Management factors affecting stereotypies and body condition score in nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island.
In North America, there are few representative data about the effects of management practices on equine welfare. In a randomized survey of 312 nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island (response rate 68.4%), owners completed a pretested questionnaire and a veterinarian examined each horse. Regression analyses identified factors affecting 2 welfare markers: body condition score (BCS) and stereotypic behavior. Horses' BCSs were high (mean 5.7, on a 9-point scale) and were associated with sex (males had lower BCSs than females; P < 0.001) and examination date (P = 0.052). Prevalences of crib biting, wind sucking, and weaving were 3.8%, 3.8%, and 4.8%, respectively. Age (OR = 1.07, P = 0.08) and hours worked weekly (OR = 1.12, P = 0.03) were risk factors for weaving. Straw bedding (OR = 0.3, P = 0.03), daily hours at pasture (OR = 0.94, P = 0.02), and horse type (drafts and miniatures had a lower risk than light horses; P = 0.12) reduced the risk of horses showing oral stereotypies. Some of these results contradict those of other studies perhaps because of populations concerned.
Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Julie L
JL
Christie
Caroline J
CJ
Hewson
Christopher B
CB
Riley
Mary A
MA
McNiven
Ian R
IR
Dohoo
Luis A
LA
Bate
D000822:Animal Husbandry / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000827:Animal Welfare; D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology*; D001824:Body Constitution / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D011325:Prince Edward Island; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires