FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Risk factors associated with behavioural disorders of crib-b...
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.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2003-03-18 PubMed ID: 12638792DOI: 10.2746/042516403776114216Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • 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

      Citations

      This article has been cited 30 times.
      1. Lewis K, Parker MO, Proops L, McBride SD. Risk factors for stereotypic behaviour in captive ungulates. Proc Biol Sci 2022 Sep 28;289(1983):20221311.
        doi: 10.1098/rspb.2022.1311pubmed: 36168756google scholar: lookup
      2. Krueger K, Trager L, Farmer K, Byrne R. Tool Use in Horses. Animals (Basel) 2022 Jul 22;12(15).
        doi: 10.3390/ani12151876pubmed: 35892526google scholar: lookup
      3. Stange LM, Krieter J, Czycholl I. Comparison of the Current Situation of Equine Headshaking Syndrome in France and Switzerland Based on an Online Survey. Animals (Basel) 2022 May 28;12(11).
        doi: 10.3390/ani12111393pubmed: 35681857google scholar: lookup
      4. Lerch N, Cirulli F, Rochais C, Lesimple C, Guilbaud E, Contalbrigo L, Borgi M, Grandgeorge M, Hausberger M. Interest in Humans: Comparisons between Riding School Lesson Equids and Assisted-Intervention Equids. Animals (Basel) 2021 Aug 28;11(9).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11092533pubmed: 34573500google scholar: lookup
      5. Krueger K, Esch L, Byrne R. Need or opportunity? A study of innovations in equids. PLoS One 2021;16(9):e0257730.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0257730pubmed: 34570831google scholar: lookup
      6. Krueger K, Esch L, Farmer K, Marr I. Basic Needs in Horses?-A Literature Review. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jun 16;11(6).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11061798pubmed: 34208615google scholar: lookup
      7. Kelemen Z, Grimm H, Vogl C, Long M, Cavalleri JMV, Auer U, Jenner F. Equine Activity Time Budgets: The Effect of Housing and Management Conditions on Geriatric Horses and Horses with Chronic Orthopaedic Disease. Animals (Basel) 2021 Jun 23;11(7).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11071867pubmed: 34201584google scholar: lookup
      8. Manteca Vilanova X, Beaver B, Uldahl M, Turner PV. Recommendations for Ensuring Good Welfare of Horses Used for Industrial Blood, Serum, or Urine Production. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 20;11(5).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11051466pubmed: 34065236google scholar: lookup
      9. Gehlen H, Krumbach K, Thöne-Reineke C. Keeping Stallions in Groups-Species-Appropriate or Relevant to Animal Welfare?. Animals (Basel) 2021 May 4;11(5).
        doi: 10.3390/ani11051317pubmed: 34064522google scholar: lookup
      10. Lindroth KM, Johansen A, Båverud V, Dicksved J, Lindberg JE, Müller CE. Differential Defecation of Solid and Liquid Phases in Horses-A Descriptive Survey. Animals (Basel) 2020 Jan 1;10(1).
        doi: 10.3390/ani10010076pubmed: 31906279google scholar: lookup
      11. Sauer FJ, Hermann M, Ramseyer A, Burger D, Riemer S, Gerber V. Effects of breed, management and personality on cortisol reactivity in sport horses. PLoS One 2019;14(12):e0221794.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0221794pubmed: 31790402google scholar: lookup
      12. Ruet A, Lemarchand J, Parias C, Mach N, Moisan MP, Foury A, Briant C, Lansade L. Housing Horses in Individual Boxes Is a Challenge with Regard to Welfare. Animals (Basel) 2019 Aug 28;9(9).
