Reduction of biting and chewing of horses using differential reinforcement of other behavior.

This research examines how the application of differential-reinforcement-of-other-behavior (DRO) technique, commonly used in operant-conditioning, can effectively reduce biting and chewing in horses, leading to better horse-human interaction and horse welfare.

Operant-Conditioning and Its Application to Horses

• The research is centered on the use of operant-conditioning techniques, a type of learning where behavior is influenced by its consequences.
• In this study, operant-conditioning is applied on horses that bite and chew while on crossties, which is a dangerous behavior as it can lead to handler injury and equipment damage.

Differential-Reinforcement-of-Other-Behavior (DRO) Technique

• The specific operant-conditioning technique used in the study is called Differential-Reinforcement-of-Other-Behavior (DRO).
• In a DRO schedule, a reward or reinforcer is given in the absence of a target behavior – in this case, biting and chewing – for a specified period.
• This technique aims to encourage other, more desirable behaviors while decreasing unwanted ones.

Research Design

• This research uses a reversal design, where the behavior of two horses is observed first under normal circumstances, then under the DRO schedule, and later reverted to normal again.
• This enables researchers to compare the biting and chewing behaviors before, during, and after the application of the DRO.

Implications of the Research

• The successful application of the DRO schedule suggests that positive-reinforcement procedures could be used as an alternative to conventional aversive-control techniques.
• By using positive reinforcement, the horses tend to develop a more “positive” behavior, in this case, refraining from biting and chewing when the reward is presented. This approach leads to more effective training, better horse-human interaction, and, consequently, improved equine welfare.