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Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition2024; 108(5); 1393-1404; doi: 10.1111/jpn.13977

Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices.

Abstract: Slow feeding devices (SFDs) are useful tools in order to improve the horse well-being and to reduce wastage, but their use may result in unnatural posture during feeding and frustration behaviours. Moreover, it may be important to evaluate the laterality during feeding. The aim of the study was to investigate ponies' feeding behaviour (i.e., lateralisation, frustration, postural eating style) with different hay feeding methods: on the ground (G), a fully filled hay net (HF), a partially filled hay net (HL), and a slow feeder hay box (HB). Nine ponies of two different breed types (Shetland and Welsh/Cob) were evaluated. Video recordings were obtained and then behavioural analysis was conducted. Data were analysed statistically using k-means cluster analysis, repeated measurement mixed model procedure, principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson's correlation coefficient. Head tilting was more often performed during feeding from HF and HL compared to G and HB. Forelimb forward, referring to the position that ponies assumed during feeding, was performed less frequently with the hay nets. Ponies, in particular Welsh/Cobs, tended to be more left-lateralized and performed more backward ears when feeding from the hay nets. Blink rate was observed to be greater when ponies were fed from G. No head pushing, striking with forelimb and pawing while feeding was seen. Animals fed from HF tended to eat from the top of the hay net and consequently showed an arched neck; while HL and HB showed for elongated neck an intermediate pattern between G and HF. From our results, HB seemed to be a useful compromise between natural feeding on the ground and the use of hay nets.
© 2024 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.
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Publication Date: 2024-05-05 PubMed ID: 38704815DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13977Google 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 study evaluates how different methods of hay feeding – including on the ground, through a fully filled hay net, partially filled hay net, or a slow feeder hay box – affect key aspects of feeding behaviour in ponies, such as lateralisation, frustration, and postural eating style. It found that slow feeder hay boxes offered a good balance between natural feeding and hay net usage.

Research Design and Methodology

  • The study involved nine ponies of two different breed types, Shetland and Welsh/Cob, to compare their feeding behaviour on different feeding devices.
  • The investigated feeding methods included hay feeding on the ground (G), through a fully filled hay net (HF), partially filled hay net (HL), a slow feeder hay box (HB).
  • Video recordings were obtained and behaviour analysis was conducted to determine each pony’s lateralisation, frustration, and postural eating style throughout the feedings. The data was statistically analysed using multiple methods, including k-means cluster analysis, repeated measurement mixed model procedure, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient.

Key Findings

  • Ponies exhibited more head tilting while feeding from the fully and partially filled hay nets compared to the ground or hay box methods. This could be indicative of an unnatural posture during feeding.
  • The forelimb-forward position, which refers to the position that ponies assumed during feeding, was performed less frequently when they were using the hay nets.
  • Welsh/Cob ponies, in particular, were found to be more left lateralized and showed more frustration behaviours, such as backward ears when feeding from the hay nets.
  • The blink rate was greater when ponies were fed from the ground, but no head pushing, striking with forelimb, or pawing was observed during the feeding process.
  • Ponies feeding from a fully filled net tended to eat from the top, leading to an arched neck posture. An elongated neck posture, lying between the ground and the fully filled hay net patterns, was observed for the partially filled hay net method and the hay box feeding method.

Conclusion

  • The hay box method seemed to provide a useful compromise between natural feeding on the ground and hay nets, perhaps offering a less frustration-induced feeding environment and more natural eating postures for the ponies.

Cite This Article

APA
Greppi M, Bordin C, Raspa F, Maccone E, Harris P, Ellis AD, Cavallini D, Bergero D, Valle E. (2024). Feeding behaviour related to different feeding devices. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl), 108(5), 1393-1404. https://doi.org/10.1111/jpn.13977

Publication

Journal of animal physiology and animal nutrition
ISSN: 1439-0396
NlmUniqueID: 101126979
Country: Germany
Language: English
Volume: 108
Issue: 5
Pages: 1393-1404

Researcher Affiliations

Greppi, Martina
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Bordin, Clara
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Raspa, Federica
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Maccone, Erica
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Harris, Patricia
  • Equine Studies Group, Waltham Petcare Science Institute, Waltham-on-the-Wolds, UK.
Ellis, Andrea Dorothea
  • UNEQUI Ltd., Research-Education-Innovation, Southwell, UK.
Cavallini, Damiano
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
Bergero, Domenico
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.
Valle, Emanuela
  • Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Feeding Behavior
  • Horses / physiology
  • Animal Feed / analysis
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Male

Grant Funding

  • Mars Petcare UK

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Citations

This article has been cited 3 times.
  1. Reemtsma FP, Giers J, Horstmann S, Stoeckle SD, Gehlen H. Evaluation of Concentration Changes in Plasma Amino Acids and Their Metabolites in Eventing Horses During Cross-Country Competitions as Potential Performance Predictors. Animals (Basel) 2025 Dec 17;15(24).
    doi: 10.3390/ani15243640pubmed: 41463924google scholar: lookup
  2. Roig-Pons M, Bachmann I, Freymond SB. Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses in groups: An experimental study. PLoS One 2025;20(6):e0325928.
    doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325928pubmed: 40560838google scholar: lookup
  3. Fusaro I, Parrillo S, Buonaiuto G, Prasinou P, Gramenzi A, Bucci R, Cavallini D, Carosi A, Carluccio A, De Amicis I. Effects of hemp-based polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on membrane lipid profiles and reproductive performance in Martina Franca jacks. Front Vet Sci 2025;12:1553218.
    doi: 10.3389/fvets.2025.1553218pubmed: 40308695google scholar: lookup
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