        doi: 10.3390/ani9090621pubmed: 31466327google scholar: lookup
      13. Briefer Freymond S, Bardou D, Beuret S, Bachmann I, Zuberbühler K, Briefer EF. Elevated Sensitivity to Tactile Stimuli in Stereotypic Horses. Front Vet Sci 2019;6:162.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2019.00162pubmed: 31275947google scholar: lookup
      14. Krueger K, Esch L, Byrne R. Animal behaviour in a human world: A crowdsourcing study on horses that open door and gate mechanisms. PLoS One 2019;14(6):e0218954.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0218954pubmed: 31242266google scholar: lookup
      15. Schork IG, de Azevedo CS, Young RJ. Personality, abnormal behaviour, and health: An evaluation of the welfare of police horses. PLoS One 2018;13(9):e0202750.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202750pubmed: 30183748google scholar: lookup
      16. Stomp M, Leroux M, Cellier M, Henry S, Lemasson A, Hausberger M. An unexpected acoustic indicator of positive emotions in horses. PLoS One 2018;13(7):e0197898.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0197898pubmed: 29995876google scholar: lookup
      17. Sommerville R, Brown AF, Upjohn M. A standardised equine-based welfare assessment tool used for six years in low and middle income countries. PLoS One 2018;13(2):e0192354.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192354pubmed: 29466391google scholar: lookup
      18. Henry S, Fureix C, Rowberry R, Bateson M, Hausberger M. Do horses with poor welfare show 'pessimistic' cognitive biases?. Naturwissenschaften 2017 Feb;104(1-2):8.
        doi: 10.1007/s00114-016-1429-1pubmed: 28083632google scholar: lookup
      19. de Laat MA, Hampson BA, Sillence MN, Pollitt CC. Sustained, Low-Intensity Exercise Achieved by a Dynamic Feeding System Decreases Body Fat in Ponies. J Vet Intern Med 2016 Sep;30(5):1732-1738.
        doi: 10.1111/jvim.14577pubmed: 27639952google scholar: lookup
      20. Ninomiya S, Anjiki A, Nishide Y, Mori M, Deguchi Y, Satoh T. Polymorphisms of the Dopamine D4 Receptor Gene in Stabled Horses are Related to Differences in Behavioral Response to Frustration. Animals (Basel) 2013 Jul 26;3(3):663-9.
        doi: 10.3390/ani3030663pubmed: 26479526google scholar: lookup
      21. Escalona EE, Okell CN, Archer DC. Prevalence of and risk factors for colic in horses that display crib-biting behaviour. BMC Vet Res 2014;10 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):S3.
        doi: 10.1186/1746-6148-10-S1-S3pubmed: 25238292google scholar: lookup
      22. Schork IG, Young RJ. Rapid animal welfare assessment: an archaeological approach. Biol Lett 2014 Sep;10(9).
        doi: 10.1098/rsbl.2014.0390pubmed: 25209197google scholar: lookup
      23. Padalino B, Zaccagnino P, Celi P. The effect of different types of physical exercise on the behavioural and physiological parameters of standardbred horses housed in single stalls. Vet Med Int 2014;2014:875051.
        doi: 10.1155/2014/875051pubmed: 24587940google scholar: lookup
      24. Briefer Freymond S, Briefer EF, Von Niederhäusern R, Bachmann I. Pattern of social interactions after group integration: a possibility to keep stallions in group. PLoS One 2013;8(1):e54688.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054688pubmed: 23382940google scholar: lookup
      25. Lewis M, Kim SJ. The pathophysiology of restricted repetitive behavior. J Neurodev Disord 2009 Jun;1(2):114-32.
        doi: 10.1007/s11689-009-9019-6pubmed: 21547711google scholar: lookup
      26. Lewis MH, Tanimura Y, Lee LW, Bodfish JW. Animal models of restricted repetitive behavior in autism. Behav Brain Res 2007 Jan 10;176(1):66-74.
        doi: 10.1016/j.bbr.2006.08.023pubmed: 16997392google scholar: lookup
      27. Christie JL, Hewson CJ, Riley CB, McNiven MA, Dohoo IR, Bate LA. Management factors affecting stereotypies and body condition score in nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island. Can Vet J 2006 Feb;47(2):136-43.
        pubmed: 16579039
      28. Roig-Pons M, Bachmann I, Freymond SB. Impact of feeding strategies on the welfare and behaviour of horses in groups: An experimental study. PLoS One 2025;20(6):e0325928.
        doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0325928pubmed: 40560838google scholar: lookup
      29. Robertson T, Thomas E, Starbuck G, Yarnell K. Global distribution and gap analysis of equine housing research: The findings so far and where to go next. Anim Welf 2024;33:e58.
        doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.64pubmed: 39703212google scholar: lookup
      30. Phelipon R, Hennes N, Ruet A, Bret-Morel A, Górecka-Bruzda A, Lansade L. Forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions remain essential fundamentals for the welfare of high-level sport horses. Front Vet Sci 2024;11:1504116.
        doi: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1504116pubmed: 39634765google scholar: lookup
      Subscribe to our newsletter
      Join 99,030 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.