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Equine veterinary journal. Supplement2001; (28); 20-25; doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05151.x

Understanding equine stereotypies.

Abstract: It is frequently asserted that equine stereotypies, such as crib-biting, wind-sucking and weaving, are caused by boredom. However, this explanation is too general to be of practical use in discerning the causes of each stereotypy or in devising management practices to prevent their occurrence. The majority of equine stereotypes start within one month of weaning when both the nutritional and social environment of the foal are substantially altered. Epidemiological research has revealed that the provision of low quantities of forage and minimal opportunities for social contact are associated with a higher reported prevalence of stereotypic behaviour. Experimental data also suggest that oral stereotypies develop in response to a low forage diet but this may be partially adaptative. Oral stereotypies may increase salivary flow therefore reducing the acidity of gastric tract and speeding the transit of ingested feed. Stereotypic horses may be less reactive to short-term aversive stimulation. Neither direct nor circumstantial evidence confirms anecdotal reports that horses copy stereotypies from each other. Surgical and pharmacological methods of prevention should not be attempted unless the underlying causes are removed.
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Publication Date: 2001-04-21 PubMed ID: 11314230DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05151.xGoogle 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.

The research article examines the causes behind equine stereotypies like crib-biting, wind-sucking, and weaving, arguing that the common explanation of “boredom” is too encompassing and simplistic. The study suggests significant factors such as changes in the nutritional and social environment of the horse, especially around weaning time, along with low forage provision and minimal social opportunities. The findings contest anecdotal claims of horses copying such behaviours from each other.

Unpacking the Stereotypies

  • The article examines equine stereotypies, which are repetitive behaviours seen in horses such as crib-biting, wind-sucking, and weaving. The commonly held belief is that these behaviours arise from boredom. However, this research work challenges that generalisation, claiming it lacks precision and practicality when devising ways to mitigate these behavioural issues.

Linking Stereotypies to Weaning

  • Significantly, the study places the onset of these stereotypies around the time of weaning, which bears drastic changes in both the nutritional and social environment of a foal. These changes imply that they may play a substantial role in the eliciting of stereotypies.

Nutrition and Socialization

  • The provision of low forage quantities and minimal opportunities for social contact are found to be related to higher reported instances of stereotypic behaviour. This introduces a strong case for the role of diet and socialisation in initiating and perpetuating these behaviours.

Adaptive Oral Stereotypies

  • Oral stereotypies, according to experimental data, seem to respond to a low-forage diet. However, this response may be a partially adaptive measure. It is suggested that oral stereotypies could lead to increased salivary flow which, in turn, could lessen gastric acidity and expedite the digestion of feed.

Equivocal Evidence on Mimicry

  • The research finds no direct or circumstantial evidence to substantiate anecdotal observations that horses tend to mimic or adopt stereotypies from their peers. This opposes the popular narrative about the transmission of these behaviours among horses.

Intervention Suggestions

  • The study advocates that surgical or pharmacological prevention methods must only be considered after addressing and eliminating the underlying causes responsible for eliciting these stereotypic behaviours. This reflects a proactive approach, emphasizing the removal of causes instead of merely treating symptoms.

Cite This Article

APA
Nicol C. (2001). Understanding equine stereotypies. Equine Vet J Suppl(28), 20-25. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.2042-3306.1999.tb05151.x

Publication

Equine veterinary journal. Supplement
NlmUniqueID: 9614088
Country: United States
Language: English
Issue: 28
Pages: 20-25

Researcher Affiliations

Nicol, C
  • Department of Clinical Veterinary Science, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.

MeSH Terms

  • Animal Feed
  • Animal Husbandry
  • Animals
  • Behavior, Animal / physiology
  • Digestive System Physiological Phenomena
  • Horses / physiology
  • Horses / psychology
  • Social Behavior
  • Stereotyped Behavior / physiology
  • Stress, Physiological / veterinary

Citations

This article has been cited 24 times.
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