours, from 2-60 days old) and period B (overnight pasturing for 19 hours, from 32-152 days old).

Key Findings

• During period A, the foals demonstrated longer and more frequent lying durations than those in period B. The foals in period A spent 44.6% of the time lying and did so 26.8 ± 7.4 times per day. Those in period B lay down for 27.7% of the time and performed lying 15.3 ± 4.2 times per day.
• The foals were found to spend more time lying laterally in period A (48.1% of total lying time) than in period B (38.9% of total lying time).
• The study found that foals had a tendency to lie down for longer durations in stalls compared to pastures during both periods A and B. Lateral lying was also lengthier in the stall than in the pasture.
• During period A, the rating of lying duration and frequency was observed to vary with age.
• Wet weather was also found to discourage lying behavior in pastures.

Conclusions

• The research concluded that the lying behavior of Thoroughbred foals is significantly affected by their age, weather conditions, and the time spent in pasture.
• The use of triaxial accelerometers was found to be effective for monitoring equine lying behavior, suggesting potential application in equine welfare assessment and management.