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Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2019; 9(1); doi: 10.3390/ani9010014

Significance of Group Composition for the Welfare of Pastured Horses.

Abstract: We explore how herd composition and management factors correlate with frequencies of social interactions in horse groups. Since the welfare of horses correlates with low aggression levels and social contact opportunities, information of this kind is important. The data are a collection of records of social interactions of 426 Icelandic horses in 20 groups of at least eight horses. The complexities and limitations of the data prohibit useful statistical modelling so the results are presented descriptively. Interesting and informative patterns emerge which can be of use both in management and in future studies. Of special interest are the low levels of agonistic behaviours in breeding groups where one stallion was present. The horses were less agonistic when in groups with young foals and where group membership was stable. Unfamiliar yearlings in peer groups were especially aggressive. Allogrooming was most frequent in groups with relatively more young horses and in unstable and small groups. Interestingly, the horses allogroomed more if they had few preferred allogrooming partners. The findings show that composition (age/sex) and stability of groups are of great importance with respect to aggression levels and opportunities for establishing bonds.
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Publication Date: 2019-01-05 PubMed ID: 30621272PubMed Central: PMC6356279DOI: 10.3390/ani9010014Google Scholar: Lookup
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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 explores the relationship between herd composition, management factors, and social interactions among pastured horses, with a focus on the impact of these factors on horse welfare. The study, conducted on 426 Icelandic horses in 20 groups, finds that factors such as age, sex, presence of young foals, and stability of groups significantly influence aggression levels and social bonding opportunities.

Research Methodology and Data Collection

  • The research was based on a comprehensive collection of records of social interactions among 426 Icelandic horses, divided into 20 groups of a minimum of eight horses each.
  • These interactions provided insights into how these herd animals relate with one another within their groups and under varying circumstances.

Key Findings

  • The research reports on various interesting patterns that emerged from the study, albeit presented in a descriptive manner due to the complexities and limitations of the data.
  • Of the findings, low levels of aggressive behaviors (agonistic behaviours) in breeding groups with one stallion was particularly noteworthy. This gave an indication that the presence of a stallion had a calming effect on the group.
  • The study revealed that horses were less aggressive when placed in stable groups with young foals. This could be attributed to the protective and nurturing nature of horses towards their young.
  • However, unfamiliar yearlings (young horses between 1 and 2 years of age) in peer groups recorded markedly higher aggression levels. This can imply a challenging dynamics or competition in establishing their places within the group.
  • Similarly, social grooming behavior (allogrooming) was observed most frequently in groups with young horses and in unstable or small groups. The horses were found to groom more if they had fewer preferred grooming partners.

Implications

  • The findings from this study provide valuable insights that are useful in managing horse groups for optimum welfare. By understanding which variables decrease aggression and increase social opportunities, managers can create conditions conducive to horse wellbeing.
  • This research can also serve as a guide in conducting future studies to further understand the dynamics of social behaviors among horses.
  • The research highlights that composition (age/sex) and stability of groups play a significant role in determining aggression levels in horses, as well as their bonding opportunities.

Cite This Article

APA
Sigurjónsdóttir H, Haraldsson H. (2019). Significance of Group Composition for the Welfare of Pastured Horses. Animals (Basel), 9(1). https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9010014

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 9
Issue: 1

Researcher Affiliations

Sigurjónsdóttir, Hrefna
  • Faculty of Subject Teacher Education, School of Education, University of Iceland, Stakkahlíð, R105 Reykjavík, Iceland. hrefnas@hi.is.
Haraldsson, Hans
  • Educational Research Institute, School of Education, University of Iceland, Stakkahlíð, R105 Reykjavík, Iceland. haha@hi.is.

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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