Equine
Low plasma cortisol and fecal cortisol metabolite measures as indicators of compromised welfare in domestic horses (Equus caballus)
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response to chronic stress is far from straight forward, particularly with regards to animal welfare. There are reports of no effect as well as both decreases and increases in cortisol after chronic stressors. Therefore, the first...
Year Published: 2017Topics: Welfare AssessmentAnimal Type: Equine
Citation: Pawluski, J., Jego, P., Henry, S. et al. 2017. Low plasma cortisol and fecal cortisol metabolite measures as indicators of compromised welfare in domestic horses (Equus caballus). PLOS ONE 12(9), e0182257.
Read MoreHeart rate changes in the horse to human contact
The effects of human social contact on the electrocardiogram (EKG) and general behavior of 2 horses were explored. Petting elicited a slowing of heart rate, while a person entering and exiting elicited transient, but often marked heart rate increases. In...
Year Published: 1974Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Lynch, J. J., Fregin, G. F., Mackie, J. B. et al. 1974. Heart rate changes in the horse to human contact. Psychophysiology 11(4), 472-478.
Read MoreEffect of diet on cecal pH and feeding behaviour of horses
The horses fed the hay diet spent significantly more time eating feed and significantly less time chewing wood, in coprophagy, in searching (for feed) and in standing than did horses receiving the concentrate diet.
Year Published: 1977Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Willard, J. G., Willard, J. C., Wolfran, S. A. et al. 1977. Effect of diet on cecal pH and feeding behaviour of horses. Journal of Animal Science 45, 87-92.
Read MoreHorse Behavior – The Behavioral Traits and Adaptations of Domestic and Wild Horses, Including Ponies
Clear description of species-typical behavior.
Year Published: 1983Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Waring, G. 1983. Horse Behavior - The Behavioral Traits and Adaptations of Domestic and Wild Horses, Including Ponies. Noyes Publications, Park Ridge, NJ.
Read MoreHead partitions facilitate feeding by subordinate horses in the presence of dominant pen-mates
Six pairs of mares, each with established dominant-subordinate relationships, were allowed to compete for feed in a 112-cm trough following 24 h of deprivations. .. Differences in feeding times between dominant and subordinate mares were greatest in the absence of...
Year Published: 1987Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Holmes, L. N., Song, G. K., Price, E. O. 1987. Head partitions facilitate feeding by subordinate horses in the presence of dominant pen-mates. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 19, 179-182.
Read MoreSocial and illumination preferences of mares*
When allowed to control their own environment, horses spent the majority of their time (88 to 95%) outside a stall and half of their time in contact with other horses. ... When alone, the horses ate less and walked more....
Year Published: 1988Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Houpt, K. A., Houpt, T. R. 1988. Social and illumination preferences of mares*. Journal of Animal Science 66, 2159-2164.
Read MoreBedding material preferences of ponies
The ponies spent more time (66%) on the bedded area and were never observed lying on the unbedded area. .. Some ponies had a relatively strong preference for bedding, but the type of bedding preferred [wood shavings or straw] varied...
Year Published: 1991Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Hunter, L., Houpt, K. A. 1989. Bedding material preferences of ponies. Journal of Animal Science 67, 1986-1991.
Read MorePhysiological responses of mares to short term confinement and social isolation
Social isolation is a distressing experiences for horses.
Year Published: 1991Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Mal, M. E., Friend, T. H., Lay, D. C. et al. 1991. Physiological responses of mares to short term confinement and social isolation. Equine Veterinary Science 11, 96-102.
Read MoreBehavioral responses of mares to short-term confinement and social isolation
Separation from other horses is a stressful experience.
Year Published: 1991Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Mal, M. E., Friend, T. H., Lay, D. C. et al. 1991. Behavioral responses of mares to short-term confinement and social isolation. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 31, 13-24.
Read MoreThe Behaviour of the Horse
Excellent description of species-typical behavior.
Year Published: 1992Animal Type: Equine
Citation: Fraser, A. F. 1992. The Behaviour of the Horse. CAB International , Wallingford, UK.
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