摘要

This study piloted a multiple aspect approach to assess differences or changes in equine behaviour, using physiological (heart rates - HR, salivary cortisol - SC) and behavioural measures in various routine (feed-time, riding, turning out) and test situations (novel situation tests NS: 2x reactivity and 2x handling, Cross-over design). In order to evaluate if this approach could identify different behavioural patterns, two distinct groups of riding school horses (selected by experienced equine professionals) were observed repeatedly over 6 weeks: 6 excitable/nervous horses (EX: Age: mean = 14 +/- 3.4, 8-18 yrs, BW 677 +/- 48 kg, Body Condition [BC] = 4.6 +/- 0.4) and 6 calm, quiet horses (CA: Age: mean = 16 +/- 2.5, 12-18 yrs, BW 645 +/- 35, BC 5.1 +/- 0.4). %26lt;br%26gt;EX horses had consistently lower SC levels than CA horses (p %26lt; 0.01), when coming in from the paddock in the morning. Therefore, there was a significant increase of SC after feeding for EX horses (+43%, p %26lt; 0.05) but not for Group CA (only 16%). After feeding SC showed no difference between the two groups. Calm horses had significantly higher HRs (44 +/- 1.2 bpm) while waiting for feed and post feeding (p %26lt; 0.01) than EX horses (38 +/- 0.7; p %26lt; 0.05). Behavioural measures showed significantly higher agitation scores for EX horses during feeding, walking to (p %26lt; 0.01) and release into paddock (p %26lt; 0.05). When ridden, EX horses showed a greater amount of threatening behaviour towards other horses (p %26lt; 0.05) and CA horses showed a significantly greater reluctance to move forward (p %26lt; 0.05). All mean agitation scores were significantly higher for Group EX (EX 2.3, CA 1.8, s.e.m. 0.3; p %26lt; 0.01) and apart from feed time these showed good correlations with behaviour observations. In the NS reactivity test CA horses had a significantly higher HR variability than EX horses (CA: 64 +/- 10.5, EX: 41 +/- 3.5, p %26lt; 0.05). There was no correlation between HRs and SC but in the NS handling test there was a correlation between SC and refusals to cross a bridge (p %26lt; 0.01; r(s) [12] = 0.70) as well as SC and agitation score (p = 0.07; r(s) [12] = 0.54). Horses which displayed a greater level of investigation scored lower in agitation behaviours (p %26lt; 0.01, r(s) [12] = -0.68). The methodology applied, clearly and consistently highlighted differences between horse groups, although the physiological measures did not always follow assumptions. Within groups individual horses reacted differently in standardised test and routine situations, highlighting that multiple testing will increase the chances of observing subtle changes in behaviour or perceived stress.

  • 出版日期2014-12