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Equine veterinary journal2003; 35(2); 158-163; doi: 10.2746/042516403776114216

Risk factors associated with behavioural disorders of crib-biting, weaving and box-walking in Swiss horses.

Abstract: Studies on the prevalence of behavioural disorders in horses and on associated risk factors have revealed inconsistent results. There are many studies on the neuropharmacological, surgical or mechanical therapy of stereotypies, but little is known about their causation. Objective: To explore risk factors associated with the occurrence of behavioural disorders in horses. Methods: A sample of horse owners, selected randomly and representative for Switzerland, was contacted in a postal survey. Answers were provided for 622 stables (response rate 35.2%). Individual data of 2,341 horses were examined with path analysis (multivariable linear and logistic regression), and adjustment made for possible confounding effects due to age and breed. Results: Out of 60 possible risk factors, 11 were associated with the outcome at the univariable level (null-hypothesis path model) and 3 factors remained after the backward logistic regression procedure. Mature Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds, assessed by the owners to be reactive, fed 4 times a day and without daily pasture, had increased odds of displaying crib-biting, weaving and box-walking. Furthermore, indirect associations of 5 factors with the outcome were identified. Conclusions: The final logistic regression model of risk factors leads to the hypotheses that causal prevention of stereotypic behaviours should be based upon housing and management conditions which allow tactile contact with other horses (e.g. mutual grooming), daily free movement (paddock or pasture), as well as the provision of high amounts of roughage but of little or no concentrates. Conclusions: It is one of the aims of population medicine to prevent the development of behavioural disorders. Further research is needed to test the concluding hypotheses in experimental studies or to verify them in the context of similar observational studies.
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Publication Date: 2003-03-18 PubMed ID: 12638792DOI: 10.2746/042516403776114216Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • 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.

This research aims to identify the risk factors connected to behavioral disorders in horses, such as crib-biting, weaving, and box-walking. Using data from a Swiss horse owner survey and statistical analysis, the study found specific factors, such as the horse’s breed, daily feeding frequency, and lack of pasture access, that can increase the likelihood of these behaviors.

Methodology

  • The researchers conducted a postal survey targeting a representative sample of Swiss horse owners.
  • 622 stable responses were analyzed, detailing information on 2,341 horses across the country.
  • The team underwent a path analysis procedure, making use of multivariable linear and logistic regression and adjusting for potential confounding factors such as the horse’s age and breed.

Results

  • The researchers examined 60 potential risk factors, with 11 emerging as significant at the univariable level (null-hypothesis path model).
  • After backward logistic regression analysis, only three risk factors remained: breed (Warmbloods and Thoroughbreds), reactivity (as assessed by owners), and management (feeding four times daily with no daily pasture availability).
  • Horses with these character traits had an increased likelihood of displaying behaviors such as crib-biting, weaving, and box-walking.
  • Additionally, five indirect associations with the outcome were identified.

Conclusions

  • The study suggests that to prevent these behavioral disorders, horses should be given conditions that allow for tactile contact with other horses, daily free movement, and a diet high in roughage with little to no concentrates.
  • Understanding these risk factors aligns with the goals of population medicine, aiming to prevent the development of such disorders.
  • However, the authors note that further research is needed to validate these hypotheses with experimental studies or similar observational studies.

Cite This Article

APA
Bachmann I, Audigé L, Staﾬher M. (2003). Risk factors associated with behavioural disorders of crib-biting, weaving and box-walking in Swiss horses. Equine Vet J, 35(2), 158-163. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516403776114216

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 35
Issue: 2
Pages: 158-163

Researcher Affiliations

Bachmann, I
  • Institute of Animal Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH), LFW B55. 1, CH-8092 Zurich, Switzerland.
Audigé, L
    Staﾬher, M

      MeSH Terms

      • Animal Husbandry / methods
      • Animals
      • Behavior, Animal
      • Confounding Factors, Epidemiologic
      • Data Collection
      • Female
      • Horse Diseases / epidemiology
      • Horse Diseases / etiology
      • Horse Diseases / prevention & control
      • Horses
      • Housing, Animal
      • Male
      • Mental Disorders / epidemiology
      • Mental Disorders / etiology
      • Mental Disorders / prevention & control
      • Mental Disorders / veterinary
      • Prevalence
      • Regression Analysis
      • Risk Factors
      • Stereotyped Behavior
      • Switzerland / epidemiology

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