Management factors affecting stereotypies and body condition score in nonracing horses in Prince Edward Island

• Published in: Canadian veterinary journal Vol. 47; no. 2; pp. 136 - 143
• Main Authors: Christie, J.L, Hewson, C.J, Riley, C.B, McNiven, M.A, Dohoo, I.R, Bate, L.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Canada Canadian Veterinary Medical Association 01-02-2006
• Subjects: animal age; Animal Husbandry - standards; Animal Husbandry - statistics & numerical data; Animal Welfare; Animals; Behavior, Animal - physiology; body condition; Body Constitution - physiology; Female; gender differences; horses; Horses - physiology; litter (bedding); Male; Prince Edward Island; Risk Factors; Scientific; Sex Factors; stereotyped behavior; Surveys and Questionnaires; Prince Edward Island
• ISSN: 0008-5286

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.