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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2023; 13(20); 3180; doi: 10.3390/ani13203180

Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment for Domestic Horses-A Review.

Abstract: Horses constantly face several challenges inherent to the domestic environment, and it is common for the expression of their natural behavior to be drastically limited. Environmental enrichment has been suggested as an alternative to improve the captive situation of domestic horses. Among the recently proposed enrichment strategies, olfactory stimulation has emerged as a method for improving several aspects related to animal behavior. Olfaction is a sensory modality that plays a significant role in the expression of equine behavior, and in recent years, studies have shown that olfactory stimulation can influence the physiological and behavioral parameters of horses. This review provides current information on the anatomical particularities of the equine olfactory system, presents the physiological mechanisms involved in the odor detection process, and demonstrates how stress can interfere with this process. Finally, the use of olfactory stimulation as an environmental enrichment for domestic horses () is explored. The need for new studies that answer pertinent questions related to this topic is discussed throughout the manuscript.
Publication Date: 2023-10-12 PubMed ID: 37893904PubMed Central: PMC10603683DOI: 10.3390/ani13203180Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Review

Summary

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The research article studies the potential benefits of using olfactory stimulation as a way to enhance the living conditions for domestic horses. The method is discussed in light of its effects on horse behavior and the impacts of stress on these animals.

Anatomical and Physiological Particularities of the Equine Olfactory System

  • The research provides a detailed analysis of the olfactory system of horses. It was noted that this system plays a critical aspect of a horse’s behavior, hence the authors lay emphasis on understanding its structure and functionalities.
  • While describing the anatomical details of a horse’s sensory system, the processes involved in odor detection are also introduced. The authors explain that these mechanisms are indispensable for understanding how olfactory stimulation can improve a domestic horse’s physiological and behavioral traits.

Effect of Stress on Equine Olfaction

  • The topic of stress on equines and its interference with their ability to recognize smells is addressed in the research. Stress, which can be induced by the conditions the domestic horse lives in, may hinder the functioning of its olfactory system.
  • By highlighting this relationship, it is inferred that an enriched environment that could reduce stress levels would also improve the functioning of the olfactory system, adding another layer to why olfactory stimulation might prove advantageous for horses.

Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment

  • The concept of olfactory stimulation is presented as a novel approach to environmental enrichment for domestic horses. By exposing horses to different smells, the authors argue that their captive situation could be drastically improved.
  • Studies which point to the influence of olfactory stimulation on the behavioral and physical parameters of horses are cited, providing evidence for the potential positive outcomes of such an enrichment strategy.

Future Study Recommendations

  • The article ends with a call for further studies on the subject, particular questions and areas of uncertainty are mentioned, indicating the direction future research could take.
  • Such a call emphasizes the novelty of the concept, importance of the subject matter, and the recognition that the full extent of the potential benefits of olfactory stimulation on domestic horses are yet unknown.

Cite This Article

APA
Bini de Lima AC, Sebastião da Fé VC, Palermo Hernandes MS, Oliveira Dos Santos VM. (2023). Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment for Domestic Horses-A Review. Animals (Basel), 13(20), 3180. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13203180

Publication

ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 20
PII: 3180

Researcher Affiliations

Bini de Lima, Ana Caroline
  • Nucleus of Studies in Ambience, Bioclimatology, Welfare and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil.
Sebastião da Fé, Vanessa Cristini
  • Nucleus of Studies in Ambience, Bioclimatology, Welfare and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil.
Palermo Hernandes, Maria Simara
  • Nucleus of Studies in Ambience, Bioclimatology, Welfare and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil.
Oliveira Dos Santos, Viviane Maria
  • Nucleus of Studies in Ambience, Bioclimatology, Welfare and Ethology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande 79070-900, Brazil.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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