Measuring Activity-Rest Condition by Using Two Different Accelerometer Devices in Trained and Retired Horses.

Overview

• This study evaluates the resting activity in trained versus retired horses using two different accelerometer devices to measure their total locomotor activity (TLA) and specific rest behaviors.
• The research compares how these devices detect movement and rest patterns in horses with different lifestyles over 48 hours.

Study Purpose and Background

• The study aims to advance animal welfare assessment by using technology to monitor horse activity and rest accurately.
• Resting activity is an important welfare indicator as it reflects health and comfort in horses.
• Two types of accelerometers were used:
  • A collar-mounted single-axis accelerometer (records physical movement intensity).
  • A three-axis accelerometer (records movement across three dimensions and classifies activity into nine types, including rest postures).

Subjects and Groups

• Ten clinically healthy Italian saddle horses participated.
• They were divided into two groups based on lifestyle:
  • Group A: Regularly trained horses housed continuously in boxes (stalls).
  • Group B: Retired horses turned out to paddocks during the day and stabled at night.

Data Collection

• Each horse was monitored for 48 consecutive hours using both accelerometer devices simultaneously.
• Data collected included total locomotor activity (TLA) and classification of specific activities like lying or sitting rest (recumbency).

Statistical Analysis

• Two-way ANOVA was used to analyze the data from both devices, examining effects of group (trained vs. retired horses) and day (first vs. second day of monitoring).
• Significant effects found:
  • Group effect: Different activity/rest levels between trained and retired horses (< 0.0001).
  • Day effect within Group A: More activity/rest differences observed between Day 1 and Day 2 (< 0.0001).
  • Rest behavior specifically (time spent lying or sitting in rest) varied significantly between groups and days.

Key Findings

• Trained horses (Group A) spent significantly more time resting in a lying/sitting position compared to retired horses (Group B):
  • Group A averaged 3.37 hours (±1.19 h) of rest per day.
  • Group B averaged only 1.88 hours (±0.06 h) of rest per day.
• Within Group A, rest time was greater on Day 1 (4.16 hours) than on Day 2 (2.58 hours), suggesting daily variability in rest patterns.
• Both accelerometer devices detected similar qualitative trends, validating their use in monitoring horse activity and rest.
• Overall, trained horses showed higher total locomotor activity and distinct rest patterns versus retired horses.

Implications and Conclusions

• The study demonstrates that accelerometer devices, even with different technical specifications, can reliably measure and differentiate rest/activity behaviors in horses.
• Differences between trained and retired horses in time spent resting could relate to their management, lifestyle, or welfare status, highlighting the importance of monitoring rest for animal welfare assessment.
• This technology offers a non-invasive, continuous method to assess horse well-being and could inform management decisions to improve care.
• Further research may explore how these measures correlate with health outcomes or stress levels in horses.