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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Management factors associated with stereotypic and redirecte...
Equine veterinary journal1995; 27(2); 86-91; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03041.x

Management factors associated with stereotypic and redirected behaviour in the thoroughbred horse.

Abstract: A greater knowledge of the effect of management factors is required to investigate the ontogeny of abnormal behaviour in the stabled horse. A postal survey of racehorse (flat) trainers yielded information about 22 yard and management factors. The relationship of the factors to the prevalence of abnormal behaviour was analysed by logistic regression. Management factors related to the time spent in the stable showed the strongest associations with stereotypic behaviour. The risk of horses performing abnormal behaviour increased: 1) as the amount of forage fell below 6.8 kg/day, 2) when bedding types other than straw were used, 3) when the total number of horses on the yard was fewer than 75, 4) in association with box designs that minimised contact between neighbouring horses, 5) when hay, rather than other types of forage, was used.
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Publication Date: 1995-03-01 PubMed ID: 7607155DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03041.xGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
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  • Non-U.S. Gov't

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 the influence of management factors on abnormal behaviors in stabled racehorses. It uses information from a survey to identify significant associating factors like the time spent in the stable, amount and type of forage, bedding, yard size, and box design on abnormal behavior prevalence.

Understanding the Research Methods

  • The research team employed a postal survey to gather information from racehorse (flat) trainers. The survey enquired about 22 different yard and management factors.
  • Their responses were then analyzed using logistic regression. Logistic regression is a statistical method used in research to find the relations between a set of independent variables (in this case the various management factors) and a dependent, binary variable (presence of abnormal behavior).

Key Findings

  • The study focused on two types of abnormal horse behaviors – stereotypic and redirected. Stereotypic behavior in horses often includes repetitive, unvarying behaviors that have no apparent goal or function. Redirected behavior, on the other hand, involves the horse directing behaviors at inappropriate targets.
  • The research revealed that the strongest associations with stereotypic behaviour related to the time spent in the stable.
  • Horse’s risk for performing abnormal behavior increased under the following conditions:
    • The quantity of forage fed to the horse was less than 6.8 kg/day.
    • The stable used bedding types different from straw.
    • The total count of horses in the yard was fewer than 75. This could indicate that horses in smaller herds are more prone to abnormal behavior possibly due to less interaction or competition.
    • Box designs that decreased contact between neighboring horses were used.
    • Hay, rather than other types of forage, was used.

Implications of the Research

  • This research is crucial as it helps identify potential triggers for abnormal behavior in thoroughbred horses used for racing. It offers guidance on what factors to consider in the management and design of stables and yard systems to reduce these behaviors.
  • The findings can contribute to improving the welfare of racehorses by offering insights to trainers and horse owners on the importance of factors like appropriate forage quantity, bedding type, box design, and the sociability aspect (number of horses in a yard).

Cite This Article

APA
McGreevy PD, Cripps PJ, French NP, Green LE, Nicol CJ. (1995). Management factors associated with stereotypic and redirected behaviour in the thoroughbred horse. Equine Vet J, 27(2), 86-91. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1995.tb03041.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 27
Issue: 2
Pages: 86-91

Researcher Affiliations

McGreevy, P D
  • Department of Animal Health and Husbandry, School of Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford, UK.
Cripps, P J
    French, N P
      Green, L E
        Nicol, C J

          MeSH Terms

          • Animal Husbandry / methods
          • Animals
          • Horse Diseases / psychology
          • Horse Diseases / therapy
          • Horses
          • Risk Factors
          • Stereotyped Behavior
          • Time Factors

          Citations

          This article has been cited 54 times.
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