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Comparative methods of preventing stereotypic behaviour in horses

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 February 2018

E Lebatteux
Affiliation:
Animal Studies Departments, Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston PR3 0RY, UK, Email: KHowells@myerscough.ac.uk
M E Rosbotham
Affiliation:
Animal Studies Departments, Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston PR3 0RY, UK, Email: KHowells@myerscough.ac.uk
A Northrop
Affiliation:
Equine Science Departments, Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston PR3 0RY, UK
K L Howells
Affiliation:
Animal Studies Departments, Myerscough College, Bilsborrow, Preston PR3 0RY, UK, Email: KHowells@myerscough.ac.uk
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Extract

Over fifteen per cent of domesticated horses exhibit a form of stereotypic behaviour (Luescher, McKeown and Halip, 1991). These behaviours can represent or develop into health and welfare disequilibrium and crib–biting and weaving are two of the most commonly performed behaviours of this type. As these behaviours have been described as having no obvious function (Mason, 1991), procedures concerned with their ultimate prevention have been promoted within the equine industry. The aim of this study was to review the success of the physical, pharmacological, dietary, environmental and surgical methods available to horse owners for the prevention of equine stereotypies.

A total of 300 questionnaires were distributed between riding schools, trekking centres and livery yards throughout the Northern counties of England along with horse owning BSc Equine students at Myerscough College, Lancashire. Of the total, 200 were distributed by post and the remainder researcher administered.

Type
Posters
Copyright
Copyright © British Society of Animal Production 2004

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References

Cooper, J. J., McDonald, L. and Mills, D. S. (2000). The effect of increasing visual horizons on stereotypic weaving: implications for the social housing of stabled horses. Applied Animal Behaviour Science 69: 6783.Google Scholar
Luescher, U. A., McKeown, D. B. and Halip, J. (1991). Reviewing the causes of obsessive-compulsive disorder in horses. Veterinary Medicine 86: 527531.Google Scholar
Mason, G. (1991). Stereotypies: a critical review. Animal Behaviour 41: 10151037. Google Scholar