Adaption of horses to a novel dynamic feeding system : movement and behavioural responses
Data(s) |
01/07/2013
|
---|---|
Resumo |
Reasons for performing study: Many domestic horses and ponies are sedentary and obese due to confinement to small paddocks and stables and a diet of infrequent, high-energy rations. Severe health consequences can be associated with this altered lifestyle. Objectives: The aims of this study were to investigate the ability of horses to learn to use a dynamic feeder system and determine the movement and behavioural responses of horses to the novel system. Methods: A dynamic feed station was developed to encourage horses to exercise in order to access ad libitum hay. Five pairs of horses (n = 10) were studied using a randomised crossover design with each pair studied in a control paddock containing a standard hay feeder and an experimental paddock containing the novel hay feeder. Horse movement was monitored by a global positioning system (GPS) and horses observed and their ability to learn to use the system and the behavioural responses to its use assessed. Results: With initial human intervention all horses used the novel feeder within 1 h. Some aggressive behaviour was observed between horses not well matched in dominance behaviour. The median distance walked by the horses was less (P = 0.002) during a 4 h period (117 [57–185] m) in the control paddock than in the experimental paddock (630 [509–719] m). Conclusions: The use of an automated feeding system promotes increased activity levels in horses housed in small paddocks, compared with a stationary feeder. |
Identificador | |
Publicador |
John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
Relação |
DOI:10.1111/evj.12002 Hampson, B.A., de Laat, Melody A., Monot, J., Bailliu, D., & Pollitt, C.C. (2013) Adaption of horses to a novel dynamic feeding system : movement and behavioural responses. Equine Veterinary Journal, 45(4), pp. 481-484. |
Fonte |
School of Earth, Environmental & Biological Sciences; Science & Engineering Faculty |
Palavras-Chave | #Horse #Exercise #Diet #GPS #Obesity #Insulin Resistance |
Tipo |
Journal Article |