DUGi

Les conductes estereotipades dels cavalls causes i efectes de l’estrès en els equins estabulats

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Stereotypic behaviours (SB) in horses are defined as repetitive behaviour patterns without apparent purpose, often reflecting poor welfare. They are caused by inadequate living conditions, such as lack of stimuli, phyisical restriction, and frustration, and are considered a coping mechanism to relieve stress. This study focuses on two prevalent SBs: crib-biting and weaving. The main goals were to assess the effectiveness of phyisical restraint methods used to control these behaviours and examine how environmental conditions, particularly space and feeding routines, affect stress and stereotypes. A comparative observational study was conducted with three horse groups: individuals with SBs in stalls, individuals without SBs in stalls, and individuals in semi-freedom (paddocks). Eight horses per group were selected. Observations were made during morning and midday to assess the effect of food availability, recording behaviours such as social interaction, environmental interaction, apathy and muscle tension using a categorical scale. Data were analysed using the chi-square test to detect significant differences between groups and time periods. Results show that physical restraint methods do not reduce stress in horses with stereotypes; stress remains or increases. This supports the hypothesis that SBs are tools to relieve stress from external causes, not problems themselves. Regarding space, results highlight its key role in equine welfare. Horses in stalls (with or without SBs) showed less social and environmental interaction and more apathy and muscle tension compared to paddock horses. Differences were most notable in horses with stereotypes. Feeding routines were not confirmed as direct causes of SBs. However, horses with SBs reacted differently to food than those without them. Moring/midday observations in stereotypic stalled horses showed that food availability lowered stress when SB expression was blocked

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