Role of diet and feeding in normal and stereotypic behaviors in horses.

The research article explores the influence of diet on the feeding behavior of horses, indicating that a diet focused on fat and fiber could promote calmer behaviors. However, it disputes the effects of herbal or tryptophan-containing supplements on horse behavior. Lastly, it examines the link between diet and abnormal oral behaviors like crib-biting in horses.

Role of Diet in Equine Behavior

The paper presents an analysis of how diet can influence a horse’s feeding behavior and patterns. The focus is on the effects of fat- and fiber-based diets, which, according to an accumulation of research, tend to foster calm behavioral patterns in horses. The authors delve into potential mechanisms which could be responsible for these observed effects.

• One topic of the discussion is how diet composition, particularly diets high in fat and fiber, might affect the behavior and temper of horses.
• While not definitively proven, current studies suggest that these types of diets can help modulate excitement levels and lead to calmer horses.
• The mechanisms through which diet influences equine behavior are not entirely clear. Therefore, the paper suggests this being an area needing further investigation.

Doubts on Herbal or Tryptophan-Containing Supplements

Despite many equine owners and trainers using herbal or tryptophan supplements with the belief these can affect a horse’s behavior, the study raises doubts regarding their effectiveness.

• The authors found little evidence supporting the notion that these supplements influence horse behavior in any measurable or significant way.
• It challenges the conventional wisdom and common practices relating to the use of such supplements. More scientific investigations are required to authenticate their behavioral effects, according to the study.

Diet and Abnormal Equine Behaviors

The study also investigates the role of diet in the development of abnormal equine behaviors, notably the oral stereotypy known as crib-biting.

• Crib-biting is a compulsive, recurring behavior where a horse will bite onto a solid object such as a fence, then pull back and gulp in air, which is unhealthy for the horse.
• Little research has been conducted into whether diet affects the occurrence of these abnormal behaviors. This is another area the authors flagged as needing further study.

Future Directions

The review article concludes with suggestions for future research. The areas in need of further study and understanding include the underlying mechanisms of how diet influences equine behavior and the role of diet in abnormal behaviors such as crib-biting. The lack of concrete evidence on the influence of certain supplements on horse behavior also gives scope for future investigation.