Influence of workload and weather conditions on rolling behaviour of horses and mules.

The research investigates how workload and weather conditions affect the rolling behavior of horses and mules, with differences noted between the two species.

Objective of the Research

• The main objective of the research is to understand the variations in the rolling behavior of horses and mules depending on workload intensity, bathing routines, and environmental conditions.

Methodology and Procedures

• The animals were exposed to varying levels of workload.
• Their rolling behavior was observed and recorded after these activities.
• During the testing procedures, the environmental conditions, specifically temperature and humidity, were monitored using a Black Globe and Wet Bulb apparatus.
• Bathing routines were also integrated into the process to examine their influence on the behaviour of the subjects.

Findings of the Research

• Horses were found to roll more frequently after intense exercise and bathing, regardless of the weather conditions.
• In contrast, mules showed a higher tendency to roll after no exercise and intense exercise on warmer, more humid days and after bathing on colder, drier days.
• Differences were also found in the characteristics of the rolling behavior between the two species. Mules exhibited more resting, self-care, yawning, tail swishing, snorting, vocalizations, and use of the same spot for rolling, while horses showed more pawing, sniffing, rubbing their heads and necks, and incomplete spins to the right and left.

Conclusions and Implications

• Rolling is a crucial and frequently observed behavior in both horses and mules, but each animal may express it differently and might be influenced by different motivations.
• The study suggests that domestic equines should be allowed to freely exhibit their rolling behavior. The freedom to roll can significantly improve their welfare conditions and is consistent with rational handling practices, especially for animals kept in more intensive livestock situations.