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Home / Equine Research Bank / PLoS One / Effect of work on body language of ranch horses in Brazil.
PloS one2020; 15(1); e0228130; doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228130

Effect of work on body language of ranch horses in Brazil.

Abstract: The horses' responses to exercise are commonly monitored using physiological variables, nonetheless physical and mental states can also be expressed through body language. The aims of this study were: (i) to identify how facial expressions and other behavioural variables change in ranch horses after a routine workday, and (ii) to investigate if these changes can be used as indicators of physical tiredness by relating them to known variables of physical fitness and workload. Fourteen crossbred ranch horses were assessed pre- and post-workday on two farms, recording the body language, physiological and workload variables. Statistical analysis consisted of four stages: (i) comparisons between the sampling times (pre- vs post-workday) using linear mixed-effects models with repeated measures and a paired Wilcoxon test; (ii) selection of the most powerful variables by applying Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test and principal components analyses (PCA); (iii) evaluations of the relationships within these selected variables utilizing PCA and Spearman rank coefficients; and (iv) identifying a critical level of the most robust behavioural indicators using a non-hierarchical cluster analysis. Results showed that after a workday the horses increased the frequency/duration of body language indicative of resting. They also decreased the frequency/duration of body language indicative of attention and movements to avoid flies. However, some of these behaviours are also shown when horses are in pain, leading us to suggest that some ranch horses were probably experiencing a combination of of tiredness and slight soreness. Of particular interest, because of the ease with which it can be assessed on the farm and generalized to other situations, we suggest that the frequency of shifting weight between the forelegs has potential to be used as an indicator of physical tiredness in horses. The results can also be used in the development of tools to improve the welfare of ranch horses as well as horses used in other activities, although more research is needed to validate this assumption.
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Publication Date: 2020-01-28 PubMed ID: 31990951PubMed Central: PMC6986720DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0228130Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research article examines how the body language of ranch horses in Brazil changes after a workday, and whether these changes can serve as reliable indicators of physical exhaustion. It provides insights into the welfare of these animals and suggests areas for further research to validate these findings.

Research Aim and Methodology

The study had two main objectives:

  • To identify changes in the facial expressions and other behavioural variables of ranch horses post workday.
  • To investigate whether these alterations can be utilized as markers of physical fatigue by correlating them with known measures of physical fitness and workload.

The study examined fourteen crossbred ranch horses on two farms before and after their workday. Researchers noted their body language, physiological conditions, and their workload.

Statistical analysis was conducted in four stages:

  • Comparison between pre and post-workday observations using linear mixed-effects models with repeated measures and a paired Wilcoxon test.
  • Selection of the most significant variables using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin test and principal component analysis.
  • Evaluating the relationships within selected variables using PCA and Spearman rank coefficients.
  • Identification of a critical level of the strongest behavioural indicators using a non-hierarchical cluster analysis.

Research Findings

Upon completion of their workday, the horses displayed increase in body language indicative of rest and a decrease in signs showing attention and movements to avoid flies. However, some of these behaviours are similar to those exhibited by horses when in distress, leading researchers to speculate that some horses likely experienced a mix of tiredness and slight discomfort.

Interestingly, the study claims frequency of shifting weight between the forelegs as a potential indicator of physical tiredness in horses due to its easy observability on the farm and potential for generalization.

Research Implications and Future Work

The findings of this study can contribute to the development of tools to improve the welfare of ranch horses and horses used in other activities. However, further research is required to validate these assumptions, as well as to fine-tune the interpretation and recognition of specific body language cues indicative of physical tiredness or stress.

Cite This Article

APA
Trindade PHE, Hartmann E, Keeling LJ, Andersen PH, Ferraz GC, Paranhos da Costa MJR. (2020). Effect of work on body language of ranch horses in Brazil. PLoS One, 15(1), e0228130. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0228130

Publication

PloS one
ISSN: 1932-6203
NlmUniqueID: 101285081
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Pages: e0228130
PII: e0228130

Researcher Affiliations

Trindade, Pedro Henrique Esteves
  • Graduate Program in Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, UNESP, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil.
  • Department of Animal Science, Ethology and Animal Ecology Research Group (Grupo ETCO), Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, UNESP, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil.
Hartmann, Elke
  • Departament of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Keeling, Linda J
  • Departament of Animal Environment and Health, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Andersen, Pia Haubro
  • Departament of Large Animal Sciences, University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.
Ferraz, Guilherme de Camargo
  • Departament of Animal Morphology and Physiology, UNESP, São Paulo State University, Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil.
Paranhos da Costa, Mateus José Rodrigues
  • Department of Animal Science, Ethology and Animal Ecology Research Group (Grupo ETCO), Faculty of Agricultural and Veterinary Sciences, UNESP, São Paulo State University, Jaboticabal-SP, Brazil.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Welfare / ethics
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Brazil
  • Castration
  • Cluster Analysis
  • Fatigue / diagnosis
  • Fatigue / physiopathology
  • Fatigue / veterinary
  • Female
  • Heart Rate / physiology
  • Horses
  • Kinesics
  • Male
  • Physical Exertion
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Respiratory Rate / physiology

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have declared that no competing interest exist.

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Citations

This article has been cited 5 times.
  1. Carmo LG, Werner LC, Michelotto PV Jr, Daros RR. Horse behavior and facial movements in relation to food rewards.. PLoS One 2023;18(6):e0286045.
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