[Prevalence of behavioral disorders in the Swiss horse population].
Abstract: In the Swiss horse population, the prevalence of conspicuous behaviours (behavioural disorders and stable vices) was recorded with a written questionnaire in a representative survey among 1861 horse yards, and the occurrence of the stereotypic behavioural disorders crib-biting, weaving and boxwalking was analysed with emphasis on their association with horse specific (breed, age, sex) and environmental factors (e.g. housing system, nutrition, management and utilisation). 622 horse yards with a total number of 2536 horses answered to the questionnaire, and conspicuous behaviours were described for 418 horses (16.5%). Thereof, the most common stereotypic behavioural disorders with a potential negative impact on animal welfare, crib-biting, weaving, and/or boxwalking were named for 89 horses (3.5%). Stable vices (e.g. shying, bucking, aggressivity against humans) were noted for 47 horses (1.9%). For 281 horses (11.1%) conspicuous behaviours such as pawing, lip-liking, head shacking, kicking stall were given; these can be categorised as behavioural disorders or as stable vices depending on their intensity and causation. Data analysis data revealed a number of statistically significant associations between genetic factors (breed), housing, management practices, utilisation and the three stereotypies. The strongest influence on the degree of behavioural disorders had the breed as well as the extent of direct social contact with other horses, free movement on pasture, feeding pattern and regular utilisation.
Publication Date: 2002-08-15 PubMed ID: 12174683DOI: 10.1024/0036-7281.144.7.356Google Scholar: Lookup
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- English Abstract
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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The research study investigates the frequency of behavioral disorders in Swiss horses and associated contributing factors. It’s found that 16.5% of the total horse population surveyed displayed conspicuous behaviors, of which 3.5% exhibited stereotypic behavioral disorders, and 1.9% showed stable vices.
Research Method
- The study was conducted on the Swiss horse population, with a written questionnaire used to gather the necessary data.
- A significant number of horse yards (1861 in total) participated in the research and the questionnaire was answered for 2536 horses that resided in 622 of those yards; this made the study representative of the Swiss horse population.
Key Findings
- The results showed that conspicuous behaviors, which include behavioral disorders and stable vices, were found in 418 horses, approximately 16.5% of the investigated population.
- Out of these, severe types of stereotypic behavioral disorders such as crib-biting, weaving, and boxwalking were observed in 89 horses, about 3.5% of the population.
- The study further identified that stable vices like shying, bucking, and aggression against humans were present in 47 horses (1.9%).
- Additionally, for 281 horses (11.1%), other behaviors such as pawing, lip-liking, head shaking, and kicking the stall were noted; these behaviors could be classified either as behavioral disorders or stable vices, depending on intensity and root causes.
Contributing Factors
- Statistically significant correlations were found between the prevalence of three major behavioral disorders (crib-biting, weaving, and boxwalking) and several factors including breed, housing, management practices, and utilisation.
- The breed of the horse and its level of direct social interaction with other horses were identified as the factors with the strongest influence on the prevalence of behavioral disorders.
- Other factors such as the horse’s free movement on pasture, feeding pattern, and regular utilization also had substantial impact on the onset of behavioral disorders.
Cite This Article
APA
Bachmann I, Staﾬher M.
(2002).
[Prevalence of behavioral disorders in the Swiss horse population].
Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd, 144(7), 356-368.
https://doi.org/10.1024/0036-7281.144.7.356 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Institut für Nutztierwissenschaften, Gruppe Physiologie und Tierhaltung der ETH Zürich.
MeSH Terms
- Animal Husbandry / methods
- Animal Welfare
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal
- Breeding
- Compulsive Behavior
- Female
- Horse Diseases / epidemiology
- Horse Diseases / etiology
- Horses
- Housing, Animal
- Male
- Mental Disorders / epidemiology
- Mental Disorders / etiology
- Mental Disorders / veterinary
- Prevalence
- Stereotyped Behavior
- Switzerland / epidemiology
Citations
This article has been cited 2 times.- Rasmussen EB, Newland MC, Hemmelman E. The Relevance of Operant Behavior in Conceptualizing the Psychological Well-Being of Captive Animals. Perspect Behav Sci 2020 Sep;43(3):617-654.
- Ikinger CM, Baldamus J, Spiller A. Factors Influencing the Safety Behavior of German Equestrians: Attitudes towards Protective Equipment and Peer Behaviors. Animals (Basel) 2016 Feb 18;6(2).
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